Easy Turkey Gravy: A Quick, Flavorful Addition to Your Holiday Feast

Turkey gravy is a classic accompaniment to roasted turkey, and it’s a key component of many holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas. A rich, savory gravy can elevate your turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, adding that extra layer of flavor to make the meal even more delicious. But sometimes, the process of making gravy can seem intimidating. That’s why we’re here to show you how to make Easy Turkey Gravy—a simple, foolproof recipe that’s full of flavor and takes just a few minutes to prepare!

This gravy uses turkey drippings, which are the fat and juices left behind from roasting your turkey. It’s these drippings that impart the rich, savory flavor to your gravy. If you don’t have drippings, you can easily substitute with store-bought turkey or chicken broth. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy turkey gravy recipe is a must-try for your next holiday meal.

Let’s explore why this Easy Turkey Gravy is so popular, the ingredients you’ll need, and how to make it from scratch!

Why Easy Turkey Gravy is So Popular

Gravy is the ultimate comfort food addition to a holiday meal. It adds richness and moisture to the turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and other sides, making everything taste even better. Turkey gravy is particularly loved because it’s made from the flavorful drippings left over from roasting the bird itself, making it the perfect complement to your turkey.

This Easy Turkey Gravy is popular because it’s incredibly quick and simple to make—no need for complex techniques or special equipment. In just a few steps, you can have a smooth, flavorful gravy to pour over your holiday meal. Plus, it’s a versatile sauce that can be adjusted to suit your taste. You can make it as thick or as thin as you like, and add seasonings to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables, this gravy is the perfect finishing touch for any meal.

Key Ingredients for Easy Turkey Gravy

Making turkey gravy requires just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Turkey Drippings: The Flavor Base

The drippings are the fat and juices that collect in the bottom of the roasting pan while the turkey cooks. These drippings are packed with flavor, and they’re the foundation for a rich and savory gravy. If you don’t have turkey drippings, you can substitute with chicken broth or turkey stock.

Measurement for Turkey Drippings:

• ½ cup turkey drippings (from your roasted turkey)

2. Butter: For the Roux

Butter is essential for making a roux (the thickening base of the gravy). It adds richness and flavor to the sauce.

Measurement for Butter:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3. Flour: For Thickening the Gravy

Flour is used to thicken the gravy and give it a smooth texture. A simple roux (flour and butter mixture) is the base of the gravy, and when combined with the drippings and broth, it creates a velvety sauce.

Measurement for Flour:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4. Turkey or Chicken Broth: For Additional Flavor and Liquid

While turkey drippings provide a lot of flavor, turkey or chicken broth adds the necessary liquid for the gravy. Broth ensures that the gravy has a smooth consistency and enhances the overall taste.

Measurement for Broth:

• 1 ½ cups turkey or chicken broth

5. Salt and Pepper: For Seasoning

Simple seasonings like salt and pepper are used to enhance the natural flavors of the gravy. You can add more to taste as needed.

Measurement for Salt and Pepper:

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

How to Make Easy Turkey Gravy

Making turkey gravy is a straightforward process that comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Collect the Turkey Drippings

• After roasting your turkey, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest. Carefully pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a measuring cup or fat separator. If you don’t have a fat separator, you can use a spoon to skim off the excess fat. You want about ½ cup of turkey drippings to use for the gravy.

2. Make the Roux

• In the same pan you used to roast the turkey (or a separate saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat.
• Once the butter has melted, add the flour. Stir constantly to combine the butter and flour into a smooth paste (this is the roux). Continue cooking and stirring for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

3. Add the Turkey Drippings and Broth

• Gradually pour in the turkey drippings, stirring constantly to ensure that the roux doesn’t form lumps.
• Slowly add the turkey or chicken broth to the pan while continuing to stir. This will help the gravy come together and thicken evenly.

4. Simmer and Season

• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Once the gravy has thickened and is seasoned to your preference, remove it from the heat and pour it into a serving dish or gravy boat. Serve immediately over your turkey, mashed potatoes, or any side dishes that need a little extra flavor!

Why Easy Turkey Gravy is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Easy Turkey Gravy is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Holiday Meals: It’s the perfect gravy to serve with your holiday turkey, Thanksgiving dinner, or Christmas feast. It’s a simple yet delicious addition to any festive meal.
• Weeknight Dinners: While it’s often associated with special occasions, this gravy can be made any time you roast a chicken or turkey, adding extra flavor to your weeknight meals.
• Leftovers: If you have leftover turkey, this gravy is a great way to reheat it while adding extra moisture and flavor to the dish.
• Versatile: Though it’s traditionally served with turkey, this gravy is delicious with other roasted meats like chicken or pork.

Conclusion

Easy Turkey Gravy is a classic, simple sauce that adds a rich and savory finish to any meal. Made with turkey drippings, butter, flour, and broth, this gravy is incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to your holiday feast or weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and warmth to your table, transforming even the simplest meals into something special.

Give this Easy Turkey Gravy recipe a try and elevate your next meal with this rich, flavorful sauce!

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FAQs

1. Can I make turkey gravy without drippings?

Yes, you can use store-bought turkey or chicken broth as a substitute for turkey drippings. While the flavor won’t be as rich, the gravy will still be delicious.

2. Can I make the gravy thicker?

If you prefer thicker gravy, simply cook it for a longer time to reduce it, or add a little more flour to the roux. Be sure to whisk well to avoid lumps.

3. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a little more broth if necessary to thin it out.

4. Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?

Yes, cornstarch can be used to thicken gravy instead of flour. Use about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water to replace the flour. Add it to the gravy after the broth has been added and simmer until thickened.

5. How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?

To prevent lumps, make sure to whisk the flour and butter together into a smooth roux, and add the liquid gradually while constantly stirring. If lumps do form, you can use an immersion blender to smooth the gravy.

6. Can I make this gravy vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by using vegetable broth instead of turkey drippings and butter, and substituting plant-based butter or olive oil.

7. How can I make the gravy spicier?

If you prefer a spicier gravy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy while it simmers.

8. Can I freeze turkey gravy?

Yes, you can freeze turkey gravy. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove, adding more broth if needed.

9. Can I make gravy with turkey parts like wings or thighs?

Yes, turkey wings or thighs can be roasted and used to make drippings for the gravy. Roasting the turkey parts will help them develop flavor and create rich, flavorful drippings.

10. Can I make gravy without a roux?

Yes, you can make a simpler version of turkey gravy by simply combining the drippings with broth and simmering until thickened. You can also add a little cornstarch or flour slurry at the end to thicken it if needed.