How to Make the Best Homemade Turkey Gravy From Drippings

ESPAÑOL This is my go-to homemade gravy recipe, the foundation for creating the most flavorful and versatile gravy from scratch.

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It has no comparison to the powdered pouches you find at the grocery store—this is real, rich gravy made with love. In just ten minutes, you’ll have your own easy turkey gravy recipe made from turkey drippings! and the best part? You can customize it however you like to make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Steps: You’ll have a delicious gravy ready in just ten minutes.
Made From Scratch: Forget the overly processed gravy packets—this recipe is made with wholesome ingredients.
Versatile Pairings: Use it with turkey wings, giblet gravy, or even leftover turkey dishes.
Great for Make-Ahead: Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for the next day. It also freezes well for future use.

How to make homemade turkey gravy with drippings

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Turkey Gravy

1. Prepare the Roux

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. The butter gives the gravy its rich, velvety base.
Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly using a wooden spoon. This is your thickening power—the key to a smooth gravy!

How to make turkey gravy — Mel the butter and the add the flour. You will see how foam will formate from the mix of ingredients.

2. Add the Broth or Turkey Drippings

Slowly pour in 2 cups of turkey broth or chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. For extra flavor, use the turkey drippings collected from the bottom of the roasting pan after cooking your turkey.

Gravy from turkey drippings — Using freshly rendered turkey drippings from your roasted turkey elevates this gravy to the perfect complement for your holiday feast, making it the ultimate match for your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey.

3. Enhance the Flavor

Stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 3 cloves. These add a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that makes this the best gravy recipe for your holiday table.

4. Simmer Until Thickened

Increase the heat to medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Simmer the gravy at low heat gently until it reaches your desired consistency, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture.

Why This Gravy Recipe Is a Game-Changer

Gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce made from a combination of pan drippings, flour, and broth. It’s the perfect pairing for traditional holiday dishes like Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables. The secret to making the best turkey gravy recipe lies in using the delicious juices that collect at the bottom of the pan when your turkey roasts. These turkey drippings add unmatched depth and complexity to your gravy.

Customize Your Homemade Gravy

This base recipe is incredibly versatile. Once you’ve mastered it, you can experiment with these ideas to create your own twist:

Sautéed Additions: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or garlic for a robust flavor boost.
Holiday Flair: Mix in crispy bacon bits or a little cranberry sauce for a festive twist.
Extra Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can take your gravy to the next level.
Citrus Kick: This recipe pairs beautifully with the drippings from my orange roasted turkey or my pineapple and white wine marinated turkey for a unique tropical twist.

The Best Way to Make Turkey Gravy

Start with this base recipe, then let your creativity shine. The recipe works beautifully with turkey drippings, chicken gravy, or even homemade turkey stock for added flavor. Using a fat separator will help you achieve the perfect balance by removing any unwanted grease while keeping the essential, flavorful juices.

Perfect Pairings for This Homemade Gravy

This gravy is versatile and enhances a variety of dishes:

Pour it into a gravy boat, and you’ve got the perfect finishing touch for your holiday table!

Tips for Best Result

Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the butter and flour over medium-low heat is essential for a smooth, lump-free gravy.

Use a Fat Separator: To ensure the best consistency, let the fat rise to the top of your drippings, and skim it off for a lighter gravy.
Make It Ahead: Prepare this as a make-ahead gravy, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently over medium heat when ready to serve.

How to Make the Best Homemade Turkey Gravy From Drippings

Learn how to make the best homemade turkey gravy from drippings. This easy turkey gravy recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, mashed potatoes, or roasted turkey.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Course Dips, Aderezos, Salsas

Servings

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
3 cloves
2 cups turkey broth or chicken stock

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. The butter gives the gravy its rich, velvety base.
Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly using a wooden spoon. This is your thickening power—the key to a smooth gravy!
Slowly pour in 2 cups of turkey broth or chicken stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. For extra flavor, use the turkey drippings collected from the bottom of the roasting pan after cooking your turkey.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 3 cloves. These add a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that makes this the best gravy recipe for your holiday table.
Increase the heat to medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.