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Classic Turkey Gravy

Featured in: Sauces & Marinades

This easy gravy comes together quickly with drippings and a roux. Add giblets for more depth, if you like. Ready in under 20 minutes.
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Twistytaste.com
Updated on Thu, 01 May 2025 15:11:31 GMT
Sliced turkey topped with gravy, mashed potatoes, and broccoli on a plate. Pin it
Sliced turkey topped with gravy, mashed potatoes, and broccoli on a plate. | twistytaste.com

Here's my never-fail turkey gravy trick that makes everything on your holiday table taste amazing! After countless festive meals, I've nailed this sauce that turns regular mashed potatoes into fluffy delights and makes turkey leftovers absolutely mouthwatering. Trust me, once you whip up your own gravy, you'll toss those packaged versions for good!

The Magic of Savory Turkey Gravy

What really pulls a Thanksgiving meal together? It's definitely the gravy! This golden goodness connects all the flavors creating something special with each mouthful. Whether you're pouring it over your potatoes or dunking that turkey sandwich the next day, homemade gravy can't be beaten.

What You Need for Delicious Turkey Gravy

  • Drippings: Those flavorful brown bits from your pan are where all the goodness begins!
  • Giblets: Don't toss these away - they pack in tons of rich taste.
  • Flour: Just the right amount for that smooth, velvety finish.
  • Broth: I prefer making my own but a good boxed version works fine too.
  • Salt and Pepper: Add gradually and check the flavor as you go.

Creating Your Flavor Wonder

Old-School Approach
Begin by gently cooking those giblets for amazing richness! When done, chop them tiny and mix into your sauce.
Working With Pan Juices
Gently remove the fat layer from your drippings then blend with flour for your base. Add broth slowly while stirring non-stop for perfect smoothness.
Fast and Simple Option
No giblets around? Don't worry! Just the pan drippings will still create wonderful gravy.

Storage Smarts

Your gravy will stay tasty in the fridge up to three days when kept in a sealed container. Want to plan ahead? Make it two days before your big dinner - just warm it up with a little extra broth to get the right thickness.

Pro Secrets

  • Golden Roux Success: Keep stirring that flour mixture until it gets a nice amber color.
  • Flavor Balance: Go easy with salt and pepper at first - you can always throw in more!
  • Perfect Thickness: Have warm broth nearby to adjust how thick or thin you want it.

Tasty Pairings

This gravy works wonders on everything! Splash it over your potatoes, drizzle it on your stuffing, or save some for tomorrow's turkey sandwiches. You'll definitely want extra for all those leftovers!

A plate of mashed potatoes and sliced turkey covered in gravy, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside small bowls of sauces. Pin it
A plate of mashed potatoes and sliced turkey covered in gravy, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside small bowls of sauces. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this in advance?
Yep! Make it up to two days beforehand. Keep it refrigerated and warm it up with extra broth before serving.
→ Are giblets absolutely necessary?
Not at all. Drippings and broth are plenty flavorful on their own.
→ What’s the gluten-free version of this?
Just swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend that matches 1:1. It works exactly the same.
→ Why pull out the liver from the giblets?
Liver has a super strong flavor that not everyone loves. Taking it out gives a smoother taste.
→ How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat it gently, adding liquid to thin if needed.

Conclusion

Craft a smooth, tasty sauce with turkey drippings and optional giblets. This quick-gravy is a stress-free option for holiday dinners.

Turkey Gravy

Smooth and savory turkey gravy from pan drippings, with or without giblets. Great for holiday meals or roasted turkey nights.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Sauces & Marinades

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (Makes about 4-5 cups of sauce.)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Optional: uncooked turkey neck and giblets.
02 Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups).
03 Half a cup of regular flour.
04 Seasoning: salt and black pepper to your liking.
05 Juices from cooked turkey.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the turkey giblets and neck in water until done, about an hour.

Step 02

After cooking, take out the giblets, discard the liver, pull meat off the neck, and chop everything small.

Step 03

Drain the drippings from the turkey pan into a bowl, then scoop the fat layer off the top.

Step 04

In a pan, mix one cup of drippings with the flour. Stir until smooth and golden brown.

Step 05

Slowly pour in four cups of broth and one more cup of drippings as you whisk.

Step 06

Keep stirring for 5-8 minutes until it thickens up. Add in the giblet pieces.

Step 07

Change the thickness as needed with cornstarch slurry or more liquid. Finish with salt and pepper.

Notes

  1. You can prepare this 2 days in advance.
  2. Keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days.
  3. Swap in gluten-free flour if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Whisk.
  • A saucepan.
  • Slotted spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 25
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g