If you’ve ever wished you could whip up luscious, velvety gravy in under 15 minutes, this Easy Turkey Gravy is about to become your new secret weapon. Made with pantry staples, this recipe is a breeze whether you’re working with holiday turkey drippings or a simple carton of stock. The result is a silken, deeply flavorful sauce that ties every Thanksgiving (or weeknight) meal together. With just a handful of ingredients and some quick whisking, you’ll be pouring restaurant-worthy gravy over your mashed potatoes and stuffing before you know it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real beauty of Easy Turkey Gravy is how it transforms humble staples into something truly special. Every ingredient adds a key touch, from the richness of butter to the depth of turkey drippings or stock. Here’s exactly what goes into your new go-to gravy:
- Turkey drippings or low-sodium chicken/turkey stock (2 cups): The flavorful foundation! Use drippings for that holiday magic, or high-quality stock for an easy everyday version.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): For richness and sheen—makes the gravy taste homemade every time.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): This is your thickener—just enough to get that perfect, pourable consistency.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all those savory notes—taste as you go!
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds tiny pops of warmth and depth.
- Poultry seasoning or fresh herbs (½ teaspoon, optional): For a fragrant twist, fold in herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage just before serving.
How to Make Easy Turkey Gravy
Step 1: Make the Roux
Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it turns glossy and starts to foam, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly for one to two minutes—this step cooks out that raw flour taste and sets up your gravy base for maximum silkiness.
Step 2: Add the Drippings or Stock
Gradually pour in the turkey drippings or stock while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Don’t rush! Adding the liquid a little at a time ensures your Easy Turkey Gravy stays smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for five to seven minutes, stirring often, until it thickens into a sauce that glides off the spoon. If you want it slightly thicker or thinner, simply simmer more or whisk in a splash of extra stock.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Take a taste and season with salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning or fresh herbs if you like. For extra richness, swirl in a splash of cream or a tablespoon more butter just before serving. That’s the restaurant trick for over-the-top Easy Turkey Gravy!
How to Serve Easy Turkey Gravy
Garnishes
Add instant elegance with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or even a tiny pinch of smoked paprika. These bright touches provide beautiful color and a subtle burst of flavor to every ladleful.
Side Dishes
Naturally, Easy Turkey Gravy begs to be spooned over juicy turkey slices, buttery mashed potatoes, and classic stuffing. Don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly—your guests might even be tempted to drizzle it over roasted veggies, biscuits, or leftover turkey sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your festivities by serving Easy Turkey Gravy in a charming gravy boat or rustic mini pitchers on each end of the table. For an informal setting, try little ramekins so everyone can dunk their bites as they please. If you’re feeling daring, swirl it directly onto the plate before plating turkey for a chef-y look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover gravy cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for leftovers and late-night turkey sandwiches.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Easy Turkey Gravy! Pour cooled gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers, label, and stash away for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—the texture stays smooth and creamy.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the gravy into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick after chilling, just add a splash of stock or water until it reaches your ideal consistency. Gravy perfection, revived.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Turkey Gravy gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch. Mix one tablespoon cornstarch with two tablespoons cool stock, then whisk in after your butter melts. The method stays the same and you’ll get a glossy, gluten-free gravy.
What if my gravy turns out lumpy?
Don’t panic! Just pour the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot to remove any lumps. Next time, remember to add your drippings or stock gradually while whisking steadily for lump-free results.
Can I use store-bought stock instead of turkey drippings?
Definitely. High-quality, low-sodium chicken or turkey stock works perfectly when turkey drippings aren’t available. To deepen the flavor, simmer the stock with a few sprigs of fresh herbs before using it in this Easy Turkey Gravy recipe.
How can I make my gravy richer?
Simple! Add a splash of cream, a tablespoon of extra butter, or even a hint of soy sauce for savory undertones. These additions give your Easy Turkey Gravy restaurant-style body and depth.
Is this recipe just for Thanksgiving?
No way! Easy Turkey Gravy is a fantastic all-purpose sauce. Try it over roast chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, or as a dip for leftover turkey sliders any time of year.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve always dreamed of flawless, comforting gravy, give this Easy Turkey Gravy a try. Whether it’s your first holiday hosting or simply a craving on a Tuesday night, this recipe promises gravy you’ll be proud to pass around your table!
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Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a quick and delicious Easy Turkey Gravy that’s perfect for your holiday meals. This flavorful gravy is a great addition to your roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, adding a savory touch to your feast.
Ingredients
Turkey Gravy:
- 2 cups turkey drippings or low-sodium chicken/turkey stock
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning or fresh herbs
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Create Roux: Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Drippings/Stock: Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings or stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Thicken Gravy: Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, black pepper, and optional herbs to taste. Serve warm over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
- If drippings are very fatty, skim off some fat before making the gravy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
