Name: How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups pan drippings from roasted turkey; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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If you’ve ever savored a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, you know a good gravy can transform that meal into something truly unforgettable. That’s why I’m so excited to share with you the secret to How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe—rich, silky, and bursting with fresh herb flavor. This gravy captures all the wonderful pan drippings from your turkey and combines them with simple, fresh ingredients to create a velvety sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a gravy newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy, reliable, and absolutely essential for your holiday table or any night you want to elevate your turkey dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect turkey gravy is all about using a few simple, fresh ingredients that marry perfectly to give you the rich color, smooth texture, and vibrant flavor that make gravy irresistible. Each element plays an important role—from the butter’s creamy richness to the fresh herbs that add a pop of brightness.

Pan drippings from Easy Thanksgiving Turkey: These are the flavor goldmine, packed with all the roasted turkey goodness you want in every spoonful.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds a luscious, velvety texture that helps thicken and enrich the gravy.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The classic thickening agent that gives the gravy its perfect consistency and body.
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme: A fragrant herb that lends an earthy, aromatic hint.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves: For a fresh, bright finish that keeps the gravy lively and well-rounded.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the layered flavors.

How to Make How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Collect and Prepare the Pan Drippings

Begin by straining your turkey’s pan drippings through a fine-mesh sieve. This step ensures that any leftover solids or burnt bits don’t cloud your smooth gravy. Save about 2 1/2 cups of this golden, flavorful liquid—this is the star ingredient that sets your gravy apart.

Step 2: Create a Roux with Butter, Flour, and Thyme

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, whisk in your all-purpose flour and freshly chopped thyme. Keep whisking for about one minute until the mixture is lightly browned. This roux is the base that will thicken your gravy while the thyme infuses it with subtle herbal notes.

Step 3: Incorporate Pan Drippings and Simmer

Slowly whisk in the reserved pan drippings into your roux. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Keep whisking constantly to avoid lumps as the gravy thickens, about 5 to 10 minutes. This patience pays off with that perfectly smooth, rich gravy texture.

Step 4: Add Fresh Parsley and Season to Perfection

Stir in the chopped parsley to add a fresh flavor lift. Then, season the gravy with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember, seasoning is key to enhancing the deep turkey flavors and balancing the herbs.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Your homemade turkey gravy is now ready to be spooned over your turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Serve it warm for a luscious addition to your meal that everyone will love.

How to Serve How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley right before serving not only makes the gravy look stunning but also refreshes the herb flavors, giving a bright, inviting touch. A few whole peppercorns or a light drizzle of turkey fat on top can also add a rustic flair.

Side Dishes

This gravy is a dream partner for all your classic Thanksgiving sides. It’s perfect over fluffy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, roasted vegetables, or even a buttery biscuit. The rich, herbal notes complement the traditional flavors beautifully, bringing the whole plate together.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra wow factor, try serving your turkey gravy in a warm gravy boat or small individual pitchers at the table. You can even drizzle some of it over a turkey slice and garnish with microgreens or crispy sage leaves to impress your guests with both taste and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey gravy stores well in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating, as some separation may occur, but it will quickly come back together with a little heat.

Freezing

If you want to save turkey gravy for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headroom for expansion. Frozen gravy maintains its quality for up to 3 months and makes future meals effortless.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your gravy on the stove over low heat, whisking constantly to restore its smooth texture. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of turkey broth or water to loosen it up without losing that rich flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this turkey gravy without fresh herbs?

Yes, while fresh thyme and parsley add wonderful flavor, you can substitute dried herbs using about a third of the amount. Just add them earlier in the cooking process to let their flavor develop.

What if I don’t have pan drippings?

If you lack pan drippings, you can use a combination of turkey stock and a bit of butter for richness. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still be delicious and capture the spirit of the recipe.

How do I avoid lumps in my turkey gravy?

Whisk constantly when adding your liquids to the roux and add the pan drippings gradually. This careful mixing helps create the silky, perfect gravy without any lumps.

Can I use this recipe for other meats like chicken or beef?

Absolutely! This gravy method works beautifully with drippings from chicken, beef, or even pork. Just adjust the herbs to complement the meat’s unique flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, adjusting quantities for the best thickness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade gravy that’s bursting with flavor and made from the very drippings of your roast turkey. I hope this guide on How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe inspires you to try making your own this season or anytime you want to add that extra touch of warmth and indulgence to your meal. Once you master this, you’ll wonder how you ever made dinner without it!