Easy Turkey Gravy

Introduction

When it comes to turkey, no dish is complete without a rich, flavorful gravy to pour over it. For years, I’ve been using this simple yet delicious recipe for turkey gravy, and I can’t imagine making it any other way. The key to this gravy is the combination of turkey drippings, homemade turkey broth, and a touch of cornstarch for the perfect thickness. My family absolutely loves this gravy, and it always gets rave reviews when served with our turkey at Thanksgiving or any special meal. The smooth and creamy texture, paired with just the right seasoning, elevates the whole dish, making it the ideal addition to your turkey platter. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this turkey gravy recipe is foolproof and incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup turkey drippings
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups turkey broth (neck and gizzard) – boiled and simmered in low heat while the turkey is cooking in the oven
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth:
   Before making the gravy, ensure you have homemade turkey broth ready. You can make this by simmering the neck and gizzard of the turkey in water on low heat while the turkey is roasting in the oven. This will give you a rich and flavorful broth that will be the base of your gravy.
2. Melt the Butter and Turkey Drippings:
   In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the turkey drippings and butter. Heat them over medium heat until the butter is fully melted, and the drippings are hot.
3. Add the Cornstarch:
   Once the butter and drippings are combined, add the cornstarch to the saucepan. Stir the mixture continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Allow the cornstarch to cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to turn a light brown color. This step is essential to developing a rich, deep flavor.
4. Add the Turkey Broth:
   Slowly pour in the homemade turkey broth, stirring constantly to ensure the cornstarch and broth combine smoothly. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer and Stir:
   Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and continue stirring. The gravy should thicken within 5-10 minutes. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Season the Gravy:
   Taste the gravy and add salt and pepper as needed to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Continue to stir and simmer for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the gravy reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Serve the gravy warm alongside your turkey, mashed potatoes, and other dishes. Enjoy the smooth and creamy flavor that complements your meal perfectly!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 100 kcal (based on 1/6th of the recipe)
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 120mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (for preparing the turkey broth)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for making the gravy)
• Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve with turkey: This gravy is a classic accompaniment to roast turkey, whether it’s for Thanksgiving or a family dinner.
• Mashed potatoes: Pour this rich gravy over a heaping plate of mashed potatoes for a comforting side dish.
• Roasted vegetables: Use the gravy as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts.
• Biscuits: Ladle some turkey gravy over warm, fluffy biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal.
• Stuffing: Drizzle the gravy over your stuffing to add an extra layer of flavor and moisture.

Additional Tips

1. Make your own turkey broth: The flavor of homemade turkey broth adds a richness that store-bought broth can’t replicate. It’s an easy way to elevate the flavor of your gravy.
2. Use a whisk: To avoid lumps in your gravy, use a whisk when stirring in the cornstarch and broth. This helps achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
3. Adjust the thickness: If your gravy becomes too thick, simply add more broth or water to thin it out to the desired consistency.
4. Keep the gravy warm: If you’re preparing the gravy ahead of time, you can keep it warm in a slow cooker or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from forming a skin.
5. Customize the seasoning: Feel free to experiment with adding additional seasonings like onion powder, sage, or thyme for a more robust flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Make it Gluten-Free: Replace cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend or use arrowroot powder as a thickener.
• Herb-Infused Gravy: Add a sprig of fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the broth while it simmers to infuse additional herb flavors into the gravy.
• Garlic Gravy: For a garlic-flavored gravy, sauté a few cloves of minced garlic in the butter and turkey drippings before adding the cornstarch.
• Creamy Gravy: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk towards the end of cooking.
• Make it with Chicken Drippings: If you’re making gravy for chicken instead of turkey, simply swap the turkey drippings for chicken drippings, and use chicken broth in place of turkey broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Thanksgiving dinner: This turkey gravy is perfect for a traditional Thanksgiving feast, served with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
• Weeknight meals: Use this gravy as a quick way to elevate a simple roast chicken or pork dinner. It pairs wonderfully with all meats, making it a versatile recipe.
• Holiday gatherings: If you’re hosting a holiday meal, this gravy will be the star of the show, adding a comforting touch to your spread.
• Family dinners: It’s a great addition to family dinners, especially when serving roasted meats like turkey, beef, or chicken.
• Leftovers: Use this gravy to revive leftover turkey or roast chicken, turning it into a flavorful meal the next day.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Turkey gravy freezes well. After it has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed to thin it out.
• Storage: Leftover gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it thickens too much during storage, simply add a bit of broth to loosen it up.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make turkey gravy without turkey drippings?
Yes, if you don’t have turkey drippings, you can use butter or a combination of butter and olive oil. You can also add a bit of broth to make up for the missing drippings.

2. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop before serving.

3. How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
To avoid lumps, always whisk the cornstarch into the butter and drippings mixture before adding the broth. Stir the gravy constantly while adding the broth.

4. Can I use store-bought turkey broth instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought turkey broth can be used, but homemade broth adds a much richer flavor to the gravy.

5. How do I thicken my gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy is too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the gravy. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

6. Can I make the gravy without cornstarch?
Yes, you can use flour instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Use 1 tablespoon of flour for every tablespoon of cornstarch.

7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, and you can also make the gravy with a non-dairy broth.

8. Can I add other seasonings to the gravy?
Yes, feel free to add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage, or spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of soy sauce for added depth of flavor.

9. How long can I store leftover gravy?
Leftover gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to reheat it properly before serving.

10. Can I freeze turkey gravy?
Yes, turkey gravy freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

This easy turkey gravy is a must-try for anyone looking to add that perfect finishing touch to their turkey dinner. With a rich, smooth,

and creamy texture, it’s an ideal complement to roasted meats, mashed potatoes, and more. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, this gravy recipe will quickly become your go-to for every turkey dinner. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or enjoying a weeknight roast, this gravy will elevate your meal and impress your guests.

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