Turkey Gravy Recipe From Drippings
Posted Nov 08, 2020, Updated Mar 14, 2025
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This easy turkey gravy recipe is made with 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.
This is the best turkey gravy recipe ever because it’s made from turkey drippings and not from a package.
For years making turkey gravy intimated me, because I had my fair share of gravy fails. So, I created this 4-ingredient turkey gravy recipe that is completely fail-proof!
This turkey gravy from drippings is easy to make with only 4 ingredients and will be the star of your Thanksgiving or holiday meal, served over my roast turkey recipe, the best mashed potatoes and the rest of your favorite Thanksgiving recipes!
In this post you will learn how to make turkey gravy from drippings with my easy method that includes troubleshooting tips and tricks so you can make sure no separation occurs and it turns out perfectly every single time.
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.
Collect the Drippings
When your turkey is finished cooking, 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.
Pour the drippings from the turkey into the roux, whisking during the addition.
Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is thick about 15-25 minutes. It’s important to continue stirring the gravy so it doesn’t stick to the pan and burn.
Once the turkey gravy has thickened, taste it and season with salt and pepper if desired.
When you’re ready to serve, transfer the turkey gravy to a gravy boat and serve.
Serve
Serve this turkey gravy from drippings warm over your favorite turkey, like this oven-roasted turkey recipe.
It’s delicious served with all of our Thanksgiving recipes like mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, roasted green beans, and more!
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.
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.
Turkey Gravy Recipe FAQs
Steep aromatics in hot water and pour that into the cavity of your turkey, then roast it covered in foil. (see our roast turkey recipe).
Use our roast turkey recipe – the drippings from that turkey make the best gravy ever. You can also add salt and pepper, fresh herbs, etc.
If you find yourself with lots of turkey drippings, you can absolutely double this recipe.
If you make and love my recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so I can see your creations!
Easy Turkey Gravy From Drippings
Ingredients
- 4 cups turkey drippings*
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Strain the drippings from this turkey recipe into a bowl through a fine metal mesh strainer. Note: 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!
- In a 4-quart quart saucepan, melt butter.
- Add flour to melted butter and whisk to combine.
- Cook for 1 minute or until the roux is thickened and just begins to brown.
- Pour the drippings from the turkey into the roux, whisking during the addition.
- Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is thick about 5-10 minutes.
- Taste, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Pour into a gravy boat and serve.
Video
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi I usually only get 2 cups of dripping what do I do if only 2 cups
Halve the recipe! It works great!
I make a similar gravy in that I baste the turkey with a stick of butter, so I just add the flour + meat from the neck & liver and I’m done! A dash of cream works as well 😉
Simple and makes delicious gravy!
I made this & it was amazing! Super easy, fast & yum. Thank you!!
Best turkey gravy recipe so far. I’m not a good cook but this gravy made our Thanksgiving night, we all loved it.
I’ve been roasting our turkey successfully for several years now, but my gravy has always been a big disappointment. This year, however, I found this recipe and it was hands down the best gravy I’ve ever made. Even my husband, who weirdly doesn’t like gravy, said it was good. I’ll definitely be adding this to my holiday recipes. Thank you so much for putting this out for abysmal gravy makers such as myself.
Thank you so much Cass! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe!