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Turkey Gravy

Turkey Gravy

This quick and easy turkey gravy recipe delivers rich, savory flavors using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and pan drippings from your roasted turkey. Ready in under 20 minutes, it offers a velvety smooth texture and customizable thickness, making it perfect for holiday meals and complementing turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup pan drippings (skins and fat skimmed off)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 2 cups warm turkey or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs such as thyme, sage, or rosemary (about 1-2 teaspoons chopped)
  • White wine (1/4 cup for infusion)
  • Spices such as cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (pinch)

Instructions

  1. Gather Your Pan Drippings: Right after roasting your turkey, pour the drippings into a fat separator or a clear measuring cup. Allow it to settle so you can easily skim off excess fat, leaving behind the flavorful juices.
  2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, cooking for about two minutes until it turns a golden caramel color, developing a classic, nutty gravy flavor.
  3. Add Broth and Drippings: Slowly pour in the warm turkey or chicken broth along with the reserved drippings, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to activate thickening.
  4. Season and Simmer: Season with salt and pepper to taste and add fresh herbs if using. Let the gravy simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, stirring often until thickened and smooth.
  5. Final Adjustments: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. For thinner gravy, add liquid slowly; for thicker gravy, continue simmering or whisk in a bit more flour slurry.

Notes

  • Use a fat separator to easily remove excess grease and keep the gravy rich but not greasy.
  • Don’t skip cooking the roux properly to avoid a raw flour taste and ensure a smooth texture.
  • Whisk continuously when adding liquid to prevent lumps and create a silky finish.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid overseasoning.
  • Warm your broth before adding to help the gravy come together faster without clumping.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey gravy, holiday gravy, pan drippings, quick turkey gravy, easy gravy recipe, gluten-free gravy option