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How To Make Turkey Gravy Using Drippings

Turkey gravy using drippings: With this recipe, you will be able to make a flavorful, lump-less, delicious turkey gravy that your entire family will love. 

The perfect turkey gravy recipe using drippings

Gravy from the jar or gravy packets may come in handy, but it really doesn’t take much to make delicious homemade gravy from scratch. You will be amazed at how simple it is to make your own. 

This gravy recipe cooks up into an easy crowd-pleaser. It is made with delicious drippings from roasted turkey: It has a silky texture which is enhanced by the flavors of herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaf resulting in a rich deep taste.

It’s quick and divine worthy of any Christmas, Thanksgiving, holidays in general, or Sunday table. It’s also fast and straightforward enough to allow you to have enough time to enjoy the day with your loved ones. Just be sure to make plenty for second and third helpings!

This simple recipe is foolproof and tastes heavenly! You’ll return every year, so be prepared to become the new “gravy maker”.

Turkey gravy served over Turkey breast

How is the turkey gravy thickened?

This gravy gets its rich consistency from first making a roux with butter and flour. Turkey or chicken broth is then whisked in gradually along with the drippings, which results in a gravy that’s luscious and packed full of meaty flavor. 

How long does this gravy take to cook?

My turkey gravy takes only 10-15 minutes in total—no slaving over hot pans when you should be spending quality time with your family and guests.

Ingredients for making Turkey Gravy

  • Pan drippings: The pan drippings sets the base for the gravy. If you don’t have pan drippings, you can also use water with chicken bouillon. I have a recipe for that here: homemade gravy without pan drippings.
  • Turkey broth or chicken broth: Adding broth to the gravy adds more depth of flavor.
  • Unsalted butter: You can also use salted butter but be sure to reduce any additional salt so as not to go overboard with salt.
  • All-purpose flour: Gravy starts off with a roux which is equal parts fat (butter) and flour. This mixture is then cooked in a skillet until it becomes golden. Without the flour, the gravy will lack texture.
  • Seasoning and Herbs: I used parsley, bay leaf, thyme sprigs, salt and black pepper. All these add complexity, aroma and depth to the gravy. I used fresh thyme sprigs, however, you can use the dried thyme if you dont have the fresh.

Ingredients for making Turkey gravy

Can you make gravy without pan drippings?

Yes! A rich, flavorful gravy can be made without drippings, and trust me; no one will know that you didn’t have any pan drippings!

For a delicious gravy option without pan drippings and that will please the vegetarians at your table, try my foolproof homemade gravy without drippings made using vegetable broth. 

What to serve with turkey gravy

In my opinion, there is very little that can’t be made to taste even better with a generous drizzle of this sumptuous turkey gravy. For the perfect show-stopping Holiday, Sunday (or Tuesday, why restrict ourselves?) meal, try it over the roast turkey used to make it and a combination of the following;

Delicious silky gravy in a pan

Recipe Notes.

  • When making the roux, use low heat and constantly stir to avoid burning.
  • You can use homemade or store-bought turkey or chicken broth, just be sure it is good quality. 
  • Add the stock a little at a time and keep whisking it to avoid lumps. Add more stock as the gravy thickens. 
  • If your gravy seems as though it is not thickening straight away, give it a few more minutes over low heat. The gravy will also thicken even further as it stands and cools down. 
  • If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, it will keep nicely in the fridge, covered, for 3 days. 

For more Christmas inspiration, take a look at my 15 Christmas recipes and ideas to try this season.

Turkey gravy

Turkey gravy using drippings

Turkey gravy using drippings: With this recipe, you will be able to make a flavorful, lump-less, delicious turkey gravy that your entire family will love.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: sauce, turkey gravy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 69.2kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Pan drippings
  • 2 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it becomes liquified but not browned.
  • Whisk flour into the butter until lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the turkey drippings, thyme, bay leaf, and gradually whisk in the broth into the fat-flour mixture.
  • Increase heat to medium and cook, whisking continuously until it comes to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook until gravy is smooth with the desired consistency—about 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper and stir in the parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 69.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.4g | Protein: 0.9g | Fat: 5.9g | Saturated Fat: 3.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 16.4mg | Sodium: 219.1mg | Potassium: 21.6mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 239.2IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating




Heidi

Saturday 18th of February 2023

This was perfect! I always struggle with gravy but this time it worked. Not too thick or thin. And it was delicious!

Chef Lola's Kitchen

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

Delighted to learn this, Heidi.