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Home / Holiday Recipes / Thanksgiving / Easy Turkey Gravy

Easy Turkey Gravy

10 mins
| 2 Comments |
5 from 1 vote
Jump to Recipe 11/25/21 | Updated: 11/25/21 | by Nora
Turkey Gravy Recipe Image Pin

It’s so easy to make Turkey Gravy from scratch from the pan drippings of a roasted turkey! Just a handful of ingredients and 5 minutes of time yield the most delicious gravy to serve with your holiday dinner.

overhead view of mug filled with homemade turkey gravy

I have to admit: I think the gravy is my favorite part of a holiday dinner. Maybe right on par with stuffing. And sweet potato casserole. And green bean casserole… And mashed potatoes? 😉

In short: I live for the sides and the sauces. And this homemade turkey gravy? It’s both quick and easy, and it’s also perfectly delicious!

gravy pouring over sliced turkey breast

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!

ingredients for homemade turkey gravy with text labels
Ingredients for Homemade Turkey Gravy: Turkey drippings, liquid, flour, salt, pepper and optionally bourbon.

Ingredient notes

  • Drippings: If you don’t have enough drippings (if you only made a small turkey breast, for example), you can add melted butter to reach ¼ cup.
  • Liquids: You’ll get the most flavorful gravy with the juices from a roasted turkey. But again, if you’re not getting 2 cups of juices from a roasted turkey, you can just use broth. Turkey broth is obviously the best here, but chicken works just as well.
  • Bourbon: This is such a classic addition to a turkey gravy. I prefer stirring in just a little for a hint of flavor at the very end. If you’re serving young kids, you may want to set some gravy aside for them without alcohol before adding it to the rest. You can skip it entirely if it’s not to your taste!

How to make turkey gravy

1. Start by measuring out your pan drippings, then place them in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and bubbly – about 1 minute.

2. Slowly whisk in your liquids, making sure to stick to medium-low heat to keep any lumps from forming.

  • roux in saucepan with whisk
    cook drippings and flour
  • broth pouring from glass measuring jug into saucepan with roux
    whisk in liquid

3. Bring the gravy to a boil, whisking constantly, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Keep whisking for 3-4 minutes, until thickened.

4. Season the gravy with salt, pepper and bourbon (if using). Serve immediately.

  • female hand whisking turkey gravy in saucepan
    cook until thickened
  • close up photo of mug filled with turkey gravy
    season and serve

Recipe tips

  • Make sure you stay on medium-low heat while cooking the fat and flour, and also while adding the liquid. Do not increase the heat until all of the liquid has been whisked into the saucepan and is fully smooth.
  • The gravy thickens as it cools, but you can always gently reheat it to thin it out again.
  • Adding bourbon will also thin out the gravy a little, so make sure you pace yourself and stir it in gradually until you get a hint of the taste only.

Storage tips

Keep leftover gravy well covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Slowly reheat it in a saucepan on the stove until bubbly and steaming before serving.

overhead view of gravy smothered turkey breast on plate with mashed potatoes and carrots

More easy sauces and condiments

  • Mushroom Sauce from Scratch
  • Classic Béchamel Sauce
  • Garlic Herb Butter
  • How to Make Mayonnaise

PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Sign up for my email list, too!

Printable Recipe Card
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Easy Turkey Gravy

It's so easy to make Turkey Gravy from scratch from the pan drippings of a roasted turkey! Just a handful of ingredients and 5 minutes of time yield the most delicious gravy to serve with your holiday dinner.
Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings
made it? tap the stars to add your rating!
5 from 1 vote
Print Add Review

Recipe details

Prep 5 mins
Cook 5 mins
Total 10 mins
Servings 8 servings
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients
 

  • 4 tablespoons turkey drippings
  • 3 ½ tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups liquid juices from roasted turkey OR broth
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon optional; or less to taste

Instructions
 

  • Make roux: Place turkey drippings in small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook over medium-low heat until smooth and bubbly, whisking constantly, about 1 minute.
  • Add liquid: Slowly whisk in liquid, making sure no lumps form. Whisk until fully smooth.
  • Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high, bring to a boil while slowly whisking. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, whisking often, until thickened – about 1-2 minutes.
  • Season and serve: Take off the heat and season with salt, pepper and bourbon (if using). Serve immediately.
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Notes

Ingredient notes

  • Drippings: If you don’t have enough drippings (if you only made a small turkey breast, for example), you can add melted butter to reach ¼ cup.
  • Liquids: You’ll get the most flavorful gravy with the juices from a roasted turkey. But again, if you’re not getting 2 cups of juices from a roasted turkey, you can just use broth. Turkey broth is obviously the best here, but chicken works just as well.
  • Bourbon: This is such a classic addition to a turkey gravy. I prefer stirring in just a little for a hint of flavor at the very end. If you’re serving young kids, you may want to set some gravy aside for them without alcohol before adding it to the rest. You can skip it entirely if it’s not to your taste!

Recipe tips

  • The gravy thickens as it cools, but you can always gently reheat it to thin it out again.
  • Adding bourbon will also thin out the gravy a little, so make sure you pace yourself and stir it in gradually until you get a hint of the taste only.
Nutrition is an estimate.

More recipe information

Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American

More classic holiday dinner recipes

  • Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
  • The Perfect Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
  • How to Make Mashed Potatoes

Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings
About Nora 
When I got married to my professional chef husband, I realized I had to step up my game in the kitchen. Now I share my favorite foolproof family recipes here on Savory Nothings: Chef-approved, kid-vetted and easy enough for everyday home cooks like you and me!   Learn more.

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Comments

  1. Carolyn Boswell says

    November 25, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    Nora, please know that you aren’t the only one who enjoys the gravy over my piece of turkey and dressing because it makes everything so very moist. Your recipe will be used in the coming days. Hope you and yours enjoy the holidays.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      November 25, 2021 at 4:23 pm

      I completely agree, Carolyn! I hope you’ll enjoy the gravy, and I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday.

      Reply

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Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings

Hi, I'm Nora! I wasn't always a good cook, but then I fell in love with a professional chef and learned my way around the kitchen. Now I share all my secrets to effortlessly great food here on my blog, bite-sized for home cooks just like me and you.

More about me →

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