Perfect Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe

Introduction

This perfect easy turkey gravy is a simple, flavorful way to elevate your roast turkey or chicken dinner. Made with pan drippings or stock, it creates a rich, smooth sauce that’s ready in just minutes. Whether for a holiday feast or weeknight meal, this gravy is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 tsp coarse black pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups pan drippings OR 4 cups turkey or chicken stock
• 1–2 tsp Better than Bouillon (if using only stock, without pan drippings)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the drippings if using them. Pour the hot drippings from your roasted turkey or chicken through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup.
2. Step 2: Let the strained drippings cool for a few minutes so the fat rises to the top and begins to solidify.
3. Step 3: Skim off the fat with a spoon until you have mostly liquid remaining.
4. Step 4: Measure the liquid. If you have less than 4 cups, add turkey or chicken stock to reach 4 cups total.
5. Step 5: If not using drippings, simply use 4 cups of turkey or chicken stock and add 1–2 teaspoons of Better than Bouillon for depth of flavor.
6. Step 6: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the coarse black pepper and whisk to combine.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter while whisking continuously. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth paste (roux) and the raw flour taste dissipates. Avoid letting it brown.
8. Step 8: Slowly pour in the drippings or stock a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
9. Step 9: Once all the liquid is added, increase the heat to medium and continue whisking until the gravy thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
10. Step 10: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Step 11: Serve immediately or keep warm over very low heat, whisking occasionally to maintain smoothness.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use a mix of pan drippings and stock instead of stock alone.
• If you want a thinner gravy, add more stock gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Whisk continuously when adding liquid to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth gravy.
• Boost flavor with a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of fresh herbs like thyme during the roux step.
• To make gluten-free gravy, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.

Storage

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, whisking occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much after cooling, stir in a little stock or water to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this gravy without pan drippings?

Yes, you can use turkey or chicken stock instead of pan drippings. Adding 1–2 teaspoons of Better than Bouillon will help enhance the flavor if you skip the drippings.

How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?

Whisk constantly when adding the liquid to the roux, pouring it in slowly. This helps the flour absorb the liquid evenly and keeps the gravy smooth.

Perfect Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe

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This Perfect Easy Turkey Gravy recipe delivers a rich, smooth, and flavorful gravy that’s simple to make using turkey drippings or stock. It’s the ideal accompaniment to roasted turkey, enhancing your holiday meals with a velvety texture and savory taste.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 4 cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gravy Base

• ½ cup butter, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 tsp coarse black pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Liquid

• 4 cups pan drippings OR 4 cups turkey or chicken stock
• 1–2 tsp Better than Bouillon (only if using stock without pan drippings)

Instructions

1. Prepare the drippings: Strain: Pour the hot drippings from your roasted turkey or chicken through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup to remove solids. Let it cool for a few minutes so the fat rises and begins to solidify. Skim off the fat with a spoon until mostly liquid remains. If you don’t have 4 cups of drippings, add turkey or chicken stock to reach 4 cups total.
2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium-low heat. Add 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper and whisk to combine. Sprinkle in ½ cup all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Avoid browning to prevent a burnt flavor and to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Build the gravy: Slowly pour in the drippings or stock a little at a time while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once all the liquid is incorporated, increase heat to medium. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens, which will take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste the gravy and season with salt and additional pepper as needed. Serve immediately or keep warm over very low heat, whisking occasionally to maintain the smooth texture.

Notes

• If you don’t have pan drippings, use 4 cups of turkey or chicken stock with 1-2 teaspoons of Better than Bouillon for extra flavor.
• Whisk continuously when adding liquid to avoid lumps and create a smooth gravy.
• Keep the heat moderate to prevent the roux from browning or burning.
• You can keep the gravy warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent skin from forming.
• This gravy pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.

Keywords: turkey gravy, easy gravy recipe, turkey drippings, holiday gravy, stovetop gravy, homemade gravy