Hosting the holiday dinner this year? You are going to love this easy turkey gravy recipe for thanksgiving and Christmas this year!
Learn how to make turkey gravy with turkey drippings or with the browned bits left in the roasting pan when there is little or no liquid to pour off. 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.
Homemade turkey gravy is easy because you only need two ingredients and a whisk. It comes together in about 5 minutes once the drippings are strained. The cornstarch thickens the gravy into a smooth sauce. This cornstarch turkey gravy uses a simple 1 cup drippings to 1 tablespoon cornstarch formula, and you can jump to how to make turkey gravy without drippings if needed.
This recipe works two ways. If you have turkey drippings, strain them, whisk in cornstarch, and simmer until thickened. If you do not have a full cup of drippings, add broth to the roasting pan, scrape up the browned bits, and use that mixture in place of the drippings with the same cornstarch ratio. You can double or triple the formula as needed.
How to Make Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
This method uses the browned bits left in the roasting pan when there is little or no liquid to pour off. It is not a broth-only gravy made without a roasted turkey.
If you do not have enough turkey drippings to fill 1 cup, add turkey broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to the bottom of the roasting pan. Use a whisk to deglaze the roasting pan by scraping the bottom of the pan and mixing the cooked-on bits with the broth. This reconstitutes the baked-on drippings and adds a richer flavor to the broth. Measure 1 cup of this mixture, then follow the Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe directions below, using the broth mixture in place of the turkey drippings and whisking in 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
This easy turkey gravy recipe makes a smooth cornstarch gravy with drippings or with a broth-and-pan mixture when drippings run short. This turkey gravy recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup turkey drippings
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Note: If you are using the without-drippings method above, use 1 cup of the broth and pan mixture in place of the turkey drippings.
Tools:
- Fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon
- Small pot
- Whisk
Directions:
- Pour 1 cup turkey drippings through a strainer or slotted spoon into a small pot. Removing the largest chunks helps keep the gravy smooth.
- Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the drippings.
- Use a whisk to blend the cornstarch into the drippings until no dry cornstarch remains.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat. Keep whisking until the gravy reaches a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer the gravy until it thickens, whisking the entire time. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes of total whisking once the gravy is on the heat.
Serve the gravy with roast turkey and mashed potatoes, or spoon it over biscuits the day after Thanksgiving. For tips that help keep sliced turkey moist, see How to Keep Turkey Moist and Prevent Turkey Slices from Drying.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Gravy
Refrigerate leftover turkey gravy promptly in shallow containers. You can refrigerate warm gravy. Place it in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if the room is hotter than 90°F. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, and use the gravy within 3 to 4 days of cooking. Reheating does not restart that refrigerated make-ahead window.
Can You Freeze Cornstarch Turkey Gravy?
After promptly refrigerating the gravy in shallow containers, transfer the chilled gravy to airtight freezer-safe containers and freeze at 0°F or below. For this cornstarch recipe, refrigeration is recommended if you will serve the gravy within 3 to 4 days, because cornstarch gravy may separate or thin after freezing. General USDA gravy freezer guidance allows cooked gravy to be frozen for about 4 to 6 months for quality; that is general gravy guidance, not a verified texture recommendation for this cornstarch formula.
How to Thaw Frozen Turkey Gravy
Thaw frozen turkey gravy in the refrigerator. After thawing, use the gravy within 3 to 4 days.
How to Reheat Turkey Gravy
Reheat leftover turkey gravy on the stovetop, stirring often, until it reaches a rolling boil. Use a food thermometer to confirm the gravy reaches 165°F.
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 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 Turkey and Mashed Potato Recipes
How to Cook a Turkey in a Slow Cooker
Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Homemade Orange-Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This turkey gravy recipe was originally published on November 18, 2013. It was updated on November 05, 2026.
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!