Posted Nov 08, 2020, Updated Nov 11, 2024 For many years, every Thanksgiving I searched for a simple gravy recipe using drippings from our turkey, and could never find one that worked well! So I decided to create my own gravy using the drippings from our Roast Turkey Recipe and it is the best. This gravy recipe is easy to make with only 4 ingredients, and I have included tips on how to make sure no separation occurs and it turns out perfectly every single time. Serve it with your favorite Thanksgiving recipes!
Turkey Gravy Recipe: Ingredients
This turkey gravy recipe was created to be made with drippings (for the best results use the drippings from this Roast Turkey Recipe). I explain how to filter the drippings below.
Turkey drippings. Our turkey recipe uses aromatics that result in the best turkey gravy ever. Make sure to use aromatics so you get a good amount of drippings when roasting a turkey. Salted butter. To make a roux, butter is a must. You can use unsalted butter if you prefer. All-purpose flour. for a gluten-free variety, use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Salt & pepper. Make sure to taste the gravy once it has thickened, then add salt and pepper as desired.
How to Make Turkey Gravy From Drippings
Let’s walk through the process of making turkey gravy from drippings – and don’t forget to watch the video.
Collect the Drippings
When your turkey is finished cooking, do not discard the drippings. Use them to make the best gravy in the entire world. This is what the pan should look like after roasting, there will be about 4 cups of drippings if you use our turkey recipe!
Strain the Drippings
Strain the drippings from this turkey recipe into a bowl through a fine metal mesh strainer. Discard the contents of the strainer, but keep the liquid drippings.
Remove Layer of Liquid Fat
If there is a layer of liquid fat on the top, use a turkey baster to suck it off and discard – this step is critical to ensure the gravy does not separate once it’s made.
Make a Roux
I’ve tried many ways to thicken gravy over the years, and a roux is by far the most delicious and it’s absolutely fool-proof – resulting in a beautifully thickened gravy every single time. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Then add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute or until the roux is thickened and just begins to brown. Pour the drippings from the turkey into the roux, whisking during the addition. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is thick about 5-10 minutes. It’s important to continue stirring the gravy so it doesn’t stick to the pan and burn. Once the turkey gravy has thickened, taste it and season with salt and pepper if desired.
Serve
Pour into a gravy boat and serve! Obviously I recommend serving it over our oven-roasted turkey recipe, and the best mashed potatoes you’ll ever eat! It’s delicious served with all of our Thanksgiving recipes.
Store
Store any leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I recommend using a glass jar with a lid.
Reheat
This turkey gravy thickens and becomes solid as it is chilled. But don’t worry, when you reheat it with your favorite thanksgiving leftovers it becomes a liquid again. Simply plop a portion of the chilled gravy onto the leftovers you are heating up and warm them in the microwave or oven. You can also reheat the entire jar in the microwave or empty the contents into a saucepan and warm over low heat on the stovetop. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
