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Classic Turkey Gravy

Featured in Magic sauces for every meal.

Make rich gravy in 20 minutes using pan drippings. Add giblets if you like! Simple, quick, and perfect for gatherings.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 13:10:32 GMT
Slices of turkey topped with gravy next to mashed potatoes and broccoli. Pin it
Slices of turkey topped with gravy next to mashed potatoes and broccoli. | tasteofsavor.com

I've got the ultimate way to transform all your holiday favorites—my can't-miss turkey gravy! Years of big family dinners taught me how to whip up this smooth sauce that takes fluffy mashed potatoes over the top and turns leftover turkey on bread into something you can't put down. Trust me, once you pour this homemade gravy, you'll never reach for the jarred kind again!

Why You Need Turkey Gravy

If you want your Thanksgiving meal to really pop, it's the gravy that does the trick! This tasty goodness brings every bite together and packs in so much flavor. Whether you're smothering potatoes or dunking that turkey sandwich, nothing compares to making your own from scratch.

Top Turkey Gravy Ingredients

  • Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle in small amounts and taste until it's just right.
  • Broth: Homemade is my pick, but good store-bought totally works.
  • Flour: Gives you the perfect creamy finish.
  • Giblets: Keep 'em! They give the deepest, yummiest flavor.
  • Drippings: All that goodness left in the roasting pan is where things start getting tasty.

How to Whip It Up

Speedy Method
Don't have any giblets? No stress—just use all those flavorful drippings and you'll get awesome results.
Drippings in Action
Scoop the fat off your drippings, then mix it up with flour for your base. Slowly pour in your broth, whisking as you go, and you'll get gravy that's perfectly smooth.
Classic Start
Let the giblets simmer away for a while to build deep flavor. After about an hour, chop them up small and toss them into your sauce.

Stay Tasty

Your gravy will keep in the fridge for a handful of days—just pop it in something with a tight lid. Want to prep early? Make it a couple days before, then warm it gently and splash in some broth to loosen it up.

Tips You’ll Love

  • Best Texture: If it gets too thick, loosen it up with hot broth until it's just how you like.
  • Add Seasoning Slowly: Sprinkle in salt and pepper a bit at a time—it’s easy to add more and hard to take away.
  • Perfect Roux: Whisk your flour until your mix is a rich, golden color.

Tasty Ways to Use It

This gravy goes with just about everything! Spoon it on your stuffing, let it flow over mashed potatoes, or set some aside for those next-day turkey sandwiches. You're gonna want enough to last for leftovers!

Mashed potatoes with turkey slices smothered in rich gravy and topped with fresh parsley, with little bowls of dipping sauces nearby. Pin it
Mashed potatoes with turkey slices smothered in rich gravy and topped with fresh parsley, with little bowls of dipping sauces nearby. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this earlier?
Absolutely! Cook it up to 2 days in advance, store in the fridge, and fix the consistency by reheating with broth.
→ Are giblets necessary?
Not at all—leave them out! Just drippings and broth make lovely gravy too.
→ Any gluten-free trick?
Swap standard flour with 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour. Same method, same great result!
→ Why skip the liver?
Liver has a strong taste folks often don't enjoy. Leaving it out gives a smoother, less overpowering flavor.
→ How long does gravy last?
Seal it up in the fridge, and it's good for 2-3 days. Reheat with a splash of liquid for the best texture.

Conclusion

Smooth turkey gravy made from pan drippings, with the option to mix in giblets. Simple to make and ideal for any special holiday dinner.

Turkey Gravy

Smooth and flavorful gravy made with turkey drippings. Optional giblets add extra richness. Great for Thanksgiving or roasted meals.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Sauces & Marinades

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (4 to 5 cups of gravy)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Pan drippings from turkey.
02 Half a cup of plain flour.
03 About 4 cups of chicken stock (low-sodium preferred).
04 Season with pepper and salt as desired.
05 Uncooked turkey neck and giblets (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Take out the giblets and neck, toss the liver, shred the neck meat, and chop the giblets.

Step 02

Simmer the giblets and turkey neck in water for about an hour, until everything is tender.

Step 03

Drain pan drippings into a bowl, wait for the fat to rise, then scoop off most of it.

Step 04

Mix flour and 1 cup of the drippings in a saucepan, stirring to form a smooth, golden paste.

Step 05

Pour 1 cup of extra drippings and the broth into the roux, whisking as you go.

Step 06

Stir the mixture over heat for 5 to 8 minutes until it's nice and thick, then toss in the diced meat from the giblets.

Step 07

If it's too thick, add liquid, or use cornstarch if it's too thin. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

Notes

  1. You can prep this up to 48 hours in advance.
  2. Keeps 2-3 days in the fridge.
  3. Use gluten-free flour to make it gluten-friendly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cooking pan.
  • Ladle or spoon with holes.
  • Hand whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (from the flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 25
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g