Thanksgiving without homemade turkey gravy is like the 4th of July without potato salad or Halloween without candy corn. It’s just not right. Gravy may not be the centerpiece on Thanksgiving day, but without it, there’s a massive hole in your little foodie heart… and your plate!
Whether it’s drizzled over turkey, mashed potatoes, or even stuffing, gravy pulls the whole meal together in one savory, delicious bite. And let’s face the facts: gravy from a packet or jar is just NOT the same. Real Thanksgiving day turkey gravy should be homemade from the turkey drippings, just like Grandma has made for years! Ready to learn how?
How to Make Homemade Turkey Gravy from Scratch
Homemade turkey gravy brings rich, savory flavor to your Thanksgiving table. It ties together all the delicious components of your meal and is made with love, straight from your kitchen.
Step 1: Melt Butter and Add Pepper
Start by unwrapping a stick of butter and placing it in a large saucepan. This is the base of all that creamy, rich gravy goodness. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper right on top of the butter to infuse some flavor as it melts. Set your stove to medium to low heat and let the butter slowly melt down into a smooth liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent any scorching and to ensure the pepper is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prepare Your Turkey Drippings
While the butter is melting, grab your turkey drippings and juices. Pour them into a liquid measuring cup to see how much you have. You’ll need 2 cups total for this recipe. If your drippings don’t quite add up, no worries! Just top off the difference with chicken broth. Although you can make this gravy entirely with chicken broth, the real magic happens with those rich, flavorful turkey drippings. That turkey fat is what gives your gravy that classic homemade taste we all look forward to on Thanksgiving.
Step 3: Make a Roux
Once your butter has melted completely, it’s time to whisk in the flour to create a roux, which acts as the thickening base for your gravy. Slowly add 1/4 cup of flour to the melted butter while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. You’ll notice the mixture coming together into a smooth paste as you whisk. It should be golden and fragrant. Keep stirring over medium heat for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and deepen the flavor of your roux. This step is key to that velvety texture in your gravy!
Step 4: Add the Turkey Drippings
Now, for the best part… adding the turkey drippings! Slowly pour the drippings into your roux while continuing to stir. The gravy will start to thicken as it cooks, so keep stirring to ensure a smooth consistency. Be patient and stir for several minutes until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. I like to use the “spoon test” to check if mine is ready: dip a spoon into the gravy, and if it coats the back of the spoon smoothly, it’s perfect. Prefer a thinner gravy? Just whisk in a little extra chicken stock until it’s just the way you like it.
Finishing Touches for the Perfect Homemade Turkey Gravy
Pour the warm, homemade turkey gravy into a gravy boat and get ready to wow your guests! There’s nothing like the rich, comforting flavor of freshly made gravy to bring your Thanksgiving dinner together. Homemade turkey gravy isn’t going to get easier or more delicious than that! It’s always the last item I prepare for the table because it tastes best fresh off the stove. But if you need a little extra time, simply leave it on the lowest heat setting to keep it warm while you finish pulling together the rest of your Thanksgiving feast.
Still finalizing your Thanksgiving menu? If you need a turkey recipe, try this Tuscan-style roasted turkey. It’s packed with flavor and comes together in just 3 easy steps.
And, of course, you’ll need the perfect side to soak up that gravy. Don’t miss these creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with a secret ingredient that makes them absolutely irresistible. Happy cooking, y’all!
