Turkey Gravy Recipe

Introduction

This classic turkey gravy is the perfect companion to your holiday meal, made from rich pan drippings and a flavorful blend of herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Smooth, savory, and easy to prepare, it brings extra warmth and comfort to your plate.

On a white plate, there are three thick slices of white turkey breast laid side by side, each slice showing a light golden-brown edge and garnished with small green herbs. To the right of the turkey is a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a light brown gravy sprinkled with herbs, and behind the turkey are several bright green, slender green beans. A woman's hand is holding a silver spoon above the plate, drizzling a smooth, light brown gravy with herb specks over the turkey slices. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a white and green checkered cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • Pan drippings from turkey
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth*
  • 1/4 cup butter**
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs***
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: After your turkey is done, transfer it to a cutting board and cover with foil to rest. Carefully pour the pan drippings through a sieve into a measuring cup. Let sit for several minutes until the fat separates. Skim off the fat and reserve the drippings.
  2. Step 2: Add enough chicken or turkey broth to the drippings to make a total of 2 1/2 cups. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking continuously, until the roux turns golden brown, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk the drippings and broth mixture into the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  5. Step 5: Whisk in the milk, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs until well combined.
  6. Step 6: Continue cooking, whisking often, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve the gravy warm. It will thicken more as it cools.

Tips & Variations

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch mixed with a little cold water before adding to the butter.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or onions to the roux for extra depth of flavor.
  • If you prefer a richer gravy, replace the milk with cream or half-and-half.
  • Use dried herbs if fresh are not available, but reduce quantity by half for stronger flavor.

Storage

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, whisking occasionally, and add a splash of broth or milk if it becomes too thick.

How to Serve

A white plate with three main parts: at the top left are bright green cooked green beans, smooth and slightly shiny; on the right side is a big scoop of white mashed potatoes topped with light brown gravy and sprinkled with small green herbs; below the mashed potatoes are three slices of cooked turkey breast, light beige with golden brown edges, covered in a smooth tan gravy with bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with part of a green and white striped cloth visible in the corner, and a metal knife on the right edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make turkey gravy without pan drippings?

Yes, you can make a delicious turkey gravy using only broth, butter, and flour. While it won’t have the same depth from drippings, adding herbs and Worcestershire sauce helps enhance the flavor.

How do I avoid lumps in my gravy?

Whisk the flour into melted butter to make a smooth roux before adding any liquid. Then add the broth mixture gradually while whisking continuously to keep the gravy smooth and lump-free.

Print

Turkey Gravy Recipe

This rich and flavorful turkey gravy recipe is made from pan drippings combined with chicken or turkey broth, butter, flour, and seasonings to create a smooth, savory sauce that perfectly complements roasted turkey. Enhanced with Worcestershire sauce and fresh herbs, this homemade gravy thickens beautifully on the stovetop, adding the ideal finishing touch to your holiday meal or Sunday dinner.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 1/2 cups (serves 6-8) 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Gravy Base

  • Pan drippings from turkey
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Separate the fat from pan drippings: After roasting your turkey, transfer it to a cutting board and cover with foil to rest. Carefully pour the pan drippings through a sieve into a large liquid measuring cup. Let the drippings sit for several minutes until the fat rises to the top, then skim off the fat and set the remaining juices aside.
  2. Prepare broth mixture: Add enough chicken or turkey broth to the drippings to reach a total of 2 1/2 cups of liquid. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture turns a golden brown color, about 2 minutes, to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Incorporate the liquid: Gradually whisk the prepared drippings and broth mixture into the roux, pouring slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
  5. Add flavorings: Stir in the milk, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh chopped herbs, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
  6. Cook and thicken: Continue to cook the gravy on medium heat, whisking constantly for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve warm: Pour the turkey gravy into a serving dish and serve immediately. Note that the gravy will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

  • Using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances the flavor but dried herbs can be substituted in smaller amounts.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
  • If pan drippings are insufficient, supplement broth to reach the liquid measurement required.
  • To prevent lumps, always whisk constantly when adding liquid to the roux.
  • Gravy can be kept warm in a covered saucepan or slow cooker on low until ready to serve.

Keywords: turkey gravy, homemade gravy, pan drippings gravy, Thanksgiving gravy, turkey sauce, easy gravy recipe

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