Is there anything more comforting than a plate piled high with sliced turkey and gravy? Especially at Thanksgiving? I think not! This Thanksgiving Gravy with Turkey Drippings recipe is my go-to, the one I learned from my mama and have been making for years. It’s simple, flavorful, and uses those precious turkey drippings to create the most luscious, rich gravy you’ll ever taste. Don’t worry, I’ve also included tips for making gravy without drippings, just in case.
Top Reasons To Make It
This gravy is seriously easy to make, even for beginners. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which frees you up to focus on the other Thanksgiving dishes. And the flavor? Pure magic. Plus, using the turkey drippings creates the richest, most authentic Thanksgiving gravy imaginable. So good.
Ingredients
- Turkey drippings: The heart and soul of our gravy.
- All-purpose flour: To thicken the gravy beautifully.
- Butter: For a touch of richness.
- Chicken or turkey broth: Adds depth and flavor.
- Onion powder: A subtle savory note.
- Garlic powder: Adds warmth.
- Salt and pepper: To bring all the flavors together.
For exact measurements, see the recipe card below. No complicated ingredients, just pantry staples. And a bit of love.
Instructions
- Separate the turkey drippings from the fat: Let the drippings cool slightly, then skim the fat from the top and reserve about ¼ cup.
- Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt the reserved fat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown.
- Add the broth: Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Pour the hot gravy over your sliced turkey and enjoy!
Making Gravy With Turkey Drippings
Using turkey drippings is key for capturing that true Thanksgiving flavor. Those little bits of browned goodness at the bottom of the roasting pan are pure gold! Don’t be shy about getting all those delicious drippings out.
Variations & Substitutions
If you’re out of chicken or turkey broth, vegetable broth works fine, too. For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic or a spoonful smoked turkey. And honestly, if you don’t have drippings, no sweat! You use chicken or turkey broth and a bit of extra butter to build a delicious gravy.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This gravy isn’t just for turkey! Try it on mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even roasted vegetables. It’s the perfect complement to all your Thanksgiving favorites.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Remember to never leave gravy out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make turkey gravy from drippings easy? Yes! This recipe proves it. With just a few steps, you’ll have delicious gravy in no time. For the holidays always make a large batch, everybody will want seconds! It will be one of your favorite homemade turkey gravy from drippings recipes.
What about gravy for turkey without drippings? No problem! You can make awesome gravy by substituting high-quality broth. What if I want to make ahead gravy for turkey without drippings? It’s doable! Make the gravy and store it in the fridge, then reheat it gently before serving. It’s one step for an easy delicious Thanksgiving gravy recipe!
There you have it, y’all, my tried-and-true Thanksgiving Gravy with Turkey Drippings. It’s simple, so, so flavorful, and the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving feast. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Because isn’t that what Thanksgiving’s all about? Sharing good food and making memories with loved ones. Now let’s get to preparing that Thanksgiving Gravy with Turkey Drippings!
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Thanksgiving Gravy with Turkey Drippings
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
Description
This classic Thanksgiving gravy made with turkey drippings is rich, savory, and silky smooth. It’s the perfect finishing touch to your holiday feast—and surprisingly easy to make with pantry staples.
Ingredients
▢ ¼ cup reserved turkey fat (from drippings)
▢ ¼ cup all-purpose flour
▢ 2–3 cups chicken or turkey broth (depending on desired thickness)
▢ 1 ½ cups turkey drippings (strained)
▢ ½ tsp onion powder
▢ ½ tsp garlic powder
▢ Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Let the turkey drippings cool slightly. Skim off the fat and reserve about ¼ cup.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the reserved turkey fat.
3. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, until golden.
4. Slowly pour in the broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Add the strained turkey drippings and stir until smooth.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until thickened to your liking.
7. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
8. Serve hot over sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
Notes
Use a fat separator for easier separation of drippings and fat.
If your turkey drippings are very salty, taste before adding salt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: thanksgiving gravy, turkey gravy, gravy with drippings, homemade gravy, easy holiday sauce