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Foolproof Turkey Gravy from Drippings

A close-up of rich, smooth turkey gravy being spooned from a metal spoon into a white gravy boat.

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Create a silky, savory turkey gravy from pan drippings that will bring your holiday feast to life. This recipe is designed to be simple and yield lump-free results.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups turkey drippings (from roasting pan)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pour the turkey drippings from the roasting pan into a heatproof bowl or fat separator. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the fat to separate from the juices. Skim off about 1/4 cup of the fat and reserve it. Discard the remaining fat or save for another use.
  2. Pour the defatted turkey juices back into the roasting pan (if using the pan to make gravy) or into a saucepan.
  3. Place the roasting pan (or saucepan) over medium heat. Add the reserved 1/4 cup of turkey fat to the pan.
  4. Whisk in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with the fat until smooth, creating a roux. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. This step cooks out the raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of turkey or chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
  6. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring frequently. Let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can whisk in a little more broth or water.
  7. Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to your taste.
  8. Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving boat or gravy boat for an extra-smooth texture, if desired.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or sherry when deglazing the pan before adding the broth.
  • If you don’t have enough drippings, you can supplement with store-bought turkey or chicken broth.
  • This gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.

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