Turkey Gravy: the delicious Thanksgiving recipe using pan drippings

It's Thanksgiving Day, and your table is set with a beautifully, delicious dishes. The only thing you need to complete your perfect Thanksgiving dinner? Turkey gravy, of course!

Homemade turkey gravy is super easy to make and tastes a million times better than anything you can pick up from the supermarket. This rich, delicious, smooth turkey gravy is made from the pan drippings after roasting your Thanksgiving turkey, and you can quickly whip it up while the turkey rests after it comes out of the oven. You only need a few ingredients such as fresh herbs, butter and flour to make perfect homemade turkey gravy.

Serve it warm over your turkey together with mashed potatoes, and stuffing and your Thanksgiving dinner will be perfect!

How to Make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

One of the best things about turkey gravy is how easy it is to make. Your first step is to strain your pan dripping leftovers you got while your roasted a turkey. Use a fine-mesh sieve in order to discard solids. Set the liquid aside.

The next step is to make a roux, which is a mixture of flour and butter that helps to thicken sauces. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring continuously until the smell of raw flour cooks off, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in ½ cup of the pan drippings, whisking it to form a paste.

Next, add in thyme, parsley, and the rest of the pan juices ½ cup at a time until you get a nice, smooth gravy. Let the gravy simmer until it begins to thicken, then take it off the heat. Season with salt, and some freshly ground black pepper, then serve your turkey gravy. It tastes amazing not only on turkey but mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and stuffing as well!

Can You Make Turkey Gravy Without Roasting a Turkey?

If you don't want to roast a whole turkey or use the pan drippings, store-bought or homemade chicken broth or stock is a great substitute when making turkey gravy.

Can You Make Turkey Gravy Without Giblets?

Absolutely! Simply discard the giblets when you're roasting the turkey and use the pan drippings as a gravy base.

Tips for the Best Homemade Turkey Gravy

You can make turkey gravy up to 1 day in advance. If it's too thick, add a little stock until it gets to your desired consistency.

If you don't have quite enough pan juices, you can add some chicken stock or broth to make up the proper amount.

If your gravy isn't thickening up to your liking, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with broth to thicken it up. Cornstarch can also be used as a substitute for flour for those on a gluten-free diet.

If you want to add more flavor to your turkey gravy, you add your favorite herbs, minced garlic, chicken broth, or even a splash of wine.

How to Store Homemade Turkey Gravy

Pour your turkey gravy into an airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

Before serving, reheat it into a saucepan over low heat by adding one or two tablespoons of chicken broth or stock to thin it. Let the gravy simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Instructions

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add in the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes, until the raw smell of the flour cooks off.

Whisk ½ cup of pan drippings into the saucepan to form a paste.

Add thyme and parsley. Pour in the rest of the pan juices ½ cup at a time.

Whisk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat, season with salt, and pepper.

Transfer the turkey gravy in a sauce boat.

Serve it over roasted turkey. Enjoy!