Easy Turkey Gravy From Drippings

This Easy Turkey Gravy From Drippings recipe is the best classic method for brown gravy from scratch. Save those extra juices from your pan and toss out the store-bought packets and jars. 

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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.

Key Ingredients

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

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.

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

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