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Tasty Turkey Gravy

As seen in: Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes: Create the Perfect Holiday Feast

This gravy blends drippings and a simple roux, with optional giblets for extra flavor. It’s ready fast—just 20 minutes—and great for holidays.
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Refreshed on Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:55:09 GMT
Sliced roast turkey drizzled with warm gravy, alongside mashed potatoes and greens. Save it
Sliced roast turkey drizzled with warm gravy, alongside mashed potatoes and greens. | iamcooker.com

Here's my go-to turkey gravy approach that'll upgrade your holiday meal instantly! After countless family feasts, I've nailed this sauce that transforms plain potatoes into fluffy delights and makes turkey leftovers something to look forward to. Once you whip up your own gravy, those packaged versions won't even cross your mind!

The Magic of Homemade Turkey Gravy

What really brings a Thanksgiving plate together? It's definitely the gravy! This golden goodness connects all the flavors and makes each mouthful amazing. Whether you're pouring it over your spuds or using it for your next-day turkey sandwich, nothing compares to gravy you've made yourself.

What You'll Need for Amazing Turkey Gravy

  • Drippings: Those wonderful brown leftovers in your pan are the foundation of all the flavor!
  • Giblets: Save these bits - they pack in so much richness.
  • Flour: Just the right amount creates that smooth, velvety finish.
  • Broth: Making your own is fantastic, but a quality store option works great too.
  • Salt and Pepper: Add gradually and taste as you go along.

Creating Your Flavor Wonder

Old-School Method
First, let those giblets bubble away to create deep flavor notes! When done, chop them tiny and toss them into your mix.
Working with Pan Juices
Divide the fat from the juices carefully, then mix with flour for your base. Pour in broth bit by bit, stirring non-stop for smooth results.
Simple Shortcut Version
Don't have giblets? Don't worry! Just the pan drippings will still give you fantastic gravy.

Storage Smarts

Your gravy will stay yummy in the fridge for several days when kept in a sealed container. Want to plan ahead? Make it a couple days before your big meal and just warm it up with a dash of broth to loosen it.

Expert Tricks

  • Nailing Your Base: Don't stop stirring that flour until it turns a nice golden color.
  • Flavor Balance: Go slow with your seasonings - you can always put more in!
  • Getting That Perfect Thickness: Keep extra warm broth nearby to thin things out if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This gravy makes ordinary food fantastic! Spoon it over your potatoes, drizzle it on your stuffing, or save a bit for those incredible leftover turkey sandwiches. You'll definitely want to make extra!

A plate of mashed potatoes and sliced turkey covered in gravy, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside small bowls of sauces. Save it
A plate of mashed potatoes and sliced turkey covered in gravy, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside small bowls of sauces. | iamcooker.com

Common Questions

→ Can this gravy be made early?
Sure, fix it up to 2 days ahead. Keep it chilled and reheat with a splash of broth when ready.
→ Is using giblets required?
Nope, skip them if you want. You’ll still get amazing gravy with just drippings and broth.
→ How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap regular flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour (1:1 ratio). It works just fine!
→ Why skip the liver in giblets?
Liver has a strong, bold taste that’s not for everyone. Leaving it out gives smoother flavor.
→ How long can leftovers last?
Keep extra gravy sealed in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat slowly and add liquid if needed.

Final Thoughts

Learn to make a rich, savory turkey gravy from scratch with drippings and optional giblets. A must-have for your holiday feasts.

Turkey Gravy

Smooth and rich turkey drippings gravy, giblets are optional. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any roasted meal.

Preparation
10 Mins
Cooking Duration
10 Mins
Complete Duration
20 Mins
By: sofia


Complexity: Moderate

Origin: American

Output: 15 Portions (Makes about 4-5 cups of gravy.)

Diet Types: Reduced Carbohydrate, No Dairy Products

What You'll Need

01 Drippings from turkey.
02 Half a cup of regular flour.
03 Four cups chicken stock, low-salt.
04 Season with as much salt and pepper as you like.
05 Optional: Raw turkey neck and giblets.

Preparation Steps

01 Step

Simmer the giblets and neck in a pot of water for an hour or until soft inside.

02 Step

Toss out the liver, pick the meat off the neck, and dice the other giblets into tiny bits.

03 Step

Dump pan drippings into a bowl, allowing the fat to rise up top. Scoop out most of the fat layer.

04 Step

In a saucepan, mix flour with a cup of drippings, stirring till you get a thick paste. Cook till it turns golden.

05 Step

Slowly pour in the chicken stock and another cup of the drippings while whisking.

06 Step

Keep whisking for about 5-8 minutes while it thickens up. Add the chopped giblets.

07 Step

For the right consistency, add more stock or a cornstarch mix, then season with pepper and salt.

Additional Tips

  1. Make this up to two days in advance.
  2. Stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days.
  3. Swap in gluten-free flour to make it friendly for gluten-free diets.

Required Equipment

  • Pot.
  • Spoon with slots.
  • Hand whisk.

Allergen Notice

Review ingredients for possible allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (from the flour).

Nutritional Information (Each Portion)

Consider these values as estimates rather than definitive health guidance.
  • Energy: 25
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Protein Content: 1 g