How to Make Gravy from Turkey Drippings
on Sep 24, 2024
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Are you looking for the perfect turkey gravy recipe? If so, learn how to make gravy from turkey drippings. You can make this homemade gravy in just 20 minutes using the pan drippings from cooking your roast turkey.
You may never go back to storebought gravy again!
It is so easy to make turkey gravy from scratch after roasting a turkey. Start with a simple roux for thickening, and use the flavorful drippings for an easy turkey gravy.
Use turkey gravy to dip leftover turkey eggrolls or over slow-cooker mashed potatoes. Either way, this is an easy turkey gravy from drippings, just like grandma used to make.
Ingredients Needed
Here is a preview of what you need for this dessert. The recipe card contains the ingredients and detailed instructions.
How to Make Gravy from Turkey Drippings
The recipe card contains the full steps on making the best turkey gravy. Below is a quick walk-through.
Step 1: Add the sliced butter into the saucepan and cook on medium heat.
Step 2: Using a wooden spoon, work in the black pepper once the butter is melted.
Step 3: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and work it around, allowing it to soak up all the butter. Simmer for a couple of minutes while stirring.
Step 4: Slowly pour in the turkey drippings or other broth and continue to stir the gravy over medium heat until it thickens.
Once the gravy is nice and thick, pour over your stuffing, potatoes, chicken or turkey, and more.
Recipe Tips
- Allow the butter and flour to cook for a few minutes in the pan to help remove the raw flour taste. Once the roux is thick and cooked, proceed to the next steps.
- Using the drippings will allow for a flavorful turkey gravy that will keep getting more flavor as it simmers. You can season to taste if you find it needs more salt or other spices.
- Stir often once you add in the flour to avoid clumps and burning.
- Strain the drippings to remove any pieces for an ultra-creamy gravy.
- Place leftover gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate. The gravy will last for 3-5 days. To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Common Questions
To collect the drippings, remove the turkey from the roasting pan. Then, pour the drippings into a measuring cup or container and measure the liquid to make the gravy.
Yes. Reach for a chicken or turkey broth to use as the base. Then, season with salt and pepper and make gravy with the flour and the butter. The drippings give the gravy a richer flavor, but you can make it without extra drippings from roasting.
Want to add more flavor to your gravy? If so, add fresh or dried herbs to your drippings to equal more flavor. Just stir in rosemary, thyme, sage, season salt, garlic, etc. Feel free to play around with spices and herbs to make turkey gravy from turkey with additional spices.
More Recipe Ideas
Thanksgiving
Easy Homemade Turkey Stuffing Recipe
Thanksgiving
Leftover Turkey Eggrolls
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Side Dishes
How to Roast a Whole Butternut Squash
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Classic Thanksgiving Gravy
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, sliced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups turkey drippings from cooked turkey pan or broth
Instructions
- Add butter to a saucepan and melt over medium-low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, mix in the black pepper with a wooden spoon.
- Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour with a whisk and stir continuously. Whisk for about a minute or until the flour and butter are well combined.
- Pour the pan drippings or chicken stock into the saucepan in small batches as you whisk continuously.
- Continue to stir the gravy with a wooden spoon over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until it reaches a thick liquid consistency. Enjoy immediately or cover and cook on low heat until ready to serve.
Notes
- Stir the gravy continuously as it cooks to avoid buildup at the bottom of the saucepan.
- Stir the gravy until it reaches your desired thickness (stir longer for a thicker consistency or shorter for a thinner consistency).
- If using pan drippings, you may pass the drippings through a strainer and into a bowl to discard any meat or clumps.
- Serve this classic gravy over chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
