The Best Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade turkey gravy is simple to make and packed with flavor, perfect for elevating your holiday meal. You’ll love how quick it comes together and how much better it tastes than store-bought.
- Rich and Flavorful: Made with pan drippings, it’s deep, savory, and full of turkey essence.
- Customizable: Adjust the thickness and seasoning to suit your taste perfectly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Guests will rave about its homemade touch, making it a star of the table.
Recipe
Nothing beats the rich, savory flavor of homemade turkey gravy made from scratch. This classic recipe uses pan drippings for depth and pairs perfectly with roasted turkey and mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup turkey drippings (fat and juices from roasted turkey)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey or chicken stock (low-sodium preferred)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- After roasting the turkey, pour the pan drippings into a measuring cup. Let the fat rise to the top, then skim off ¼ cup of fat and transfer it to a saucepan.
- Heat the fat over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Strain if desired for a smoother texture, then serve warm.
Notes:
- If the gravy is too thick, add more stock. If too thin, simmer longer or whisk in a slurry of 1 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp cold water.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or fresh herbs like thyme or sage.
Equipment:
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Measuring cup
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: About 2 cups (serves 6–8)
Nutrition
This homemade turkey gravy is a flavorful addition to your meal, rich in taste and nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pouring this rich gravy over creamy mashed potatoes—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven. Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, also taste amazing with a drizzle of gravy, adding a savory touch. Trust me, these sides make the gravy shine even brighter.
Mashed Potatoes
When preparing a batch of creamy mashed potatoes to pair with your homemade turkey gravy, I always think about how perfectly they complement each other. The smooth, buttery texture of the potatoes soaks up the rich gravy, creating a bite that’s pure comfort. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, which add a slightly sweet, earthy twist that’s just as delicious. For a vegan-friendly version, I use plant-based butter and almond milk—it’s just as creamy! Whichever route I take, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds when the gravy’s involved. It’s a match made in heaven!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables bring a hearty, colorful touch to any meal, especially when served alongside your homemade turkey gravy. I love how caramelized edges and tender centers create rich flavor profiles that pair perfectly with gravy’s savory depth. My go-to mix includes carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes—tossed in olive oil, salt, and herbs. The key? High heat and even spacing for crispy results. Roasting transforms simple veggies into something special, and the cooking techniques couldn’t be easier. Plus, they’re forgiving if you’re multitasking. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever served gravy without ’em!
