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How To Make The BEST Turkey Gravy – An Easy-To-Make Recipe

After sharing our recipe on the Best Way To Roast A Turkey, we received several requests asking us to share the Best Way To Make Turkey Gravy.

So for this week’s recipe, we will share our quick and easy method to making turkey gravy using turkey drippings.

best turkey gravy
My plate filled with the classic Thanksgiving food items, including the best turkey gravy that I have ever had!

Although there are a lot of gravy recipes that can be made ahead of time using stock, vegetables and seasonings, the BEST turkey gravy is made from the actual juices that are left in the bottom of the pan.

And because your turkey needs time to rest before carving, there is plenty of time to make fresh and hot gravy right before you are ready to serve your meal.

turkey drippings
The best turkey gravy is made from the turkey drippings rather than stock and seasonings alone.

The Key To Making The Best Turkey Gravy

There are a few keys to make sure that you end up with smooth and silky gravy.

First, you must keep the temperature on the stove on a low heat setting. This will allow the gravy to slowly thicken.

strain the drippings
Be sure to strain the drippings to remove any unwanted items from making it into the gravy.

In addition, low heat is required to allow the thickener to be completely incorporated into the sauce. If you cook it at too high of a temperature, the flour can develop a burnt taste. And nobody wants that!

Plus you also must allow the turkey gravy to slowly simmer. This gives the flour time to adequately blend with the drippings and stock. Otherwise you end up with gravy that tastes just seasoned flour.

whisk the gravy
Be sure to use a whisk, not a spoon to make your gravy.

And the last key too making the turkey gravy is to use a whisk, not a spoon!

Whisking the turkey gravy does two things. First, it will break up any little clumps of flour that may have accumulated in the sauce.

Second, whisking allows air to enter the gravy, making for a silky and light gravy.

By following the easy-to-make recipe below, you will end up with the best turkey gravy!

mashed potatoes and gravy
This is the only gravy that I will use to put on my mashed potatoes, it’s that good!

But also keep this recipe handy for when you make a whole chicken or even a pot roast.

This technique to making gravy could be used for any type of meat that has been roasted. Just use the pan drippings to make the perfect chicken or beef gravy as well!

And be sure to check out all of our Thanksgiving Recipes on our Thanksgiving Recipe Page.

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

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Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe

  • 1 cup turkey drippings
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups stock (turkey, chicken or vegetable)
  • 1/2 cup water (as needed)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  1. Pour turkey drippings in a medium size sauce pan and place over low heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until golden brown – approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Gradually whisk in the stock until gravy is smooth. Add additional water if desired.
  4. Season with salt and pepper and add celery salt. Simmer for 15 minutes to allow gravy to thicken and the seasonings to blend.

Serve Warm
Recipe courtesy of Old World Garden Farms