Forget those store-bought gravy packets—trust us, they can’t compare to this recipe! Nothing beats the taste of homemade turkey gravy made with real turkey drippings! Or you can use broth. It’s so good, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!
Try our Cajun Roasted Turkey Breast or our Juiciest Turkey Ever recipes to get the perfect pan drippings for your gravy.
Why Our Recipe
- Use turkey broth or pan drippings to create a perfectly smooth gravy in 10 minutes!
- Thyme and parsley bring a restaurant-quality touch without any extra effort.
Fresh thyme and parsley add a touch of restaurant-quality flavor without complicating things, bringing that extra layer of savoriness everyone loves. There often aren’t enough juices in the roasting pan for a full batch, so just fill in with store-bought turkey broth or stock. You’re going to love it!
Ingredient Notes
- Turkey Broth: For the best flavor, use pan drippings and turkey broth or stock. If you’re short on drippings, store-bought turkey broth or stock works too.
- Butter: Butter helps give the gravy more flavor. You can always substitute with lard or a neutral-flavored oil like olive oil.
- Flour: Flour helps thicken the gravy. For a gluten-free option, substitute with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
- Fresh Herbs: We recommend using fresh herbs but you can also use dried herbs as well. You’d use 1/4 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried parsley.
Using Pan Drippings
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: nothing beats homemade gravy made with pan drippings! While pan drippings alone usually aren’t enough for a full batch, every bit adds flavor. Start by scraping any turkey drippings from the bottom of the pan (add 1/2 cup of turkey broth if needed to help loosen them). Pour the drippings into a strainer over a large cup or bowl to catch all the rich juices while removing any fat and gristle. Then, add enough turkey broth to reach a full 4 cups of liquid for the recipe.
Broth Options
You should be able to find turkey broth at your local supermarket. If you can’t, feel free to use chicken broth. You can even use reduced-sodium chicken broth. You’ll add the broth to your turkey drippings to make the total amount needed for this recipe.
Making a Roux
Knowing how to make a roux is the first step to perfect homemade gravy. A roux is a simple mixture of butter and all-purpose flour. Start by melting the butter, then add the flour and cook the mixture briefly over heat until it forms a paste. When you add liquid and let it simmer, the roux thickens the gravy to a perfect consistency.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container or in your gravy boat wrapped in plastic – in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe airtight container once the gravy has cooled. It can be frozen for 4-6 months.
Reheat portions in the microwave on high in 30-second increments or on the stove in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through.