Turkey Gravy

Recipe Ingredients

The best turkey gravy is made from drippings, using the leftover fats and juices from roasting, and requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need.

Turkey Drippings: The fats and juices left in the roasting pan are key to how to make turkey gravy delicious.

Flour: This essential ingredient combines with the fat in the drippings to thicken the gravy, creating the desired consistency.

Liquid: In 1950, liquid options were limited. Today, we have the convenience of using boxed broth, along with water and turkey juices. Any of these liquids help thin the gravy to the right consistency while adding extra flavor.

Salt and Pepper: We recommend tasting after seasoning and adjust as needed.

Cookware You’ll Need

It doesn't take fancy cookware to make our turkey gravy recipe. Here's the basic equipment you'll need.

Bowl: A medium-size bowl makes it easy to catch the drippings when pouring from the roasting pan. 

Whisk: A silicone whisk is ideal for making gravy since it’s gentle on your roasting pan and helps break up lumps. If you don’t have a whisk, a wooden spoon will work just fine.

Other Cookware You’ll Need: Glass measuring cup, dry measuring cup, and measuring spoons.

How to Make Turkey Gravy

Here's how to make turkey gravy in just a few simple steps:

1. Separate the Fat from the Drippings

You won’t need all the drippings, but keep those flavorful brown bits in the pan. Pour the fat and juices into a bowl, leaving the bits behind. These add tons of flavor, so don’t skip it. Measure carefully—too little fat and your gravy may be lumpy, too much will cause it to separate.

2. Stir Flour Into Fat

Flour helps thicken the gravy when mixed with fat, forming a roux. A roux is a mixture of fat and flour that thickens sauces like this gravy. Stir constantly to prevent the flour from burning, and be sure to scrape up the browned bits in the pan for extra flavor.

3. Add Liquid and Seasonings

Once the mixture is smooth and bubbly, add your liquid—broth, water, or some of the turkey drippings—and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed, and your turkey gravy from drippings is ready to serve.

Possible Variations

We’ve heard from you that you love switching things up with this turkey gravy recipe. Try any of these tasty variations:

Switch Up the Liquid: Try swapping wine or milk for part of the 2 cups of liquid. Or, as Loveit1 recommends, “…adding a little half-and-half to the 2 cups of liquid (I used chicken broth plus drippings and probably enough half-and-half as I use in my morning coffee). It came out absolutely perfect…”

Seasonings: Add garlic or onion powder, thyme, sage, rosemary, or Worcestershire sauce for an extra flavor boost. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen seasoning and adjust to taste.

Turkey Gravy Without Drippings: No drippings? No problem. You don’t need to roast anything to make this easy, savory sauce.

Serving Turkey Gravy

Wondering what to serve with your turkey gravy? The turkey itself is the obvious (and most delicious) choice. We love using this easy-to-follow turkey recipe for a juicy, moist bird that makes the holiday dinner centerpiece. No holiday meal is complete without classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful stuffing—tasty on their own, but even better with a generous ladle of homemade turkey gravy on top.

Besides topping a savory sandwich made with your favorite holiday leftovers, there’s really no limit to how you can use this easy turkey gravy. We’ve heard from you that you love drizzling it over biscuits, dinner rolls, roasted vegetables, or rice. While it’s a holiday staple, this versatile sauce is perfect for elevating any meal or side dish year-round.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have any turkey gravy leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat it for your next meal.

Refrigerator

Allow the gravy to cool slightly before storing in a well-sealed container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Store in a well-sealed container or resealable plastic bag for up to 4 months.

Reheating

• From Refrigerator: Reheat gravy in a small saucepan on the stove over low heat. Stir often and remove from heat once gravy comes to a simmer.

• From Freezer: Remove the gravy container from the freezer the day before and let thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat gravy as you would from the refrigerator.

Microwave

We don’t recommend warming gravy in the microwave, since it’s easy to overcook and curdle the gravy.

Note: If you added any milk or cream to your homemade turkey gravy, it’s likely to separate when reheated.

Why Betty Crocker Users Love This Recipe

We’ve heard from users that this turkey gravy is both easy and foolproof, even for first-time gravy makers. The simple steps, along with helpful tips like using cornstarch or shaking the flour with liquid first, ensure a smooth, lump-free texture every time. Many users also appreciate how versatile the recipe is—whether they stick with flour or opt for cornstarch, they can customize the flavor by adding their preferred seasonings or using turkey drippings for extra richness.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its nostalgic, classic flavor that reminds users of the homemade turkey gravy their grandmothers or mothers used to make. With consistent results, it’s become a family favorite at holiday gatherings, with guests raving about the flavor and even requesting it year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe promises a delicious, comforting gravy that will elevate any festive meal.