6 Shares

This homemade turkey gravy recipe is made with rich pan drippings, creating a smooth, flavorful sauce perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners. Quick and easy to prepare, it pairs beautifully with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more. Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for stress-free holiday cooking.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
3 Tbsp fat drippings from roasted turkey
2 cups turkey drippings, skimmed of fat (add water or broth if needed)
1/4 cup milk, stock, or water (to adjust consistency)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Collect the drippings: After transferring your roasted turkey to rest, pour the pan drippings through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup. Discard any solids caught in the sieve. Let the drippings rest for 1–2 minutes so the fat rises to the top.
Separate the fat: Skim off 3 Tbsp of fat and transfer to a medium saucepan (use butter if you don’t have enough). Discard the remaining excess fat. You should have about 2 cups of liquid left—add water or broth if needed.
Make the roux: Place the saucepan with the fat over medium heat. Once hot, whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
Add the liquid: Slowly pour in the reserved drippings while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, still whisking.
Adjust consistency: Stir in about 1/4 cup milk, stock, or water to reach your preferred thickness. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Remove from heat, cover to keep warm, and transfer to a gravy boat before serving. The gravy will thicken slightly as it cools.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade turkey gravy is silky, flavorful, and made directly from your roasted turkey drippings for maximum richness. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and far better than store-bought versions.

Tips

Use a whisk throughout to avoid lumps.
If your gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of stock, milk, or water.
Taste before adding salt since drippings may already be well-seasoned.
For extra depth, sauté a minced shallot in the fat before adding the flour.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free 1:1 flour.
No drippings: Use turkey or chicken broth plus 3 Tbsp butter.
Richer flavor: Add a splash of white wine or sherry while whisking in the liquid.
Herbal twist: Stir in fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary for added aroma.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently over low heat. Add a little stock if it thickens too much.

What if my gravy is lumpy?
Strain it through a fine mesh sieve or blend with an immersion blender.

Can I freeze turkey gravy?
Absolutely—cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.

Serving

This gravy pairs perfectly with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables. Serve it warm in a gravy boat for an elegant touch at the holiday table.

Suggestions

Double the recipe if you’re hosting a large group.
Pair with homemade mashed potatoes for a comforting side.
Use leftovers as a flavorful base for soups or turkey pot pie.