Turkey Gravy

What Are Turkey Drippings?

Before we talk about how to make gravy from drippings, let’s talk about what those drippings really are and what they bring to the table. Drippings are the juices and fats rendered out by roasting a turkey or other piece of meat. As the bird cooks, the combination collects in the bottom of the roasting pan to form your pooled drippings. It’s a great idea to save some of that liquid—drippings are super flavorful and make a great base for homemade turkey gravy.

You’ll also notice more solid brown bits left in the bottom of your pan. Those little brown pieces are called fond, and they separate from the liquid. These pieces are actually caramelized bits of meat and seasoning, which will bring even more flavor to your turkey gravy!

Homemade Gravy Ingredients

Making turkey gravy from drippings is a great way to use the leftover rendered fats and juices from roasting a turkey. The best part about this turkey gravy recipe? You don’t need many other ingredients to create a delicious sauce! Here’s everything that goes into this savory favorite.

Turkey Drippings: These fats and juices left behind in the roasting pan form the base for this delicious turkey gravy recipe.

Flour: This universal ingredient mixes with the fat in the drippings and forms a roux when heated. Roux is a mixture of fat and flour used to thicken dishes like soups, sauces and this delicious gravy.

Liquid: Whether you choose water, boxed broth or juices from your roasted turkey, some kind of liquid is going to be the key to thinning out your gravy and achieving the right consistency. It can also add additional flavor to your turkey gravy.

Salt and Pepper: Where would we be without these essential seasonings? They add savoriness and just a hint of heat to make this homemade turkey gravy even tastier.

How to Make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

If you ask us, this is the absolute best turkey gravy recipe because it brings tons of flavor in just a few steps—no extra dishes needed. Here’s how to make turkey gravy in two easy steps. The full ingredients list and detailed directions for this recipe can be found below.

Combine Drippings and Flour

You won’t need all your drippings for this turkey gravy recipe, but you will want all of those yummy brown bits that get left in the pan. These caramelized bits are very flavorful so be sure not to leave these out! Stir in some flour to help thicken things up and cook over medium heat.

Add Liquid and Seasonings

When your mixture is smooth and bubbly, add your liquid—take your pick of broth, water or more of the drippings from your roasted bird—and heat to boiling. Season to your heart’s content with salt and pepper, and you’ve got some table-ready turkey gravy from scratch!

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Turkey Gravy

This gravy is so good we wouldn’t be surprised if it disappears in one meal. But if you do end up with leftovers, follow these tips for proper food storage. Keep your turkey gravy tasty by storing it in the refrigerator or opt for the freezer for longer-term storage.

Storing Leftover Gravy

In the Fridge: After enjoying, allow the gravy to cool slightly before refrigerating any leftovers. You can store in a sealed jar or container to maintain freshness. These delicious gravy drippings can be safely kept in the refrigerator for about 2 days.

In the Freezer: Want to set aside some homemade turkey gravy for your next holiday meal or family get-together? Transfer it to a well-sealed container or resealable plastic bag and freeze it for up to 4 months.

Reheating Instructions

It can be tricky to reheat gravy in the microwave without overcooking or curdling the gravy, so we recommend reheating your turkey gravy on the stove over low heat instead. Stir it often, and remove it from the heat as soon as the gravy comes to a simmer.

If you added any milk or cream to your homemade turkey gravy, it’s likely to separate when reheated. Instead of tossing your leftovers, make them into your next meal. Try swapping in leftover turkey gravy where jars of gravy or gravy mix are called for in other recipes!

What to Eat with Turkey Gravy

Wondering what to serve your turkey gravy alongside? This wonderfully versatile sauce is a staple at holiday dinners, but we love to serve it year-round at any big meal since it's such a simple addition. So, what are the perfect sides and main dishes to go with this gravy? The bird itself is the obvious (and most tasty) choice. If you need a recipe, try our go-to brined turkey recipe for an extra tender, extra delicious dinner centerpiece that’s sure to please. Ladle your turkey gravy over slices of the tender bird to bring out its flavor and enhance its juiciness. You can even add it to a savory sandwich made with all of your favorite holiday leftovers!

Homemade turkey gravy also tastes great ladled over a huge range of side dishes, like creamy mashed potatoes and flavorful stuffing. There’s really no limit but your imagination when it comes to uses for this easy turkey gravy! Enjoy it year-round by drizzling it over biscuits or dinner rolls, roasted vegetables or rice.

Can I Use the Giblets to Make Gravy?

If you’re roasting a turkey, you probably also have giblets on hand—the heart, neck, liver and gizzard, often found packaged in the cavity of the bird. Many home cooks throw them away, thinking they have no use. Instead of tossing them out, why not add them to your turkey gravy?

This easy turkey gravy recipe keeps things simple and doesn’t call for giblets, but we’ve got another recipe for you to try! Our giblet gravy is rich, meaty and flavorful. The giblets get cooked down with vegetables like onions and celery for a luxurious sauce that’s great on everything from biscuits to sandwiches made with leftover turkey. So, if you have a little extra time on your hands and want to try using giblets to make gravy, give it a go!