Homemade Turkey Gravy From Drippings

This Easy Turkey Gravy From Drippings recipe is the best classic method for brown gravy from scratch. There's something magical about the rich, savory sauce that compliments your holiday feast. Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving, a festive celebration, or simply craving a comforting addition to your meal, save those extra juices from your pan and toss out the store-bought packets and jars. 

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Key Ingredients

• Turkey Pan Drippings
• Unsalted Butter
• Olive Oil
• Flour
• Salt and Pepper

What's the Secret to Good Gravy

• Quality Drippings: Start with high-quality pan drippings from your roasted turkey. These drippings contain the essence of the bird's flavor, so make sure to use a roasting pan with a rack to collect them.
• Thickening Agent: Using flour to achieve the desired consistency.
• Roux: Create a roux by cooking it in olive oil, butter, and pan drippings. This adds a rich, nutty flavor to the gravy.
• Balanced Seasoning: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Don't forget that the drippings may already contain some salt, so be cautious not to over-salt.
• Gradual Whisking: Slowly add the flour to the pan drippings or liquid while continuously whisking. This prevents clumps and ensures even thickening.

What Are Turkey Drippings

Drippings are the leftover juices and fat that remain in the pan or pot after the meat has been fully cooked. The drippings are loaded with flavor from the seasoning of the meat and often used as a base for sauce or gravy.

Do You Need to Strain the Drippings?

This will depend on a couple of factors. When I make turkey in a Crockpot or slow cooker, the turkey is cooked in broth and usually onions as well. I don't strain anything, everything that is leftover in the slow cooker can go into the gravy.

If you roasted or smoked your turkey with only a small amount of broth or water, it may not have been enough to create drippings that are mostly liquid. In this instance, you may need to stain them in order to make gravy that is smooth.

Seasoning and Spices

I wait until the drippings, butter, and flour are combined to add any additional seasoning or spices. Because turkey drippings are used as a base for the recipe, they will have plenty of flavor. You may find you don't need to add much to zest up the gravy.

I often find I need a little salt and pepper to taste.

How to Make Turkey Gravy From Drippings

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Heat a saucepan or skillet on medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil.
2. When melted, add in the flour.
3. Add in broth and turkey drippings from the pan.
4. Taste repeatedly and add salt and pepper to taste as needed.

How to Thicken the Gravy

A butter and flour roux will create a nice and thick gravy. I like to add my broth and turkey drippings in slowly until I get the consistency of gravy I am looking for.

Is it Better to Use Cornstarch or Flour

Gravy thickened with flour tends to be creamier and has a more opaque appearance, which some find appealing. To use flour, you create a roux by browning it with oil (as noted above). This will add a pleasant depth of flavor to the gravy. Flour is always my preferred method.

Gravy thickened with cornstarch tends to be clearer and more translucent. If you want a lighter, less opaque gravy, this may work for you. If you use cornstarch, you should make a slurry with cold water before adding it to the pan drippings. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture.

With cornstarch, you don't create a roux. You use equal parts cornstarch and water, combine the two and add it to the pan drippings and broth.

How to Thin Out Gravy When It's Too Thick

Thick gravy can be smoothed out by adding additional broth or stock to the pot.

Color of Gravy: Yellow or Brown

The color of the gravy will vary based on what spices were used to season the turkey. How you cooked the turkey may alter the color of the gravy too. A deep brown turkey, such as a roasted one, will yield darker gravy than something that was cooked in a Crockpot or slow cooker for example.

How to Store it/How Long it Will Last

Store the gravy tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftover gravy covered and tightly sealed for up to 6 months.

Pair With these Turkey Recipes

Baked Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Bone-In Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Smothered Turkey Wings
Baked Turkey Wings
Stuffed Turkey Legs
Smoked Turkey Wings

Pair With These Side Dishes

Make Ahead Crockpot Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Southern Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Check out my Yellow Gravy Without Drippings recipe if you need gravy without meat.