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The Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

4.4 from 118 reviews

This recipe for The Best Turkey Gravy delivers a rich, smooth, and flavorful gravy made from turkey drippings, perfect for enhancing your holiday meals. The process includes making a roux from the fat skimmed from the drippings and flour, then gradually whisking in the hot drippings to create a luscious gravy finished with butter or heavy cream and seasoned to taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Gravy Ingredients

  • ¼ cup fat skimmed from turkey drippings (supplement with butter if insufficient)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups turkey drippings
  • 1 tablespoon butter or heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Make roux: Transfer the fat skimmed from the drippings to a large saucepan over medium heat. Let the fat melt completely.
  2. Cook roux: Sprinkle the flour over the melted fat, then continuously stir using a wooden spoon until the mixture is homogeneous. Continue stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until the flour browns slightly, developing a nutty aroma that forms the base of the gravy.
  3. Heat drippings: If the turkey drippings have cooled, warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until hot. If you have less than the required 2 cups, supplement with turkey broth or chicken broth to reach the amount.
  4. Incorporate drippings: Slowly whisk the hot drippings into the roux, making sure to keep stirring to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until all liquids are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  5. Simmer gravy: Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
  6. Season and finish: Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the tablespoon of butter or heavy cream to enrich the gravy and give it a velvety finish.
  7. Serve: Pour the finished gravy into a gravy boat and serve hot alongside your turkey and sides.

Notes

  • Skim fat carefully from the drippings for best flavor, supplement with butter if needed.
  • If drippings are lacking, use turkey or chicken broth to make up the volume.
  • Continuous stirring during roux making prevents burning and ensures a smooth gravy.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end to balance flavors to your preference.
  • The gravy can be kept warm on low heat or reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: turkey gravy, homemade gravy, turkey drippings, holiday gravy, Thanksgiving gravy