This homestyle turkey gravy is the perfect companion for your holiday meals. It’s rich, smooth, and bursting with flavor, made simply from turkey drippings and pantry staples.
Honestly, nothing beats the joy of pouring gravy on mashed potatoes! I love how easy it is to whip up, especially with those leftover drippings. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey drippings: These are essential for a rich flavor. If you don’t have drippings, you can use store-bought gravy or broth instead. However, using drippings gives you that homemade taste.
Unsalted butter: This helps create a great roux when there isn’t enough fat from the drippings. Margarine can work in a pinch, but butter really gives a nice flavor!
All-purpose flour: This thickens the gravy. If you’re gluten-free, try using cornstarch mixed with a little water instead of flour.
Broth: Low-sodium turkey or chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness. You can use vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter option.
Poultry seasoning or sage: These add depth to the gravy. Try thyme or rosemary for a different flavor twist if you don’t have these on hand.
How Do I Make Sure My Gravy is Lump-Free?
A common issue with gravy can be those pesky lumps. The key is in how you whisk and add your ingredients. Here are some tips:
- When making your roux, ensure the flour is thoroughly mixed with the fat and cooked slightly to remove any raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the broth, starting with a small amount to create a smooth mixture before adding the rest.
- Continue to whisk constantly until the gravy thickens. If you notice lumps form, you can use an immersion blender to smooth things out.
Taking these steps will help you create a perfectly smooth and tasty turkey gravy every time!
Homestyle Turkey Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup turkey drippings (fat and juices) from roasted turkey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (if needed, to supplement drippings)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning or sage (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This homestyle turkey gravy takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up right after roasting the turkey while everything is still warm and fresh. Just gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Drippings:
After roasting your turkey, carefully pour any pan drippings through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup or bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the fat to rise to the top. Skim off the fat until you have 1/4 cup reserved; don’t forget to save the juice beneath the fat for extra flavor!
2. Heat the Drippings:
In a medium saucepan, heat the reserved turkey drippings over medium heat. If you have less than 1/4 cup fat, simply add butter to make up the difference. This ensures that your gravy has enough fat for flavor and smoothness!
3. Create the Roux:
Now, sprinkle the flour over the fat in the saucepan. Whisk constantly to create a smooth roux. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color and starts to smell nutty—this helps to eliminate the raw flour taste and gives the gravy a nice depth.
4. Add the Broth:
Slowly whisk in the broth while stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. This is also the time to add the turkey juice (the liquid part under the fat) to enhance the flavor. Keep whisking until everything is combined!
5. Simmer and Thicken:
Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If you like thicker gravy, let it simmer a bit longer!
6. Season It Up:
If you want to add a little more flavor, stir in the poultry seasoning or sage at this point. Taste your gravy and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the taste. Adjust to your liking!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, serve your delicious gravy warm, poured over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavors of your homemade turkey gravy during your holiday feast!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought turkey or chicken broth is a great time-saver and will still yield delicious gravy. Just make sure to choose low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness of your gravy.
What If I Don’t Have Enough Turkey Drippings?
No worries! If you don’t have enough drippings, you can supplement with unsalted butter. Just add enough to total 1/4 cup of fat for the roux and keep the flavor balanced!
Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the gravy a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
How Do I Thicken My Gravy More?
If you want thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then gradually whisk it into the simmering gravy. Let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened to your liking!