This homestyle turkey gravy is rich and comforting, perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes or turkey. It’s made with turkey drippings, broth, and a touch of seasoning for extra flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Drippings: These are the flavorful juices left from roasting the turkey. If you don’t have enough drippings, using a mix of butter and chicken broth will give you a similar rich taste.
Unsalted Butter: If you’re shy on drippings, butter can help achieve that delicious richness. You can also use olive oil as a lighter option if you prefer.
All-Purpose Flour: This is used to thicken the gravy. For a gluten-free option, cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend works well. Just remember to mix it with cold liquid first to avoid lumps!
Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but low-sodium store-bought works just fine. You can mix poultry or vegetable broth based on what you have on hand.
Poultry Seasoning: This adds depth of flavor. If you prefer fresh herbs, thyme or sage can enhance the gravy beautifully. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste!
How Do You Make a Smooth, Lump-Free Gravy?
One of the trickiest parts of making gravy is avoiding lumps when mixing the roux and broth. Here’s how to ensure a smooth result:
- Whisk constantly while cooking the flour until it turns a nice golden brown—this step brings out the flavor.
- Gradually add the broth. Start with a small amount, whisking until smooth before adding more.
- If lumps do form, don’t worry! Just whisk harder or use an immersion blender to blend them out.
- Adjust the consistency with more broth or water if needed. Aim for a silky and pourable texture.
Homestyle Turkey Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup turkey drippings (from roasting pan)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (if needed)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey or chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning or fresh thyme (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This homestyle turkey gravy takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You can whip it up right after your turkey is done roasting, making it easy to serve alongside your delicious meal. Perfect for any festive gathering or cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Gather the Drippings:
After roasting your turkey, carefully pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a measuring cup or bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes so that the fat rises to the top. Skim off and reserve about 1/4 cup of fat. If you have less than that, you can supplement with butter until you reach a total of 1/4 cup.
2. Heat the Fat:
In a medium saucepan, heat the reserved fat or butter over medium heat. Let it get warm but not smoking.
3. Create the Roux:
Whisk in the flour with your fat to create a smooth roux. Keep whisking constantly as it cooks for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want the roux to turn a medium golden brown and develop a nutty aroma—this will give your gravy great flavor!
4. Add the Broth:
Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken broth. Make sure to whisk well to smooth out any lumps. The mixture will start to come together nicely.
5. Flavor It Up:
Add the poultry seasoning or fresh thyme if you choose to use it. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your gravy.
6. Simmer and Thicken:
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Cook while whisking frequently until it thickens to your desired consistency, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Remember, the gravy will thicken a bit more as it cools.
7. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
8. Adjust Consistency:
If your gravy is a bit too thick, don’t worry! Just whisk in a little more broth or even water until it reaches that perfect silky pour consistency.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the gravy warm, pouring it generously over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your homestyle turkey gravy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth for This Gravy?
Absolutely! Store-bought broth works great for making turkey gravy, just opt for low-sodium varieties to control the saltiness. Homemade broth is always a bonus, but convenience also counts!
What If I Don’t Have Enough Turkey Drippings?
No problem! If you have less than 1/4 cup of drippings, supplement with unsalted butter to reach the total amount. You can also use additional broth to keep it flavorful.
Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen it up if needed.
How Can I Make This Gravy Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free gravy, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold broth before adding it in to avoid lumps!