If you’re craving that comforting, savory perfect complement to your roasted bird, look no further than this Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe. It’s everything you want from gravy—silky smooth, deeply flavorful, and made from real turkey drippings to capture that authentic, hearty taste that elevates any Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this classic recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to your table in a deliciously simple way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe lies in its straightforward, essential ingredients. Each one contributes a vital element: butter for richness, flour for body, and turkey drippings for that unmistakable depth of flavor. The seasoning rounds it all out, making your gravy not just good but truly memorable.
- 4 Tablespoons Butter: Melts down to create a luscious base and adds creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy with a silky, velvety consistency.
- 3-4 cups Turkey Drippings: The star ingredient, packed with rich, roasted turkey flavors (or use chicken broth if needed to deglaze).
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder: Brings a gentle, savory undertone to the gravy.
- Pinch of Fresh Chopped Parsley and Thyme (optional): Introduces a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
How to Make Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Drippings
Once your turkey comes out of the oven, check your roasting pan for drippings. If you don’t have 3-4 cups, no worries—pour some chicken broth into the pan to deglaze it, scraping all those flavorful browned bits off the bottom. This step is the heart of your Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe, infusing every spoonful with deep, roasted goodness.
Step 2: Skim the Fat
Pour the warm turkey drippings into a large measuring cup or bowl, then carefully skim off the fat that rises to the top. Removing excess fat helps your gravy stay smooth and prevents it from becoming greasy, letting the pure turkey flavor shine through in every bite.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
Place a saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. This rich, creamy fat forms the base layer of your gravy, ensuring it has a luxurious feel on your tongue.
Step 4: Make a Light Roux
Stir in the flour to the melted butter, creating a light roux. Use a flat spatula to mix constantly until it starts bubbling. This blend is what thickens your gravy to that classic smooth texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Toast the Roux
Let the roux cook a little longer until it turns a light golden color and releases a gentle, nutty aroma. This extra step deepens the flavor profile and adds complexity to your Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe.
Step 6: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and onion powder, then stir in fresh thyme and parsley if using. These simple seasonings layer subtle boldness and freshness into the gravy that pairs beautifully with turkey’s earthy flavors.
Step 7: Whisk in the Turkey Drippings
Slowly pour the skimmed turkey drippings into the roux while whisking continuously with a wire whisk. This prevents lumps and creates a perfectly smooth texture, turning your gravy into something truly special.
Step 8: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture gently up to a simmer. As it heats, your gravy will thicken and develop that luscious mouthfeel that makes the Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe a total crowd-pleaser on any holiday table.
Step 9: Adjust and Serve Warm
Once the gravy reaches your desired consistency, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve it warm, ready to complement every slice of juicy turkey and side dish you have planned.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your gravy with a light sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. It’s a simple touch that makes your gravy not only taste amazing but look inviting as well.
Side Dishes
This gravy is a perfect partner for classic Thanksgiving sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and buttery stuffing. It soaks beautifully into these dishes, bringing out their flavors and tying your whole meal together harmoniously.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe in a warm gravy boat to let guests pour as they please. Or drizzle it over dinner rolls or cornbread for a delightful twist. For a cozy family meal, ladle it over turkey sandwiches the next day—comfort food magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps retain its fresh flavor and perfect thickness so you can easily enjoy it again.
Freezing
If you want to save gravy for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat your gravy gently over low heat on the stove, whisking frequently to restore smoothness. You can add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Avoid boiling to keep the flavor and texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought broth instead of turkey drippings?
Absolutely! If you don’t have enough turkey drippings, using good-quality chicken broth to deglaze the pan works perfectly and helps mimic that rich flavor unique to roasted poultry drippings.
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
Whisk continuously while adding the drippings slowly to the roux, and cook over medium heat. This technique ensures smooth, lump-free gravy every time with this Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe.
Can I make this gravy gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, adjusting the amount as needed. This keeps your gravy thick and delicious without gluten.
What if my gravy is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, whisk in a little warm broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce or add a bit more roux (butter and flour mixture) to thicken.
Is it okay to skip the herbs?
Definitely! While fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add lovely brightness, your gravy will still be flavorful and delightful without them, keeping it simple and classic.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe is a timeless classic that no holiday meal should be without. Easy to make yet packed with that unforgettable, homemade taste, it brings everyone back for seconds (and thirds!). Next time you’re roasting a turkey, give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become one of your cherished kitchen favorites.
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Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups of gravy
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Old Fashioned Turkey Gravy recipe delivers rich, flavorful gravy made from turkey drippings and a simple roux. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any roast turkey dinner, this gravy is smooth, savory, and easy to make with pantry staples and fresh herbs for added aroma and taste.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3–4 cups Turkey drippings (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Pinch of Fresh chopped parsley and thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the drippings: If you don’t have 3-4 cups of turkey drippings in your roasting pan, pour chicken broth into the pan and deglaze it to collect the flavorful bits.
- Skim the fat: Pour the warm turkey drippings into a large measuring cup or bowl and carefully skim off the fat from the surface.
- Melt the butter: Place a saucepan over medium to high heat and melt the butter completely.
- Make the roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and stir with a flat spatula to create a light roux.
- Toast the roux: Continue stirring as the roux bubbles and let it toast slightly until it gives off a nutty aroma.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, onion powder, thyme, and parsley to the roux, mixing well to incorporate the spices.
- Incorporate drippings: Slowly whisk in the turkey drippings with a wire whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
- Simmer the gravy: After adding all the drippings and removing lumps, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the gravy: Let the gravy simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Serve the gravy warm alongside your turkey and enjoy!
Notes
- If turkey drippings are insufficient, chicken broth is an excellent substitute for deglazing and extending the base liquid.
- Skimming fat off drippings helps achieve a smoother, less greasy gravy.
- To avoid lumps, add the drippings slowly while whisking continuously.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme enhance the flavor but are optional.
- Gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently, stirring occasionally.
