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Classic Turkey Gravy

Featured in Sauces that make everything better.

Creamy, fast turkey gravy made from drippings. Giblet use is totally optional. Holiday-perfect and ready in minutes.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 13:05:53 GMT
Sliced turkey, topped with golden gravy, alongside creamy mashed potatoes and greens. Pin it
Sliced turkey, topped with golden gravy, alongside creamy mashed potatoes and greens. | tastyhush.com

I'm excited to show you how to fix up a batch of guaranteed tasty turkey gravy that lifts every bite on your holiday spread! After loads of Thanksgiving trials, I've nailed down this sauce. It turns plain mashed potatoes into fluffy dreams and makes leftover turkey sandwiches crazy good. Give homemade gravy a go and you'll totally ditch the store kind for good!

Why Gravy Steals the Show

Want to know what brings all the magic to Thanksgiving eats? Gravy totally does the trick! This smooth, flavorful sauce makes everything pop with taste. Whether you're smothering taters or dunking next-day turkey, nothing comes close to making things as awesome as gravy you make yourself.

Must-Have Turkey Gravy Ingredients

  • Salt and Pepper: Add a little, try it, then add more if you want.
  • Broth: Homemade is great, but a solid boxed one works just fine.
  • Flour: Only what you need for a velvety finish.
  • Giblets: Seriously, don't toss these. They give it an unbeatable taste.
  • Drippings: The brown juicy leftovers from roasting are your start for killer flavor.

Let’s Get Gravy Going

Quick and Easy Hack
Skipping giblets? No worries. Drippings alone get the job done.
Fat and Drippings Move
Spoon the fat off the pan drippings, then blend with flour for your base. Gradually pour in broth and whisk till it's just right.
Old School Method
Simmer up those giblets to build big flavor for an hour, chop them tiny, and stir them in.

Stay Tasty Longer

Pop that gravy in a sealed container and it'll be good in your fridge for up to a few days. Want to skip a step on feast day? Whip it up two days ahead and warm it up with a bit of broth until it pours easy.

My Favorite Tricks

  • Roux Like a Pro: Keep whisking the flour till it goes light brown and smells nutty.
  • Taste As You Go: Add a little salt and pepper, then taste before you add more.
  • Smooth Texture: Keep hot broth close so you can thin your gravy if it gets thick.

Tasty Ways to Use It

Pile this gravy on! It’s killer on stuffing, over mashed potatoes, and you’ll definitely want it on day-old turkey sandwiches. Make sure you stash some away for all those leftovers too!

Mashed potatoes and turkey slices loaded with gravy and a sprig of parsley on top, with little bowls of sauces nearby. Pin it
Mashed potatoes and turkey slices loaded with gravy and a sprig of parsley on top, with little bowls of sauces nearby. | tastyhush.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this in advance?
Totally! Make it up to 2 days early. Keep it chilled, then heat it with extra broth when ready.
→ Are the giblets needed?
Not at all! Just use the drippings and broth for amazing flavor.
→ How do I make it gluten-free?
Replace regular flour with any gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. It works the same way!
→ What about the giblet liver?
It tastes strong, so removing it keeps flavors balanced for everyone.
→ How long does leftover gravy last?
Refrigerate it for 2-3 days in a sealed container. Warm it with some broth when reheating.

Conclusion

This easy turkey gravy transforms leftover drippings (and optional giblets) into the ultimate holiday sauce. Full of flavor and simple to prepare.

Turkey Gravy

Smooth and savory pan drippings turkey gravy, with giblet options. Perfect pairing for Thanksgiving spreads or roasted turkey dinners.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Sauces & Marinades

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (Makes 4–5 cups of gravy)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Optional: uncooked turkey giblets and neck.
02 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium).
03 1/2 cup plain flour.
04 Turkey drippings.
05 Salt & pepper for seasoning.

Instructions

Step 01

Simmer the turkey giblets and neck in water for about 1 hour, until fully cooked.

Step 02

Set aside giblets, remove the meat from the neck, toss out the liver, and chop up the rest.

Step 03

Transfer the drippings from the turkey pan into a bowl. Wait for the fat to rise, then skim off most of it.

Step 04

Combine 1 cup of drippings and flour in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Let it cook until golden.

Step 05

Pour in the chicken broth and another 1 cup of drippings while whisking.

Step 06

Stir constantly for about 5–8 minutes until it thickens up. Toss in the diced giblet meat.

Step 07

If needed, thin it out with extra liquid or thicken using cornstarch mix. Add some salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  1. Can stay fresh in the fridge for 2–3 days.
  2. Prep it up to 2 days beforehand.
  3. Use 1:1 gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

Tools You'll Need

  • Whisk.
  • Slotted spoon.
  • Small saucepan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (from flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 25
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g