This homestyle turkey gravy is rich and flavorful, perfect over mashed potatoes or turkey! Made with drippings, it brings a taste of home to your meals.
I love how simple it is—just whisk together some drippings and stock. It always feels like a warm hug for my dinners. Can never have too much gravy, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Drippings: The magic of this gravy comes from turkey drippings. They add a deep flavor. If you’re short on drippings, you can use unsalted chicken broth or stock to give it a boost.
Unsalted Butter: This helps create a rich base for the gravy. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative instead.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for thickening. If you’re gluten-free, a mix of cornstarch and water can work well too—use about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with equal water.
Stock: Homemade stock is best, but low-sodium store-bought is a good alternative. You can also swap turkey stock with chicken or vegetable stock for a different flavor profile.
Fresh Thyme: This adds a lovely aroma, but if you don’t have fresh, dried thyme is fine—just use about 1/3 of the amount (1/3 teaspoon).
How to Avoid Lumps When Making Gravy?
Getting a smooth gravy can be tricky, but here’s the trick: whisking! When you add stock to the roux, do it gradually while whisking constantly. This helps break up any lumps and makes sure everything blends nicely.
- Always start with a hot roux; warm it gently before adding cold stock.
- Pour in the stock slowly while whisking—this keeps the sauce creamy.
- If you see lumps forming, don’t panic! Just keep whisking or run it through a fine sieve for a silky finish.
Just remember, patience is key, and a little extra whisking goes a long way in creating that perfect, lump-free gravy!
Homestyle Turkey Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup turkey drippings (from roasted turkey)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (if needed to supplement drippings)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups turkey or chicken stock (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional for extra flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of active prep time, starting from when you roast your turkey and finish the gravy. You can enjoy this delicious addition to your meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Collecting the Drippings:
Once your turkey is done roasting, carefully pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a heatproof bowl or measuring cup. Let it sit for a few minutes so that the fat rises to the top. From there, skim off 1/4 cup of fat. If you don’t have enough drippings, just use butter to fill in the difference!
2. Setting Up the Base:
Take a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add the turkey fat (and any butter if you need to) and let it melt completely. This gives your gravy a delicious foundation!
3. Making the Roux:
Next, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Keep whisking for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells fragrant. This creates a roux and cooks out the raw flour flavor.
4. Adding the Stock:
Now, it’s time to create that beautiful gravy! Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken stock. Pour it in slowly while you whisk continuously to keep everything smooth and avoid any lumps.
5. Thickening the Gravy:
Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep whisking often, and let it cook until it thickens up to your liking—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
6. Seasoning Your Gravy:
Once thickened, stir in freshly ground black pepper and salt according to your taste. If you have fresh thyme leaves, now’s the time to add them for that extra delicious aroma.
7. Final Touches:
Give your gravy a little taste and adjust any seasonings if necessary. If your gravy is a bit too thick for your liking, don’t hesitate to add a splash more stock or water!
8. Serving Up:
Your homestyle turkey gravy is now ready! Serve it warm in a gravy boat, beside your roasted turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes. Prepare for everyone to ask for seconds!
This classic homestyle turkey gravy is velvety, flavorful, and the perfect finishing touch to your holiday meal or any turkey dinner!
Can I Use Store-Bought Stock Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought stock works just fine, especially the low-sodium varieties, as they help control the salt content in your gravy. Just opt for turkey or chicken stock for the best flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Enough Drippings?
No problem! If you don’t have 1/4 cup of drippings, simply supplement with unsalted butter until you reach that amount. This will still give your gravy a rich flavor.
Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little stock or water to thin it out if it gets too thick.
How Can I Thicken My Gravy Further?
If your gravy isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can whisk in a little cornstarch mixed with cold water (about a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water). Bring it back to a simmer until thickened to your preference!