Homestyle Turkey Gravy

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Turkey Drippings: These add amazing flavor to your gravy. If you don’t have any drippings, you can use store-bought broth or stock. This can change the taste, but it still works well!

Unsalted Butter: Butter helps in making the roux, bringing richness to gravy. If you need a dairy-free option, you can replace it with olive oil or vegan butter for similar results.

All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken your gravy. If you’re gluten-free, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just mix it with a bit of water before adding it to avoid lumps.

Stock: Homemade turkey or chicken stock is ideal, but low-sodium store-bought options also work great. You can even use vegetable stock for a lighter flavor.

Poultry Seasoning: This is optional but adds depth. If you don’t have it, fresh herbs like thyme or sage can substitute nicely, enhancing the turkey flavor.

How Do I Make Sure My Gravy is Lump-Free?

To ensure your gravy is smooth and free of lumps, focus on the roux and the cooking process:

• When you whisk the flour into the butter, keep stirring continuously for about 3-5 minutes. This will cook out any floury taste and keep the mixture smooth.
• When adding stock, do it slowly while whisking constantly. This helps break up any potential lumps and maintains a silky texture.
• If you do end up with lumps, don’t worry! Just strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve for a perfectly smooth finish.

These techniques are simple, but they make a big difference in the final dish. Enjoy making your turkey gravy!

How to Make Homestyle Turkey Gravy

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1/4 cup turkey drippings (from roasted turkey)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups turkey or chicken stock (preferably homemade or low sodium)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or fresh herbs like sage or thyme

How Much Time Will You Need?

This homestyle turkey gravy takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to make right after your turkey is done roasting, making it easy to enjoy fresh and flavorful gravy with your meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Drippings:

After roasting your turkey, carefully pour the pan drippings through a fine strainer into a measuring cup. Allow the fat to rise to the top and skim off about 1/4 cup of fat. Set the drippings aside and you can discard the solids or keep them if you like a bit more texture.

2. Start the Roux:

In a medium saucepan, heat the reserved turkey fat over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. This delicious combination forms the base of your gravy.

3. Make the Roux:

Next, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continuously whisk the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. This step ensures that the raw flour taste is cooked out, giving your gravy a rich flavor.

4. Add the Stock:

Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken stock, making sure to break up any lumps. Once smooth, incorporate the reserved pan drippings (without the fat) into the mixture. This will enhance the flavor beautifully!

5. Simmer and Thicken:

Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, using a whisk frequently to keep it smooth. Allow it to simmer until thickened to your desired consistency, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

6. Season It Up:

Once thickened, taste your gravy and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. For an extra flavor boost, you can stir in poultry seasoning or fresh chopped herbs if you like.

7. Strain for Smoothness (Optional):

If you prefer an ultra-smooth gravy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a serving bowl or gravy boat.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your warm homestyle turkey gravy over slices of turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, or stuffing. It’s the perfect comfort to elevate your meal!

This gravy is a rich and savory addition to your holiday favorites, bringing comfort and joy to every bite!

Can I Use Store-Bought Turkey Drippings?

Absolutely! If you don’t have homemade drippings, store-bought turkey or chicken stock works well. Just be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly, but it’s still a great option for a delicious gravy.

What If My Gravy Turns Out Lumpy?

Don’t fret! If you find lumps in your gravy, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve to achieve a smooth consistency. Alternatively, you can also use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth.

How Do I Store Leftover Gravy?

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little stock or water if it has thickened too much.

Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?

You can definitely prepare the gravy ahead of time! Make it several hours in advance and keep it warm in a slow cooker. Just stir occasionally and add a splash of stock during reheating to maintain its smooth texture.