Silky smooth and perfectly rich, this really is the BEST Turkey Gravy recipe around! There’s nothing better than topping creamy mashed potatoes with the most amazing turkey gravy and this recipe delivers – every single time. Complete your holiday feast with this incredible Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Citrus and Herbs, Best Ever Cranberry Sauce, Twice Baked Potato Casserole, and yummy Crescent Rolls!
Turkey Gravy
Big claim right? Well the good news is I can totally back it up 🙂 This is a classic turkey gravy recipe with a little twist…but we’ll get to that in a minute.
So last week I shared my slow cooker turkey breast recipe and y’all would have to be crazy if you didn’t think I was going to make some mashed potatoes and gravy to go with it. In doing so I realized that I needed to share this gravy recipe with you all and along with it, my tricks for achieving that perfect turkey gravy.
It all starts with the drippings. Whether you roasted your turkey or slow cooked it, there will be drippings. Drippings refers to the juices or liquids left in the pan – this stuff is like liquid gold people. Treasure it. Love it. Turn it into gravy.
What Do I Need To Make Turkey Gravy?
Gravy is made with five simple components:
- Fat. This is what combines with the flour and creates the roux. For the best gravy make sure to gather as much of the turkey drippings as possible and place in a container. You an use a gravy fat separator, a bowl, or a glass measuring cup. Let it the fat separate and use this to make your gravy. Any additional fat needed can be made up with butter.
- Flour. This is what thickens the gravy. When mixed in with the fat (see above), it creates a roux which is the base of the turkey gravy.
- Liquid. The liquid is what determines the overall consistency of the gravy; whether it’s thick or thin. This is often the part of each gravy recipe that you need to “eyeball”. You can always add more but you can’t take it away so go easy here. I like to use the turkey dripping so I get the best flavor. If I run out, I supplement with turkey stock.
- Butter or Cream. This is kind of my secret ingredient for the creamiest gravy imaginable. It doesn’t take a lot of butter or cream to get rich, creamy gravy that will have your guests asking what did you do??
- Salt and Pepper. This is possibly the most important component of good gravy – the seasoning. I love a lot of fresh ground black pepper in my gravy. But this is really where your own tastes come into play. Grab a spoon and get to tasting! Do not add salt and pepper before you’ve tasted the gravy. It may already be plenty salty, you won’t know until you try!
Tips for the Best Turkey Gravy
- First remove the turkey from the pan. Pour all the drippings into a container (I use my 4 cup glass Pyrex measuring cup) and let the fat rise to the top. You will see a layer form at the top that appears solid – that’s what you’re going to use to make the roux.
- Skim off the fat and, if you’re not used to eye-balling measurements, make sure to measure it. This recipe is based off of 1/4 cup of fat but I usually double or triple it depending on how much drippings I have. If you require more fat, supplement with butter.
- Transfer the fat to a large saucepan over medium heat. Let the fat melt and then sprinkle on the flour. Using a wooden spoon, stir continuously until the fat and flour have formed a homogeneous mixture. Continue stirring until the flour browns slightly, this takes 4-5 minutes.
Nobody Likes Lumps In Turkey Gravy
Now the next step is really important for avoiding lumps in gravy (and nobody likes lumps!), the drippings (with the fat removed) need to be hot before they are whisked into the roux. If your drippings have cooled down, heat them up in the microwave for thirty seconds or more until they are nice and hot. (If you have less drippings than the recipe calls for, supplement with turkey broth or chicken broth.)
Whisk in the hot drippings slowly into the roux. Keep whisking until the liquids are fully incorporated. Now bring the gravy to a simmer and continue simmering until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper and for the final step…stir in one tablespoon of butter. Over the top to be sure but it adds a silkiness and richness to the gravy that is phenomenal!
And that’s it! Remember these quick fixes if you find yourself in a jam: too thick – add broth, too thin – mix one tablespoon butter with one tablespoon flour and whisk in, lumps – use your strainer. Enjoy!
Making Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? Don’t forget these favorites:
- Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Best Ever Broccoli Salad
- Slow Cooker Citrus and Herb Turkey Breast
- Stuffing Recipe with Sausage Cranberries and Apples
How To Make Turkey Gravy
The Best Turkey Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fat skimmed from drippings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups drippings
- 1 tbsp butter or heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Transfer the fat to a large saucepan over medium heat. Let the fat melt and then sprinkle on the flour. Using a wooden spoon, stir continuously until the fat and flour have formed a homogeneous mixture. Continue stirring until the flour browns slightly, this takes 4-5 minutes.
- If your drippings have cooled down, heat them up in the microwave for thirty seconds or more until they are nice and hot. (If you have less drippings than the recipe calls for, supplement with turkey broth or chicken broth.)
- Whisk in the hot drippings slowly into the roux. Keep whisking until the liquids are fully incorporated.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and continue simmering until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper and for the final step...stir in one tablespoon of butter or heavy cream.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Too thick - add broth.
- Too thin - mix 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk in.
- Lumps - use your strainer.
- Fat from drippings can be supplemented with butter if you need more.
- Drippings can be supplemented with turkey or chicken broth if you need more.
- Recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
Nutrition
Originally published November 16, 2014.
Make it a meal!
Slow Cooker Citrus and Herb Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
For all appetizer recipes, go HERE.
For all dessert recipes, go HERE.
Sign up to get emails when I post new recipes!
For even more great ideas follow me on Facebook – Pinterest – Instagram – Twitter – Bloglovin’.
CC says
LOVED it! Thank you for posting! My son, who NEVER has gravy ate some on his mashed potatoes!
jessica says
easy and also delicious
Layne says
Pinning now – I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Ashley says
I’ve done one-time something similar but without the butter. I will try to follow every step of this recipe and I will let you know how it goes. 🙂 I`m a new mom and I`m still learning. Thank you for sharing with us.
Phil says
The best gravy ever !
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you SO much Phil!
Jodi says
This gravy was the bomb.com. I’ve been married for ten years and every year, I’d make gravy and my husband wouldn’t eat it. This year, he tried to talk my 5 year old into eating it with his turkey. He said it was amazing. This will definitely be my go to gravy recipe from here on out. It was sooo good.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
This makes me SO happy Jodi! Thank you!
Stephanie Manley says
You are right, this was the best turkey gravy I tried. Everyone wanted to know how this was made.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much!
Liz says
All your tips helped make my best batch of gravy yet!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So happy Liz! Thank you so much!
Brenda says
Gravy is no longer intimidating, yay!!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Woohoo!
Sandy says
OMG, Trish this is the BEST turkey gravy! I never learned to master gravy until I tried your recipe.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This is perfect for Thanksgiving! It looks really amazing!
Barbara Schieving says
Love all the tips for making perfect gravy.
Melissa Sperka says
Velvety smooth absolute perfection!
Joanne says
Easy and luscious. This gravy is so good!
Aysegul Sanford says
I made this over the weekend and it was the best turkey gravy ever. It was so velvety that even my husband made a comment about it. Thanks for sharing.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much!
Lori says
The only recipe I ever use!
Renee says
Super easy, delicious gravy recipe!
sopha says
yeah i made it last night
Nancy says
So similar to how I make my gravy. A foolproof recipe. I agree that adding the butter is an absolute must. Thanks for sharing.
Debasis says
Hi Trish…! this is one of my favorite recipe and your gravy looks so yummy & incredible. i will make this like you. Thanks for sharing…!
Ushmana Palmo Rai says
Trish, I got to be honest with you! The gravy looks very savory, my mouth is watering just looking at the pictures. I am definitely trying this for my dinner this weekend, thank you so very much for sharing! xoxo
jasmine says
I made this last night with the drippings from your crockpot turkey breast….it was the most perfect turkey gravy ever. Serious. It was velvety and perfectly lumpfree. I did double the recipe with no probs.
Jimena says
About how many people would this recipe be enough for?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It makes quite a bit…I would say 10 or so depending on how much gravy everyone likes 🙂
Sierra Schuehle says
Hi! I’m doing an article on Thanksgiving recipes for my high school’s newspaper and was wondering if I could use your turkey gravy recipe? Thank you!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hi Sierra! As long as you give credit back to my site – thank you!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
I’m pretty sure this gravy is the best I’ve seen in a long time.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Jocelyn! You’re so sweet 🙂
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
This homemade gravy looks incredible, Trish! Love your tips! I am a sucker for gravy and would be tempted to pour this on everything! Pinning!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Pour away! We do 🙂 Thanks for the pin Kelly!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Wow. This gravy looks amazing! I’ll take your word as it being the best because it certainly looks amazing. Wishing I could pull it through into my kitchen right now.
Hubby smothers everything in gravy so he’d certainly appreciate this one!
Have an awesome Tuesday!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
LOL! Sounds like my ENTER family Melanie 🙂 Thank you!!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
Mmmm – you made me sad that I have to wait until NEXT week to have turkey with gravy. Love your description of the drippings – liquid gold! Couldn’t have said it any better.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hehe! That they are Sarah 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
Homemade turkey gravy is a must at our Thanksgiving! I’m going to have to keep your tips in mind while I’m making it this year!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Jessica!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
Turkey gravy is my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner! Well, besides the pies that is! 😉 This gravy looks delicious Trish!! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Renee! Gravy can make or break the meal in our house so we work hard at making it the best 🙂
Mir says
I love your no-lumps tip! My mom’s gravy has always been, well, lumpy. I think I’ll take over from her this year and try to make your version!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Haha! Well don’t tell her that Mir 🙂 Thank you!
Krystle(Baking Beauty) says
I always used to use gravy mixes, but once you try homemade there’s no going back. Yours looks incredible!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Agreed Krystle! Homemade is for sure the best way to go. Thank you!
Marcie says
The gravy used to scare me more than drying out my turkey years ago — so much so that I would always ask someone else to do it! Your instructions are so clear and concise, and I wish I had seen this years ago! Pinned.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Marcie!
Rachel Cooks says
Gravy is kind of like pie crust–we’re all a little intimidated by it! Thanks for making it a little easier!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Rachel!