Homemade Turkey Gravy

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Homemade Turkey Gravy: The Secret to a Perfect Thanksgiving Feast

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a generous drizzle of rich, golden turkey gravy. That silky, savory sauce is what ties every part of the meal together — from juicy slices of roasted turkey to creamy mashed potatoes and buttery stuffing.

Whether you’re hosting a big family feast or an intimate dinner, learning how to make turkey gravy from scratch is a simple, timeless skill that elevates your entire holiday spread. Once you try it homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

 A Bit of Background

Turkey gravy is steeped in American holiday tradition — born from the early cooks who refused to waste a single drop of flavor from their roasted bird. Those rich pan drippings, infused with butter, herbs, and roasted turkey juices, were transformed into a luscious sauce using a bit of flour and stock.

Generations later, the same humble technique still delivers that irresistible, comforting flavor we look forward to every Thanksgiving.

 Ingredients for Classic Turkey Gravy

Makes about 3 cups of gravy — enough for 6–8 servings.

• Pan drippings from roasted turkey (about ¼ cup of fat and juices)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2–3 cups turkey stock (or chicken broth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Flavor Boosters:

• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning or fresh thyme
• A splash of white wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)

 Equipment

• Roasting pan or large saucepan
• Heatproof measuring cup
• Whisk
• Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Collect the Drippings

After roasting your turkey, pour the drippings from the pan into a heatproof measuring cup. Let sit for a few minutes so the fat rises to the top.
Skim off and reserve about 3 tablespoons of fat — this will be the flavorful base for your gravy.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Place your roasting pan or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the reserved fat, then whisk in the flour. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden brown and smells nutty.
This roux will thicken the gravy and add a rich, toasty flavor.

Step 3: Add the Stock

Gradually pour in the turkey stock, starting with 2 cups, while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — those are pure flavor!
Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
If you like it thinner, add a little more stock until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Season and Enrich

Stir in salt, pepper, and any herbs or flavor boosters you’d like.
A splash of white wine or a pat of butter adds luxurious depth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning — no two gravies are the same, since each turkey’s drippings bring their own unique flavor

Step 5: Strain (Optional)

For an ultra-smooth, restaurant-style finish, pour the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving bowl or gravy boat.
Keep it warm until you’re ready to serve.

 Pro Tips for Perfect Gravy

• Make Ahead: Prepare your gravy a day early using turkey or chicken stock. On the big day, just reheat and whisk in fresh drippings for authentic flavor.
• No Drippings? Roast turkey wings or the neck with onions, carrots, and herbs to make your own pan juices.
• Avoid Lumps: Always add liquid slowly while whisking — patience pays off with a silky finish.
• Too Thick? Add a splash of warm stock.
• Too Thin? Simmer longer or whisk in a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

 Flavor Variations

Herb-Infused Gravy – Simmer the stock with fresh thyme, sage, and bay leaf before adding it to your roux.

Garlic Butter Gravy – Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon butter to the roux for an extra savory kick.

Creamy Gravy Twist – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a velvety, luxurious finish.

 Serving Ideas

Serve warm over:

• Roasted turkey slices 🦃
• Mashed potatoes 🥔
• Stuffing or dressing
• Biscuits or Yorkshire pudding

A drizzle of this golden gravy instantly transforms your Thanksgiving meal into a feast of pure comfort and tradition.

Homemade turkey gravy is more than a sauce — it’s the soul of Thanksgiving.
That rich, savory flavor made from simple drippings and love is what brings every dish together.

So this year, skip the packets and jars. Whisk up your own and watch your guests go back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

Because once you’ve had homemade turkey gravy, there’s no going back. 🍗✨

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Homemade Turkey Gravy

Rich, velvety, and deeply flavorful, this homemade turkey gravy uses pan drippings and turkey stock to create the perfect finishing touch for your Thanksgiving feast.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ¼ cup pan drippings fat and juices
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 –3 cups turkey stock or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ tsp poultry seasoning or thyme splash of white wine, 1 tbsp butter

Equipment

• Roasting pan or large saucepan
• Heatproof measuring cup
• whisk
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Method

 

1. Pour drippings into a heatproof cup; skim and reserve 3 tbsp fat.
2. In pan, heat fat over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a golden roux.
3. Gradually whisk in 2 cups stock, scraping up browned bits.
4. Simmer until thickened, 4–5 minutes; add more stock if needed.
5. Season with salt, pepper, herbs, and optional butter or wine.
6. Strain for smooth gravy and serve warm over turkey or sides.

Notes

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen.