Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe (with Drippings)

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This easy Turkey Gravy Recipe is made with only 4 ingredients, including the drippings of our favorite Turkey Recipe. Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make turkey gravy from drippings with our quick, easy, fail-proof method!

overhead view of turkey gravy in a gravy boat


For many years, every Thanksgiving I searched for a simple gravy recipe using drippings from our turkey, and could never find one that worked well! So I decided to create my own gravy using the drippings from our Roast Turkey Recipe and it is the the best. 

Seriously, one year I made a gravy that separated so much even blending it for 2 minutes in my Vitamix didn’t make the layers come together – YIKES. I promise you, that will not happen with this gravy recipe. It’s easy to make with only 4 ingredients, and I have included tips on how to make sure no separation occurs! 

overhead view of turkey gravy poured over mashed potatoes in a bowl

Turkey Gravy Recipe: Ingredients

This turkey gravy recipe was created to be made with drippings (for the best results use the drippings from this Roast Turkey Recipe). I explain how to filter the drippings below. 

  • Turkey drippings. Our turkey recipe uses aromatics that result in the best turkey gravy ever. Make sure to use aromatics so you get a good amount of drippings when roasting a turkey. 
  • Salted butter. To make a roux, butter is a must. You can use unsalted butter if you prefer. 
  • All-purpose flour. for a gluten-free variety, use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. 
  • Salt & pepper. Make sure to taste the gravy once it has thickened, then add salt and pepper as desired. 
overhead view of the ingredients in this easy turkey gravy recipe

How to make turkey gravy from drippings

Let’s walk through the process of making turkey gravy from drippings – and don’t forget to watch the video. 

Retrieve the Drippings: 

When your turkey is finished cooking, do not, I repeat – do NOT  discard the drippings. Use them to make the best gravy in the entire world. This is what the pan should look like after roasting, there will be about 4 cups of drippings if you use our turkey recipe!

overhead photo showing How to make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

Strain the drippings

Strain the drippings from this turkey recipe into a bowl through a fine metal mesh strainer. Discard the contents of the strainer, but keep the liquid drippings. 

Remove layer of liquid fat

If there is a layer of liquid fat on the top, use a turkey baster to suck it off and discard – this step is critical to ensure the gravy does not separate once it’s made. 

two overhead photos showing How to make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

Make a Roux

I’ve tried many ways to thicken gravy over the years, and a roux is by far the most delicious and it’s absolutely fool-proof – resulting in a beautifully thickened gravy every single time. 

In a saucepan, melt the butter, then add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute or until the roux is thickened and just begins to brown.

overhead photo showing How to make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

Add strained drippings

Pour the drippings from the turkey into the roux, whisking during the addition.

overhead photo showing How to make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

Cook/Boil

Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is thick about 5-10 minutes. It’s important to continue stirring the gravy so it doesn’t stick to the pan and burn.

overhead photo showing How to make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

Season the thickened turkey gravy

Once the turkey gravy has thickened, taste it  and season with salt and pepper if desired. 

overhead photo showing How to make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

Serve

Pour into a gravy boat and serve! Obviously I recommend serving it over our oven-roasted turkey recipe, and the best mashed potatoes in the world. 

To store: 

Store any leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I recommend using a glass jar with a lid. 

To reheat

This turkey gravy thickens and becomes solid as it is chilled. But don’t worry, when you reheat it with your favorite thanksgiving leftovers it becomes a liquid again. Simply plop a portion of the chilled gravy onto the leftovers you are heating up and warm them in the microwave or oven. 

You can also reheat the entire jar in the microwave or empty the contents into a saucepan and warm over low heat on the stovetop. 

front view of a gravy boat filled wit Turkey Gravy from Drippings

Recipe FAQs

How do I make the most turkey drippings?

Steep aromatics in hot water and pour that into the cavity of your turkey, then roast it covered in foil. (see our roast turkey recipe).

How can I make my turkey gravy taste better?

Use our roast turkey recipe – the drippings from that turkey make the best gravy ever. You can also add salt and pepper, fresh herbs, etc.

Can I double this recipe?

If you find yourself with lots of turkey drippings, you can absolutely double this recipe.

overhead photo of a bowl of mashed potatoes with turkey gravy poured on top

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Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe (from drippings)

Laura
This easy Turkey Gravy Recipe is made with only 4 ingredients, including the drippings of our favorite Turkey Recipe. Watch the video and follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make turkey gravy from drippings with our quick, easy, fail-proof method!
5 from 13 votes
Course condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 24 Servings
Calories 24
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Strain the drippings from this turkey recipe into a bowl through a fine metal mesh strainer. Note: If there is a layer of liquid fat on the top, use a turkey baster to suck it off and discard – this step is critical!
  • In a 4-quart quart saucepan, melt butter.
  • Add flour to melted butter and whisk to combine.
  • Cook for 1 minute or until the roux is thickened and just begins to brown.
  • Pour the drippings from the turkey into the roux, whisking during the addition.
  • Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is thick about 5-10 minutes.
  • Taste, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Pour into a gravy boat and serve.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Turkey drippings. Our turkey recipe uses aromatics that result in the best turkey gravy ever. Make sure to use aromatics so you get a good amount of drippings when roasting a turkey. 
  • Salted butter. To make a roux, butter is a must. You can use unsalted butter if you prefer. 
  • All-purpose flour. for a gluten-free variety, use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. 
  • Salt & pepper. Make sure to taste the gravy once it has thickened, then add salt and pepper as desired.

To store: 

Store any leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I recommend using a glass jar with a lid. 

To reheat

This turkey gravy thickens and becomes solid as it is chilled. But don’t worry, when you reheat it with your favorite thanksgiving leftovers it becomes a liquid again. Simply plop a portion of the chilled gravy onto the leftovers you are heating up and warm them in the microwave or oven. 
You can also reheat the entire jar in the microwave or empty the contents into a saucepan and warm over low heat on the stovetop. 

Nutrition

Serving: 3TBS | Calories: 24kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes

Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve alongside the roast turkey and turkey gravy! 

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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Best turkey gravy recipe so far. I’m not a good cook but this gravy made our Thanksgiving night, we all loved it.

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve been roasting our turkey successfully for several years now, but my gravy has always been a big disappointment. This year, however, I found this recipe and it was hands down the best gravy I’ve ever made. Even my husband, who weirdly doesn’t like gravy, said it was good. I’ll definitely be adding this to my holiday recipes. Thank you so much for putting this out for abysmal gravy makers such as myself.