The Best Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe You’ll Ever Make
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a rich, flavorful turkey gravy cascading down the sides of buttery mashed potatoes or over tender turkey slices. Good gravy ties your Thanksgiving dinner together, taking your meal from delicious to unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, this guide walks you through creating the best Thanksgiving turkey gravy at home—without the stress.
The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.
Why Thanksgiving Gravy is the Star of the TablE
Thanksgiving gravy isn’t just a sauce; it’s the finishing touch, the flavor enhancer, and the unsung hero of the holiday spread. Properly made gravy highlights the smoky, savory taste of your turkey and adds a layer of indulgence over every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be repurposed after the big meal (imagine turkey biscuits with gravy the next morning!).
If you’ve struggled with lumpy or bland gravy in the past, don’t worry. This easy homemade gravy recipe is tailored for cooks at every level, ensuring you’ll get perfect results every time.
How to Make Easy, Flavorful Turkey Gravy
When it comes to whipping up an easy Thanksgiving gravy recipe, simplicity and flavor go hand in hand. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Ingredients You'll Need
Drippings from a roasted turkey (I smoked mine, spatchcocked it, and gathered the drippings post-cooking)
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken bone broth
1 tsp gravy master (adds a depth of rich flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Step 1: Collect Your Drippings
Once your turkey is fully roasted (or smoked, if you’re feeling adventurous), carefully collect the drippings from the bottom of your roasting pan. Strain these through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any leftover bits of meat or herbs. Reserve about ⅓ cup of fat from the drippings for making your gravy base.
Pro Tip: If your turkey didn’t produce enough drippings, supplement with a tablespoon of butter or olive oil.
Step 2: Make a Roux
Place your reserved turkey fat in a medium-sized saucepan and heat over medium heat. Gradually sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, whisking constantly. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden brown and smells slightly nutty—this creates a roux, the secret to silky, lump-free gravy.
Step 3: Add Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken bone broth, continuing to whisk to maintain a smooth consistency. Stir until the roux dissolves completely into the liquid.
Step 4: Incorporate the Drippings and Flavor Boosters
Add the reserved turkey drippings and the gravy master. The drippings bring depth, while the gravy master enhances the savory notes. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go. Keep in mind the drippings may already have some salt, so taste before adding too much.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Thanksgiving Gravy
Use a Whisk for Smoothness: Always whisk while adding liquid to your roux to avoid lumps.
Control Thickness: For thinner gravy, add more chicken bone broth. For thicker gravy, simmer longer.
Enhance Flavor: Experiment with herbs like thyme or sage, or add a splash of white wine for sophistication.
Prepare Ahead: You can prepare your gravy base (roux + broth) a day in advance. Just add the drippings fresh after your turkey is done.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Thanksgiving Gravy
Turkey gravy deserves better than basic pouring. Here are a few creative serving ideas:
Over Mashed Potatoes – Elevate the humble mashed potato with a generous drizzle of gravy.
Turkey Sandwiches – Use leftover turkey, stuffing, and gravy to build the ultimate next-day sandwich.
Biscuits and Gravy – Pair it with fresh biscuits for a savory breakfast treat.
Vegetable Side Dishes – Add a luxurious touch to roasted vegetables like carrots or brussels sprouts.
Homemade Turkey Soup - like I did, and add in the extra gravy at the end to add additional flavor. You can see my spatchcock turkey that I made for Thanksgiving that inspired this recipe.
This gravy isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it can transform your leftovers into new,
Common FAQs about Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy
What if my gravy is too thin?
If your gravy is too thin, make a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Whisk it into the gravy over low heat until it thickens.
Can I make gravy without drippings?
Absolutely! Replace turkey drippings with melted butter combined with chicken broth. Add turkey or poultry seasoning for that authentic Thanksgiving flavor.
Why did my gravy turn lumpy?
Lumps usually form when liquid is added too quickly to the hot roux. To fix this, blend the gravy with an immersion blender or strain it through a fine mesh sieve.
How long can I store leftover gravy?
Store leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on low heat.
The Best Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe You’ll Ever Make
Ingredients
- Drippings from a roasted turkey (I smoked mine, spatchcocked it, and gathered the drippings post-cooking)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken bone broth
- 1 tsp gravy master (adds a depth of rich flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Collect Your Drippings - Once your turkey is fully roasted (or smoked, if you’re feeling adventurous), carefully collect the drippings from the bottom of your roasting pan. Strain these through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any leftover bits of meat or herbs. Reserve about ⅓ cup of fat from the drippings for making your gravy base. Pro Tip: If your turkey didn’t produce enough drippings, supplement with a tablespoon of butter or olive oil.
- Step 2: Make a Roux - Place your reserved turkey fat in a medium-sized saucepan and heat over medium heat. Gradually sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, whisking constantly. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden brown and smells slightly nutty—this creates a roux, the secret to silky, lump-free gravy.
- Step 3: Add Broth - Slowly pour in the chicken bone broth, continuing to whisk to maintain a smooth consistency. Stir until the roux dissolves completely into the liquid.
- Step 4: Incorporate the Drippings and Flavor Boosters - Add the reserved turkey drippings and the gravy master. The drippings bring depth, while the gravy master enhances the savory notes. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Season to Taste - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go. Keep in mind the drippings may already have some salt, so taste before adding too much.
The nutrition information provided is only estimated based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a dietician. Please consult a doctor for accurate, more personal information about your health and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Make This Thanksgiving Gravy a Family Tradition
Homemade turkey gravy doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. With this easy Thanksgiving gravy recipe, you’ll create a rich, flavorful sauce that brings harmony to your meal. The satisfaction of crafting this from scratch is worth every stir, and the extra effort will definitely shine through in every bite.
If you nail this gravy on your first try, great! If not, remember—the beauty of cooking lies in learning as you go. Either way, you’re creating memories (and flavors) that your family will cherish for years to come.
Share your gravy-making stories or recipes in the comments below, and don’t forget to send us a pic of your Thanksgiving feast—we love seeing your creations! Looking for more holiday inspiration? Explore more tried-and-tested Thanksgiving recipes right here on the blog.
Plus, pairing it with easy Thanksgiving side dishes—like our Thanksgiving Day Sausage and Turkey Stuffing or ending the meal with a fancy champagne toast using Festive Ice Cubes for Holiday Cocktails—will leave your guests raving about your feast for years.
If you’re eager for more healthy baking inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter and stay tuned for upcoming recipes that will tantalize your taste buds while supporting your wellness journey.
Happy cooking—and happy Thanksgiving!
You may also enjoy these recipes from the blog:
FAVORITE POST:
I created this brand to bring you the best in wellness, nutrition, fitness and clean beauty!
