There’s no holiday meal quite complete without a steaming bowl of Easy Turkey Gravy gracing the table. This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen magician but truly couldn’t be simpler. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll create a gravy that’s glossy, velvety, and full of comforting, savory flavor — the perfect finishing touch for turkey, mashed potatoes, and more. Whether you’re a Thanksgiving pro or new to hosting, Easy Turkey Gravy deserves a permanent spot in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate the beauty of simplicity for a second: these reliable, humble ingredients somehow create a gravy that steals the show. Each piece pulls its weight in the flavor department, yielding a sauce with depth, richness, and just a hint of secret chef expertise.
- Unsalted butter: Lends creamy richness and is key to a glossy, lump-free roux.
- All-purpose flour: This humble pantry staple thickens the gravy into a spoon-coating pour.
- Turkey drippings or low-sodium turkey/chicken broth: Drippings add incredible, savory depth, but good broth is an excellent alternative for year-round gravy.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma without any slicing or tears.
- Garlic powder: Builds gentle, savory background flavor in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for a warm, balanced finish.
- Worcestershire sauce or cream (optional): A splash at the end deepens flavor or gives it extra silkiness—embrace your inner chef!
How to Make Easy Turkey Gravy
Step 1: Create the Buttery Roux
Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When the butter is gently bubbling (not browning), sprinkle in the flour, then whisk them together. Keep the whisk moving for 1–2 minutes—the mixture should turn slightly golden and give off a deliciously toasty aroma. This step is the secret to a smooth, lump-free Easy Turkey Gravy and gets rid of any raw flour taste.
Step 2: Add Liquid & Whisk Smooth
Slowly pour in your turkey drippings or broth, all while whisking steadily. Take your time to pour gradually, as this helps keep the gravy perfectly smooth. Once all the liquid is in and the mixture is uniform, add the onion powder and garlic powder. Whisk again to incorporate, then turn up the heat just a bit to bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Let the gravy bubble softly for about 4–5 minutes, whisking frequently. You’ll see it transform from a thin sauce into that classic pour-over consistency. If you like your Easy Turkey Gravy a little thicker, let it simmer for another minute or two—just don’t walk away!
Step 4: Season and Finish
Give your gravy a taste and add salt and black pepper gradually—a little at a time. If you want to take things up a notch, stir in a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of cream right at the end. This little addition can bring savory complexity or luxurious richness, making the sauce feel truly special.
How to Serve Easy Turkey Gravy
Garnishes
Your Easy Turkey Gravy is already gorgeous, but a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley, chives, or even a few grinds of black pepper add beautiful color and fresh aroma. For a rustic touch, a sprig of thyme or rosemary on the gravy boat always earns admiring glances.
Side Dishes
Of course, Thanksgiving turkey and creamy mashed potatoes are classic partners, but don’t stop there! This gravy is fantastic drizzled over stuffing, roasted vegetables, biscuits, or even a savory bread pudding. It brings cozy comfort to almost any side dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, let guests pour their own Easy Turkey Gravy from a small pitcher at each place setting or try serving it in individual mini ramekins for an elevated feel. Leftovers? Swirl it onto open-faced turkey sandwiches for next-day lunch bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply let any leftover Easy Turkey Gravy cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator and it’ll keep beautifully for up to three days—ready for instant dinner upgrades or late-night snacks!
Freezing
If you want to plan far ahead, gravy freezes surprisingly well. Pour cooled gravy into small freezer-safe containers or even silicone ice cube trays (perfect for easy portioning). Store for up to three months, defrosting overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply return Easy Turkey Gravy to a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. If it’s thicker than you’d like, add a splash or two of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating is also fine—just do it in short bursts, stirring between each to prevent lumps.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Turkey Gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! Easy Turkey Gravy can be made a day or two in advance. Cool it, store in the fridge, and gently reheat before serving. Add a bit of broth to refresh the texture, and whisk well to restore its lovely smoothness.
What if my gravy is lumpy?
No stress! If you do wind up with a few lumps, just pour the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer before serving. In future, add the broth s-l-o-w-l-y and whisk constantly for that signature velvety result.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The method and great flavor of Easy Turkey Gravy remain just as delightful—no one will ever know the difference.
Is there a vegetarian version?
You certainly can! Use vegetable broth in place of turkey drippings, and consider adding an extra splash of cream or a bit of soy sauce for savory depth.
How do I thicken gravy if it seems too thin?
If your Easy Turkey Gravy isn’t as thick as you like, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water, stir it in, and simmer for another minute or two. It’ll reach perfect spoon-coating consistency in no time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hoping to wow family and friends with minimal stress and maximum flavor, give Easy Turkey Gravy a try. It may just become the golden touch your meals have been missing—there’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a showstopper everyone craves!
Print
Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and easy turkey gravy at home with this simple recipe. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any roast dinner!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey drippings or low-sodium turkey/chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of cream for added flavor
Roux:
Gravy:
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings or broth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add the onion powder and garlic powder, and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- Continue cooking and stirring for 4–5 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. For added depth, stir in a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of cream before serving.
Notes
- If your drippings are very salty, use a mix of drippings and unsalted broth.
- Gravy can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Add more broth if it becomes too thick.
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