Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe

Turkey gravy is a sauce made from pan drippings or turkey broth and thickened with a roux. It is a deeply flavorful addition to Thanksgiving dinner that can be poured on everything from mashed potatoes and stuffing to carved turkey and vegetables. This flavorful gravy recipe comes together quickly while the roasted turkey rests (an essential step before carving). Simply gather the pan drippings from the turkey, make a roux, and cook the mixture until it is thickened, smooth, and glossy. Chopped herbs such as thyme, parsley, and chives are a great way to add vibrancy to your gravy.

Here’s how to make the very best gravy to serve with your Thanksgiving turkey.

1. 1. Strain the turkey drippings. When using drippings (the juices and brown bits that accumulate at the bottom of the roasting pan), you want to make sure there are no solids left behind that might make the gravy lumpy. Pass the drippings through a mesh strainer into a large measuring cup and skim off the fat before using, or use a fat separator to make your job easy.
2. 2. Use turkey or chicken broth or stock. If you opted for frying, grilling, or other turkey-cooking methods that didn’t produce pan drippings, you can make a simple gravy with turkey stock (or chicken stock) instead.
3. 3. Whisk and cook thoroughly. Using a whisk and cooking your gravy to the right consistency requires a bit of babysitting over the pan. Whisking will ensure a lump-free gravy, and simmering for a full five to ten minutes will activate the starches in the roux for a thick and shiny gravy.
4. 4. Use cornstarch for a gluten-free option. Instead of roux, you can thicken the gravy with a slurry of cornstarch. Make the slurry with equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir into hot liquid and bring to a boil until thickened. One tablespoon of cornstarch will thicken one cup of drippings or broth.
5. 5. Warm your serving dish. Gravy will solidify when cooled, so take care to warm the gravy boat to ensure the gravy stays warm and pourable while serving.