Forget those store-bought gravy packetsโ€”trust us, they canโ€™t compare to this recipe! Nothing beats the taste of homemade turkey gravy made with real turkey drippings! Or you can use broth. Itโ€™s so good, youโ€™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.

A whisk sitting inside pan of turkey gravy.

Fresh thyme and parsley add a touch of restaurant-quality flavor without complicating things, bringing that extra layer of savoriness everyone loves. There often arenโ€™t enough juices in the roasting pan for a full batch, so just fill in with store-bought turkey broth or stock. Youโ€™re going to love it!

Ingredient Notes

An overhead view of the ingredients needed to make turkey gravy.
  • Turkey Broth: For the best flavor, use pan drippings and turkey broth or stock. If youโ€™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

Weโ€™ve said it before, and weโ€™ll say it again: nothing beats homemade gravy made with pan drippings! While pan drippings alone usually arenโ€™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 canโ€™t, feel free to use chicken broth. You can even use reduced-sodium chicken broth. Youโ€™ll add the broth to your turkey drippings to make the total amount needed for this recipe.

ladle scooping homemade turkey gravy

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 โ€“  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.

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