Perfect Turkey Gravy is rich, thick and flavor packed!  This silky smooth gravy is simple to make and perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!

turkey gravy poured on turkey

As promised, the best turkey gravy!  We’re working on rolling out our fave classic thanksgiving recipes and we’ve started with Sweet Potato Casserole, our best Green Bean Casserole, and the perfect Roast Turkey!  Which obviously wouldn’t be complete without a hearty drizzle of of a decadent gravy.  Making a thick and smooth gravy is super easy to do, and one of the first things I ever mastered when learning to cook.  A good gravy really makes or breaks the meal, for me, and this one comes out perfect every time!

Turkey Gravy:

  • To make this gravy, you’ll start with one stick of salted butter, and 1/2 cup of all purpose flour.
  • Melt the butter completely, then sprinkle over the flour while whisking constantly.
  • Let this mixture cook for 2-3 minutes while you whisk the whole time.  This is important, you want to cook the flour, and if you don’t your gravy will taste very floury!

roux for turkey gravy

Making Turkey Gravy:

  • Now, another important step is to add in your turkey drippings and stock/broth slowly!
  • Gradually pour the stock in while you whisk constantly, this is the key to a smooth gravy.
  • Then, add in your seasonings and whisk to combine.
  • At this point, simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes until thick.

turkey gravy in pot

Making Gravy Notes:

  • Your turkey gravy will be as flavorful as you make it!  I recommend using turkey STOCK if you can find it.  I actually use more stock than drippings and find it makes a pretty colored gravy, and has the best flavor.  If necessary, you can use chicken stock here too.
  • The seasonings are just a starting point.  Adding not only salt & pepper but also the sage and thyme make this gravy truly stand out.  Once your gravy has finished, give it a taste and add more seasonings to your personal liking.
  • If you have added your stock/broth and your gravy isn’t thickening, turn up the heat!  This gravy can be left alone to simmer for 2-3 minutes and will start thickening up nicely.
  • You can make this gravy ahead!  Prepare as directed, cool the gravy, then store in a large zip top bag, or airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.  Pour into a pan and simmer over low heat to warm it up.  If you wish, you can also freeze this gravy for up to 2 months.

turkey gravy in gravy boat

Enjoy!

~Nichole

5 from 2 votes

Perfect Turkey Gravy

Perfect Turkey Gravy is rich, thick and flavor packed!  This silky smooth gravy is simple to make and perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 5 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients 

  • /2 Cup 1 Stick Salted Butter
  • 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1-2 Cups Turkey Pan Drippings
  • 4-5 Cups Turkey or Chicken Stock
  • 1 teaspoon Chopped Fresh Sage
  • 1 teaspoon Chopped Fresh Thyme
  • Salt & Pepper To Taste

Instructions 

  • Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until melted.
  • Whisk in the flour until smooth.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cook, whisking occasionally for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  • Turn the heat back up to medium.
  • Slowly whisk in the turkey pan drippings, then, whisk in the turkey stock until smooth.
  • Add in the fresh herbs, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thick.
  • Taste the gravy and add additional salt, pepper, sage, and thyme before serving if desired.

Notes

TO MAKE GRAVY AHEAD:  Prepare as directed.  Cool the gravy, then store in an airtight container or large resealable bag and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
STOCK/BROTH:  I recommend using TURKEY STOCK for this recipe if you can find it.  If not, chicken stock works well.  You can also use broth, but the gravy will not be as flavorful as it will with stock.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
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Hey! Nice to meet you! I'm Nichole!

Welcome to The Salty Marshmallow! I'm a mom, animal lover, photographer, & kitchen mess-maker. Here you will find the result of my decades-long passion for chasing the best flavors in the kitchen, all meant to be cooked by regular people with busy lives just like you and me.

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