Every time I cook turkey, I can’t wait for the gravy. The smell fills the kitchen, and it makes the meal feel complete. It’s the best part of the plate.

This gravy comes out rich, smooth, and so tasty. I like how it soaks into the mashed potatoes and turkey. It makes everything taste better.

I love that it’s easy to make with simple drippings and a few steps. It feels homemade and special every time. You’ll want to pour it on everything.

So, let’s grab the pan drippings and get started. This flavorful turkey gravy is quick, simple, and perfect for any holiday table. I’ll show you how I make it.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Gravy Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: This turkey gravy boasts a depth of flavor that is both savory and aromatic, thanks to turkey stock, pan drippings, and a blend of fresh herbs.
Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples, fresh herbs, and turkey drippings turn this into a magical sauce.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the thickness, add more spices, or make it creamier depending on your preferences.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, it’s ready in about 20 minutes.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This gravy can be stored for up to a week, making it easy to prepare ahead of time.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here are the kitchen tools you’ll need:

Medium-sized saucepan – for cooking the gravy base.
Whisk – to ensure a smooth consistency.
Fine-mesh sieve (optional) – to strain the gravy if you prefer a smoother texture.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
Bowl – for mixing the flour and turkey stock.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful turkey gravy (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup): The butter acts as the base fat to make a roux with flour, ensuring a rich, smooth consistency in the gravy.
All-purpose Flour (1/4 cup): The flour will help thicken the gravy, creating that perfect, velvety texture.
Turkey Stock (4 cups): Use homemade or store-bought turkey stock for the best flavor. Chicken broth can be substituted, but turkey stock is highly recommended for authenticity.
Pan Drippings (1 cup, optional): The fat and juices left in the roasting pan after cooking your turkey are the secret to an ultra-flavorful gravy.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Season to your liking, adjusting for the saltiness of your stock and drippings.
Fresh Thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped): A touch of thyme adds earthy depth and pairs beautifully with turkey.
Sage (1/2 teaspoon, ground): Sage is an essential herb in turkey dishes and gives the gravy a warm, fragrant flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): For added umami and a savory richness.
Heavy Cream (1/4 cup, optional): If you like your gravy to be extra creamy and decadent, this is an optional but highly recommended addition.

Variations for Flavorful Turkey Gravy

Make It Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour to make this gravy gluten-free. Just be sure to make a slurry with the starch and a bit of cold turkey stock before adding it to the saucepan to prevent clumping.
Add More Herbs: Experiment with rosemary, bay leaves, or marjoram for a more herbaceous gravy.
Try Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, sweet contrast to the richness of the gravy.
Smokier Flavor: If you like smoky flavors, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder to the gravy.
Creamy Style: Add more heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half for an ultra-creamy texture.
Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium turkey stock and omit any added salt for a lighter version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make a Roux

To begin, melt the unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the all-purpose flour. Stir constantly with a whisk to combine the butter and flour. Continue cooking the mixture for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux. The roux should take on a slightly golden color, which will help thicken the gravy and give it a deep, nutty flavor.

2. Add Turkey Stock

Gradually pour in the turkey stock, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the stock before adding it to the roux, but it’s optional. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

3. Add Pan Drippings (Optional)

If you’re using pan drippings from your roasted turkey, add them to the saucepan for an extra burst of flavor. Simply pour the drippings through a strainer to remove any large solids, and then add the liquid to your gravy base. This step will enrich the flavor and make your gravy more authentic. Don’t worry if you don’t have drippings – the turkey stock will still make a flavorful base on its own.

4. Season the Gravy

Add your salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and adjust as necessary, depending on the saltiness of the stock and drippings. Then, stir in the chopped fresh thyme and ground sage. These herbs add fragrance and complement the turkey flavor wonderfully.

5. Optional Flavor Boost

For even more depth of flavor, you can stir in Worcestershire sauce for a savory, umami kick. This step is optional, but it’s a great addition if you love bold flavors. If you’re going for a creamier gravy, this is the perfect moment to add heavy cream. Pour in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a silky smooth and richer finish.

6. Thicken the Gravy

Let the gravy simmer on low heat for about 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing it to thicken as it reduces. If your gravy isn’t thick enough, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts of cold water and flour (or cornstarch) and whisking it into the gravy. Let it cook for another few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. Taste and Adjust

Give your gravy a taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference. If you like a smoother texture, you can strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Flavorful Turkey Gravy

This turkey gravy is the perfect addition to your holiday spread or any turkey dish. Here’s how I recommend serving it:

With Roasted Turkey: Pour the hot gravy over slices of turkey for a juicy, flavorful bite.
Mashed Potatoes: Serve it alongside mashed potatoes for that classic, comforting combo.
Stuffing: Turkey gravy is also great with stuffing, adding moisture and flavor to every bite.
Biscuits or Dinner Rolls: You can dip freshly baked biscuits or soft dinner rolls in the gravy for an irresistible side dish.
On a Thanksgiving Feast: Gravy is a must-have for the entire holiday table, whether it’s served with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or sweet potato casserole.

Storing Flavorful Turkey Gravy

Leftovers: If you have leftover gravy, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a little extra stock or water to loosen it up.
Freezing: You can also freeze turkey gravy for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	90 kcal
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	360mg
Total Carbohydrates	6g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	1g
Protein	2g