If you’re on the hunt for that perfect finishing touch to your roast turkey, look no further than this Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with deep, comforting flavors drawn from those precious turkey drippings and broth. What makes it truly special is how simple it is to whip up—just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, yet it elevates your entire meal to something unforgettable. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive holiday feast, this gravy will have everyone reaching for seconds and asking for your secret.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — butter brings luscious richness, cornstarch creates that perfect silky thickness, and the turkey drippings plus broth deliver authentic poultry flavor that no store-bought gravy can match.
- Turkey drippings: These are your flavor powerhouse, packed with savory, roasted goodness straight from your bird.
- Butter: Adds a silky smooth base that enriches the gravy’s texture and taste.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that perfect, glossy gravy consistency without lumps.
- Turkey broth (neck and gizzard): Provides depth and a natural turkey essence that’s simply unbeatable.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that ties everything together and enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Collect the Turkey Drippings
Once your turkey is roasting, the juices and rendered fat will accumulate in the pan. Carefully pour this mixture into a fat separator or a bowl and let it stand so the fat rises to the top. You’ll want about 1/4 cup of these drippings as your base for an intensely flavorful gravy.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Broth
While the turkey cooks, simmer the neck and gizzard in water to make a homemade broth. This step is essential as the broth captures the rich, meaty nuances that really define a homemade gravy. Two cups of this broth will give your gravy that natural turkey essence.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Drippings
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter together with your measured turkey drippings. This combination creates the luscious base that your gravy will build upon, infusing it with that deep, roasted flavor.
Step 4: Thicken with Cornstarch
Mix 1/4 cup cornstarch with a little cold water to form a smooth slurry before adding it gradually to the butter and drippings. Whisk continuously to avoid lumps and watch as your gravy transforms into a smooth, thick sauce. This step delivers that signature gravy texture that clings perfectly to every slice of turkey.
Step 5: Add Turkey Broth and Season
Slowly pour in the warm turkey broth while whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the gravy thickens further. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Keep the heat low to avoid breaking the smooth texture, and your easy turkey gravy is ready to impress.
How to Serve Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme on top of the gravy. These bright touches provide not only grabby color but a fresh aroma that complements the rich gravy perfectly.
Side Dishes
This gravy is a natural partner for classic holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, or even a simple rice pilaf. Its smooth, savory character ties all the elements of your meal together, adding warmth and indulgence to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of pouring the gravy over the turkey alone, consider serving it in a beautiful gravy boat on the side. This lets guests decide the perfect amount, and it looks elegant on any dining table. You can also drizzle it artistically over individual plates for a restaurant-style touch that feels special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftover easy turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days, making it perfect for next-day sandwiches or reheating alongside your leftovers without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This gravy freezes beautifully in small portions. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it can be kept frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
When reheating, warm your gravy slowly over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent it from sticking or separating. If it thickens too much, just whisk in a splash of broth or water to restore that perfect silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe without drippings?
You can substitute drippings with butter and additional turkey broth or stock, but the drippings are key to achieving authentic, deep flavor, so it’s highly recommended to use them whenever possible.
What can I substitute for cornstarch in this recipe?
If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour works as a thickener too. Use twice the amount of flour compared to cornstarch and cook it a bit longer to remove any raw flour taste for best results.
How do I avoid lumps in my turkey gravy?
The trick is to create a smooth slurry by whisking your cornstarch with cold water before adding it gradually to the hot fat. Constant whisking during the thickening process helps keep the gravy silky and lump-free.
Can I prepare the turkey broth ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the turkey broth in advance saves you time on the day of your meal and enhances flavor as it allows the broth to develop. Just store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use.
Is this gravy recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Using cornstarch as the thickener instead of flour makes this gravy gluten-free, so it’s great for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe has become a trusted standby in my kitchen because it’s so approachable yet remarkably flavorful. With every silky spoonful carrying the essence of a perfectly roasted turkey, it’s the kind of gravy that brings everyone together and adds that cozy, unforgettable touch to your meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own holiday or anytime favorite.
Print
Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious turkey gravy recipe that makes use of turkey drippings and broth to create a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for serving alongside your roasted turkey. This easy gravy comes together quickly on the stovetop, enhancing your holiday meal with traditional savory goodness.
Ingredients
Gravy Ingredients
- 1/4 cup turkey drippings
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups turkey broth (made from neck and gizzard, boiled and simmered on low heat while the turkey cooks)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Collect drippings: After roasting your turkey, carefully pour out 1/4 cup of the flavorful turkey drippings left in the roasting pan.
- Melt butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter until fully liquid.
- Create roux: Whisk in 1/4 cup cornstarch into the melted butter, stirring constantly to combine and cook out the raw starch flavor, about 1-2 minutes. This mixture thickens the gravy.
- Add broth: Gradually pour in 2 cups of warm turkey broth (prepared from boiling and simmering the neck and gizzard), whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps.
- Simmer and thicken: Continue to whisk and simmer the mixture over medium heat until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season: Taste the gravy and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavor.
- Serve: Remove from heat and pour the gravy into a serving dish, ready to accompany your turkey and side dishes.
Notes
- Make sure to skim excess fat from the turkey drippings if you prefer a leaner gravy.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, whisk in a little more broth or water to adjust consistency.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or herbs such as thyme or sage while simmering the gravy.
- This gravy can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
