Print

Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe – Silky, Lump-Free & Easy for Holidays

homemade turkey gravy - featured image

This silky homemade turkey gravy is rich, lump-free, and packed with savory turkey flavor. Quick and easy to make, it’s the perfect finishing touch for any holiday meal or family gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup turkey drippings (strained and degreased, from roasted turkey)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth (warm)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or white pepper)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as thyme, sage, or parsley; chopped, optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
  • Pinch of garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. After roasting your turkey, pour the pan drippings into a fat separator. Let rest for 5 minutes, then pour off the fat, reserving about 1 cup of pure drippings. If you don’t have enough, top up with turkey or chicken broth.
  2. Strain drippings through a fine mesh sieve to remove any bits of skin, herbs, or turkey scraps.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Once foaming, sprinkle in flour. Whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture bubbles and turns pale golden.
  4. Gradually pour in strained drippings and 2 cups warm broth, whisking all the while. Pour a little, whisk until smooth, then add more. Go slow to prevent lumps.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5-8 minutes, whisking often, until gravy thickens to your liking. If too thick, add up to 1/2 cup more broth.
  6. Stir in salt, pepper, and heavy cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning—add fresh herbs, Worcestershire sauce, or poultry seasoning if desired.
  7. If lumps appear, whisk vigorously or strain through a sieve. For thin gravy, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water). For thick gravy, add more broth.
  8. Let gravy simmer on low for 2 more minutes to meld flavors. Stir with a rubber spatula to prevent sticking.
  9. Ladle hot, silky gravy into a warm gravy boat or bowl. Serve immediately over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.

Notes

Use warm broth and drippings to prevent lumps. Whisk constantly when adding liquid. Strain finished gravy for extra smoothness. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 blend; for dairy-free, use vegan margarine and coconut cream. Gravy thickens as it cools—add broth when reheating. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey gravy, homemade gravy, Thanksgiving, holiday sauce, lump-free gravy, easy gravy, gluten-free gravy, dairy-free gravy, turkey drippings, comfort food