Hosting the holiday dinner this year? You are going to love this easy turkey gravy recipe!
There is absolutely no reason to buy gravy. Ever. Homemade gravy is not only out-of-this-world delicious, but it is also easy to make. For some reason, people have heard stories of lumpy gravy and have the impression that it is difficult to make a smooth, lump-free gravy. This is not the case. You can easily make a smooth turkey gravy for your Thanksgiving dinner in less than 5 minutes.
How to Make Turkey Gravy with Drippings
First, start by pouring your turkey drippings through a strainer or slotted spoon. It isn’t essential that you catch everything. Removing the largest chunks will go a long way towards helping you create a smooth gravy.
Next, grab a whisk.
For every cup of turkey drippings you add to the pot, you need to add a tablespoon of cornstarch.
Use your whisk to blend the drippings and the cornstarch.
Place your pot over a medium-high flame. Keep whisking until it reaches a boil. Then, lower the flame and allow it to simmer until it thickens, gently whisking the entire time.
I know it seems like a lot of whisking, but it is really only 3 – 4 minutes total. And it is worth it! Get ready to taste gravy like you have never tasted out of a jar.
How to Make Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
What to do if you don’t have enough drippings to fill a cup? If you don’t have enough turkey drippings to make gravy, add turkey broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to the bottom of the roasting pan.
Then use your whisk to deglaze the roasting pan. Basically, you scrape the bottom of the pan and mix the cooked-on bits with the broth. This will reconstitute the baked-on drippings and add a richer flavor to the broth.
Use this mixture as you would turkey dripping in the Turkey Gravy Recipe below.
Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
This gravy recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. You can double or triple this recipe if needed.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup turkey drippings
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions:
-
- Pour the turkey drippings through a strainer or slotted spoon.
- Add to the drippings to a small pot.
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the drippings.
- Use a whisk to blend the ingredients.
- Place your pot over a medium-high heat. Keep whisking until it reaches a boil.
- Lower the heat and allow it to simmer until it thickens, whisking the entire time.
Use these tips to keep your turkey moist and prevent the sliced turkey from drying out.
Printable Recipe for Turkey Gravy
Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup turkey drippings
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Pour the turkey drippings through a strainer or slotted spoon.
- Add to the drippings to a small pot.
- Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the drippings.
- Use a whisk to blend the ingredients.
- Place your pot over a medium-high heat. Keep whisking until it reaches a boil. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer until it thickens, whisking the entire time.
Nutrition
More Thanksgiving Recipes:
How to Cook a Turkey in a Slow Cooker
Homemade Orange-Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Sweet Potatoes
This turkey gravy recipe was originally published on November 18, 2013. It was updated on November 22, 2024.
Cherie says
Will arrowroot powder work instead of cornstarch? I am planning to make a Keto gravy.
Clarice r. says
This is NOT how to make real homemade gravy! Straight cornstarch will give you a gluey consistency! Real gravy starts by making real turkey broth ( stock)… It’s cooked in the roasting pan after removing the cooked turkey. Then it’s thickened with a mixture of 1/2flour& 1/2 cornstarch mixed with cold water. The gravy gets strained at the very end when you are happy with the flavor, color and consistency.
Margaret says
But yours is not gluten free. Hers is. There are trade offs.
Rebecca says
Yeah they are trying to help people who are gluten free! Obviously normal gravy is made with flour but some can’t have it. I’m glad I found this.
April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
Your gravy looks really smooth and luscious – I always think a good gravy makes a meal extra special!