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Old-Fashioned Turkey Gravy
This old-fashioned turkey gravy is made from scratch with flavorful turkey drippings for a rich, smooth, savory gravy that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday dinners, or any roasted turkey meal.
Cook Time
Servings
Difficulty
15 Minutes
8
Easy
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Ingredients
☐ 4 tablespoons oil
☐ 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
☐ 3 cups reserved turkey drippings, warmed
☐ ½ teaspoon black pepper
☐ Up to ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Ingredients
Directions
Warm the Drippings
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Warm the reserved turkey drippings in a separate saucepan or microwave. Keep them nearby.
Make the Roux
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Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour until smooth.
Cook the Roux
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Cook for 2–3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the roux turns light golden brown and no longer smells like raw flour. Cook slightly longer if you prefer darker gravy.
Add the Drippings
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Slowly pour in the warm turkey drippings, adding a little at a time while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until completely smooth.
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Simmer Until Thickened
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Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired thickness.
Season the Gravy
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Stir in the black pepper. Taste the gravy before adding the salt because turkey drippings can already contain plenty of seasoning. Add up to ½ teaspoon of salt as needed.
Serve
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Serve warm over roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or your favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas side dishes.
RECIPE TIPS
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Turkey drippings can already be salty, so always taste the gravy before adding any salt. Add the salt gradually until the flavor is just right.
Storage
Allow the gravy to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a small splash of turkey drippings, broth, or water if the gravy becomes too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is my turkey gravy lumpy?
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Lumps can form when the turkey drippings are added too quickly. Pour in the warm drippings gradually while whisking constantly to keep the gravy smooth.
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How can I make the gravy thicker?
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Let the gravy simmer for a few additional minutes, stirring frequently. It will continue to thicken as it cooks and cools.
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How do I thin gravy that is too thick?
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Whisk in a small amount of warm turkey drippings, broth, or water until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
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Can I make turkey gravy ahead of time?
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Yes. Prepare the gravy, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth or water if needed.
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Can I make this gravy without turkey drippings?
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Yes. Replace the turkey drippings with turkey or chicken broth. The flavor may be lighter, but the gravy will still be rich and delicious.
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