Homemade turkey gravy is a must-have for Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. This rich and flavorful gravy is made from the drippings of roasted turkey, along with broth and seasonings. It’s the perfect accompaniment to mashed potatoes, turkey, and all the other delicious dishes on your holiday table. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make delicious homemade turkey gravy that will impress your guests and elevate your meal.
Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Turkey Gravy
- Drippings from roasted turkey
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Delicious Homemade Turkey Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Drippings
- After roasting your turkey, remove it from the roasting pan and set it aside to rest.
- Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a measuring cup or fat separator. Let the fat rise to the top, then skim off and reserve 1/2 cup of the fat. Discard the rest of the fat or save it for another use.
- Pour the defatted drippings into a separate measuring cup and add enough broth to make 4 cups total. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the flour to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- Gradually whisk in the broth and drippings mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Serve the Gravy
- Transfer the gravy to a gravy boat or serving bowl.
- Serve the gravy warm with turkey, mashed potatoes, and other Thanksgiving dishes.
About the Main Ingredients
Turkey Drippings: The drippings from the roasted turkey are the key ingredient in this gravy, providing rich flavor and depth. They also contain the natural juices and fat from the turkey, which add richness to the gravy.
Broth: Turkey or chicken broth is used to add volume and flavor to the gravy. You can use store-bought or homemade broth, but homemade will give you the best flavor.
Flour and Butter (Roux): The flour and butter are used to thicken the gravy and give it a smooth, velvety texture. The roux also adds a rich, buttery flavor to the gravy.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor to the gravy and complement the savory turkey drippings.
Herbs: Dried thyme and sage are classic Thanksgiving herbs that add warmth and earthiness to the gravy. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are added to enhance the flavor of the gravy. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preference.