Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe (with Drippings)

This easy Turkey Gravy Recipe is made with only 4 ingredients, including the drippings of our favorite Turkey Recipe. Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make turkey gravy from drippings with our quick, easy, fail-proof method!

For many years, every Thanksgiving I searched for a simple gravy recipe using drippings from our turkey, and could never find one that worked well! So I decided to create my own gravy using the drippings from our Roast Turkey Recipe and it is the the best. 

Seriously, one year I made a gravy that separated so much even blending it for 2 minutes in my Vitamix didn't make the layers come together - YIKES. I promise you, that will not happen with this gravy recipe. It's easy to make with only 4 ingredients, and I have included tips on how to make sure no separation occurs! 

Turkey Gravy Recipe: Ingredients

This turkey gravy recipe was created to be made with drippings (for the best results use the drippings from this Roast Turkey Recipe). I explain how to filter the drippings below. 

• Turkey drippings. Our turkey recipe uses aromatics that result in the best turkey gravy ever. Make sure to use aromatics so you get a good amount of drippings when roasting a turkey. 
• Salted butter. To make a roux, butter is a must. You can use unsalted butter if you prefer. 
• All-purpose flour. for a gluten-free variety, use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. 
• Salt & pepper. Make sure to taste the gravy once it has thickened, then add salt and pepper as desired. 

How to make turkey gravy from drippings

Let's walk through the process of making turkey gravy from drippings - and don't forget to watch the video. 

Retrieve the Drippings: 

When your turkey is finished cooking, do not, I repeat - do NOT  discard the drippings. Use them to make the best gravy in the entire world. This is what the pan should look like after roasting, there will be about 4 cups of drippings if you use our turkey recipe!

Strain the drippings

Strain the drippings from this turkey recipe into a bowl through a fine metal mesh strainer. Discard the contents of the strainer, but keep the liquid drippings. 

Remove layer of liquid fat

If there is a layer of liquid fat on the top, use a turkey baster to suck it off and discard – this step is critical to ensure the gravy does not separate once it's made. 

Make a Roux

I've tried many ways to thicken gravy over the years, and a roux is by far the most delicious and it's absolutely fool-proof - resulting in a beautifully thickened gravy every single time. 

In a saucepan, melt the butter, then add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute or until the roux is thickened and just begins to brown.

Add strained drippings

Pour the drippings from the turkey into the roux, whisking during the addition.

Cook/Boil

Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is thick about 5-10 minutes. It's important to continue stirring the gravy so it doesn't stick to the pan and burn.

Season the thickened turkey gravy

Once the turkey gravy has thickened, taste it  and season with salt and pepper if desired. 

Serve

Pour into a gravy boat and serve! Obviously I recommend serving it over our oven-roasted turkey recipe, and the best mashed potatoes in the world. 

To store: 

Store any leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I recommend using a glass jar with a lid. 

To reheat

This turkey gravy thickens and becomes solid as it is chilled. But don't worry, when you reheat it with your favorite thanksgiving leftovers it becomes a liquid again. Simply plop a portion of the chilled gravy onto the leftovers you are heating up and warm them in the microwave or oven. 

You can also reheat the entire jar in the microwave or empty the contents into a saucepan and warm over low heat on the stovetop. 

Recipe FAQs

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More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes

Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve alongside the roast turkey and turkey gravy! 

• The best mashed potatoes ever - they are herb and garlic infused and so delicious. 
• Sweet potato casserole is a must-have on Thanksgiving (also try this healthy sweet potato casserole). 
• Prefer your sweet potatoes roasted? Try these cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes or these roasted sweet potatoes and apples. 
• This Roasted Butternut squash is so delicious served alongside a Thanksgiving turkey. 
• Every holiday meal needs Brussels sprouts! Try these balsamic roasted Brussel sprouts or these Brussel sprouts with bacon (and honey mustard), both are loved by even the harshest sprouts critics. 
• These homemade dinner rolls are the absolute best and are always on our holiday table. Plus they are great to use to make leftover roast turkey sandwiches. 
• Butternut squash soup is a delicious appetizer!

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