Turkey Gravy Recipe

I absolutely love this Turkey Gravy Recipe because it’s rich, flavorful, and brings that perfect homemade touch to any holiday meal or cozy dinner. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the fresh herbs and pan drippings come together to create something that tastes like pure comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re roasting a big turkey for Thanksgiving or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this gravy never disappoints.

You’ll find that making this gravy is simpler than you might expect, yet it delivers restaurant-quality results. It’s the kind of recipe I share with friends because I want you to enjoy those deep, savory flavors without fuss or stress. Plus, the trick of blending cold broth with flour ensures you’ll get a smooth, lump-free gravy that coats your turkey and sides beautifully every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create that quintessential turkey gravy flavor. I recommend using homemade or good-quality turkey stock if you can—it really makes a difference in depth of flavor.

• Turkey stock: Using a rich, well-seasoned stock, preferably homemade, forms the savory base of your gravy.
• Fresh sage: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note that pairs beautifully with turkey.
• Fresh thyme: Brings a fragrant, woodsy aroma that elevates the gravy’s complexity.
• Bells seasoning: A secret touch I discovered that adds just the right poultry seasoning flavor.
• Kosher salt: For seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors—adjust to your taste.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick; freshly ground always makes a difference.
• All-purpose flour: The thickening agent; blending it with cold broth helps avoid lumps.
• Pan drippings: The golden treasure left from your roasted turkey that infuses the gravy with unmatched richness.

Variations

I love how this turkey gravy recipe is so easy to customize! Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, you can tweak it a bit and still get great results. Feel free to add your own spin—it’s all about making it work for you and your family.

• Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap out fresh thyme for rosemary or add a touch of parsley for a different herbal profile that keeps things fresh and interesting.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve tried using cornstarch instead of flour with great success—just whisk it in cold broth like the recipe suggests, and it thickens beautifully.
• Richer Gravy: For extra richness, I add a splash of cream or a knob of butter at the end, which makes the texture luxuriously smooth.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: If you’re skipping the turkey, vegetable stock with a bit of mushrooms and sage can create a lovely alternative gravy.

How to Make Turkey Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Stock with Fresh Herbs

Start by pouring 4 cups of your turkey stock into a medium or large pot and gently bring it to a simmer. Toss in a few sprigs of fresh sage and thyme, along with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt (less if your stock is already salted) and black pepper to taste. Let this gently simmer for about 15 minutes—this slow infusion is what gives your gravy that layered depth of flavor. Don’t forget to discard the herbs once they’ve loosened their magic.

Step 2: Blend Flour with Cold Broth and Seasoning

While your stock simmers, add the remaining 1 cup of cold turkey broth, 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of Bells seasoning into a blender. Blend until it’s completely smooth—this step is your best defense against lumps later on. You’ll thank yourself when your gravy comes out velvety and perfect.

Step 3: Temper the Flour Mixture

Next, scoop about 2 cups of the hot, simmering turkey stock into the blender with your flour mixture. Blend again to temper the flour, which means it warms up slowly without clumping. Then pour this blended mixture back into the pot with the simmering stock. This method takes the guesswork out of thickening.

Step 4: Add Pan Drippings and Thicken

Now comes the best part—the pan drippings from your roasted turkey. Pour all those flavorful drippings straight into the pot. Keep the heat on low and whisk continuously for 5 to 10 minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. This step turns your gravy into something truly irresistible.

How to Serve Turkey Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish the gravy with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and a subtle brightness. Sometimes a few whole sage leaves floated on top make it look extra special, especially for holiday dinners — plus, they smell amazing!

Side Dishes

Turkey gravy isn’t complete without classic sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or buttery green beans. My family goes crazy for this gravy served with stuffing or cranberry sauce alongside it — it’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve gravy in a rustic gravy boat garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary. It instantly elevates the table, invites guests to help themselves, and makes the moment feel a little more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you reheat, give it a good whisk to reincorporate any thickening agents that might have settled and add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Freezing

Freezing turkey gravy works well if done properly. I pour the cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When I thaw it, I do so in the fridge overnight and whisk well before reheating to bring back its smoothness.

Reheating

Reheat your turkey gravy gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning. If it gets too thick, add small amounts of warm stock or water to reach your desired consistency. Trust me, patience here really pays off!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This turkey gravy recipe has become my go-to for any time I roast a turkey because it’s dependable, flavorful, and downright comforting. I love sharing it with friends because it’s easy to make yet feels so indulgent and special. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how it brings out the best in your turkey and sides, making your meal memorable for all the right reasons.

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