If you’ve ever wanted that perfect finishing touch to complement your roast, this Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together rich turkey drippings, velvety butter, and a smooth, luscious texture that’s guaranteed to elevate every bite. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this gravy is so straightforward yet irresistibly flavorful, making it the ideal companion to your turkey and sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and creating the perfect consistency, without any complicated steps or hard-to-find elements.
- ¼ cup turkey drippings: These packed-with-flavor juices form the rich base of your gravy and bring authentic, savory depth.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds a silky, creamy richness that balances the intensity of the drippings.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: Acts as the thickening magic, turning your liquid into that lovely velvety texture everyone loves.
- 2 cups turkey broth: Made by simmering the neck and gizzard, this broth intensifies the turkey flavor and provides the liquid foundation.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The final seasoning that tunes the gravy perfectly to your palate.
How to Make Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Drippings
Begin by melting the unsalted butter together with the turkey drippings in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This blend creates a luscious fat base full of that unmistakable turkey essence, setting the tone for your gravy’s rich flavor.
Step 2: Whisk in Cornstarch
Slowly whisk in the cornstarch until it’s fully combined. Cook this mixture gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns a warm golden brown color. This not only helps to get rid of any raw starch flavor but also adds a beautiful toasted note to your gravy.
Step 3: Add Turkey Broth Gradually
Now it’s time to add the homemade turkey broth gradually, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. This step transforms the mixture into a smooth, flowing base that will become your luscious gravy.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Bring the mixture up to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to that perfect, pourable consistency. This simmering allows flavors to marry beautifully and the texture to become just right.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Finish off by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. This final step brightens the flavors and brings everything into delicious balance. Serve your easy turkey gravy warm alongside your turkey and favorite sides.
How to Serve Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
While this gravy is amazing on its own, sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley or thyme can add a delightful burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that makes every spoonful even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This gravy pairs wonderfully with traditional mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or even stuffing. Its smooth texture and savory depth help tie all components of your plate together in perfect harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the gravy in a rustic gravy boat or small, elegant pitchers beside individual plates. You can also drizzle it artistically over sliced turkey on a serving platter for a beautiful presentation that’s both practical and enticing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any gravy left over, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy those comforting flavors even after the meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this gravy by placing it in a freezer-safe container with a tight lid. For best texture, consume it within 2 months. When thawed, you might need to whisk it a bit to restore its smoothness.
Reheating
Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of turkey broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency—this gravy warms up beautifully without losing any of its charm.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe without turkey drippings?
Yes, while drippings add amazing flavor, you can substitute with additional turkey broth and a touch of butter to keep the richness balanced. Just keep in mind the depth won’t be quite as intense as with drippings.
Is cornstarch the only thickener I can use?
Cornstarch is preferred for its smooth finish and quick thickening, but you can use all-purpose flour as an alternative. If using flour, make sure to cook it slightly longer to eliminate the raw taste and get a slight nutty color.
How can I make the gravy gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses cornstarch as the thickener. Just ensure your turkey broth and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if allergies are a concern.
Can I prepare this gravy in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the gravy a day ahead, cool it completely, and store it refrigerated. Reheat on the stovetop gently before serving, whisking until smooth and adding a little broth if needed.
What if my gravy is too thin or too thick?
If it turns out too thin, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and whisk that slurry in, then simmer until thickened. If it’s too thick, simply stir in some warm turkey broth to loosen it up to your preferred texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it’s fast, fuss-free, and delivers incredible flavor every single time. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and see how it transforms your meals into cozy, unforgettable feasts. Trust me, once you try this recipe, gravy will never be an afterthought again!
Print
Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious turkey gravy made from pan drippings, butter, and turkey broth that enhances your meal with rich flavor and smooth texture. Perfect for serving alongside roasted turkey and classic holiday sides.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup turkey drippings
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups turkey broth (made by simmering the neck and gizzard)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Drippings: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and turkey drippings over medium heat, creating a flavorful fat base for your gravy.
- Incorporate Cornstarch: Whisk in the cornstarch until fully combined and cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to turn golden brown which helps develop a rich flavor and thickens the gravy.
- Add Turkey Broth: Gradually add the turkey broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Simmer the Gravy: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until the gravy thickens nicely.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve the warm gravy alongside your turkey and favorite sides for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh turkey drippings collected from your roasted bird for the best flavor.
- Simmering the neck and gizzard is key for a rich homemade turkey broth, but store-bought broth can be used as a shortcut.
- Whisk constantly while adding the broth to prevent lumps in your gravy.
- Adjust thickness by using more or less broth depending on your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, cornstarch is an excellent thickener alternative to flour.
