Classic Homemade Turkey Gravy

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A Warm Welcome to My Kitchen

Thanksgiving mornings in our home were a flurry of activity. The smell of fresh herbs, turkey stock simmering on the stove, and golden brown turkey wings roasting in the oven would set the tone for the day. My family didn’t just prepare a meal; we built memories around every dish.

I remember waking up early, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and shuffling into the kitchen to see my mom already bustling away. Her secret? A giant measuring cup brimming with turkey pan drippings sitting on the counter, ready to transform into the best homemade turkey gravy you’ve ever tasted.

Thanksgiving dinner was a feast, but the gravy was what brought everything together. Whether poured over cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, drizzled on turkey breast, and, my favorite – soaking up with soft rolls, the gravy was the unsung hero of our table. It was the perfect combination of nostalgia and flavor—a sauce that held our family traditions in every spoonful.

Over the years, I’ve kept this tradition alive, fine-tuning the recipe to create the easiest way to make gravy with tons of flavor. Now, I’m sharing it with you—a recipe rich in turkey broth, loaded with browned bits from the bottom of the roasting pan, and just the right touch of seasoning to make it the star of your Thanksgiving menu.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade turkey gravy recipe is a game-changer for your Thanksgiving dinner because:

• Foolproof Flavor: The combination of turkey pan drippings, chicken broth, and giblets creates a richly flavored, silky gravy.
• Customizable: Whether you like a thicker gravy or something more pourable, this recipe adapts effortlessly.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Gravy: You can prepare it in advance, so you’re not scrambling on the big day.
• Works for Any Turkey Recipe: Whether you’re roasting a juicy turkey breast, frying a whole turkey, or making smoked turkey wings, this gravy complements them all.

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The Story Behind This Classic Recipe

The roots of homemade gravy go back centuries, where cooks learned to make the most of drippings and scraps. In Southern kitchens like my grandma’s, nothing was wasted. The neck, giblets, and bottom of the pan juices were magic ingredients, transforming into liquid gold. She’d simmer a rich turkey broth, mix it with a cup of drippings, and add a pinch of poultry seasoning for that unmistakable holiday flavor.

The beauty of this classic turkey gravy recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a reminder of how the best dishes often come from the humblest ingredients.

What You’ll Need

For this flavorful gravy, gather these tools to make the process seamless:

• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for simmering the broth and thickening the gravy.
• Fat Separator: Ensures you get all the delicious juices without the excess fat.
• Whisk: Your best friend for lump-free gravy.
• Measuring Cup: Essential for precision when adding liquids like cold water or turkey stock.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Helps remove any bits for a smoother texture.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this great gravy:

• Turkey Drippings: The base for the best turkey gravy recipe.
• Giblets and Neck or Turkey Neck Bones: For extra depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth or Turkey Stock: Adds volume while keeping the gravy rich.
• Cornstarch and Water: The easiest way to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Poultry Seasoning: Elevates the flavors.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps brown the giblets for that savory base.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget the browned bits from the bottom of the roasting pan—they’re full of concentrated turkey flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Giblets and Broth

• Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey neck, heart, liver, and gizzards, browning them on all sides. Once browned, remove the giblets and set aside.

• In the same pan, add the diced onion and celery. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Return the giblets to the pan and add 2 cups of pour in enough water to fully submerge them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the giblets are fully cooked.

• Strain the broth to remove the giblets and aromatics. Set the broth aside and refrigerate until you’re ready to make the gravy. Let the giblets cool, and if desired, dice the meat from the neck and giblets into small pieces for adding to the gravy later.

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Separate the Turkey Drippings

• After roasting your turkey, collect the drippings from the bottom of the roasting pan. Allow the drippings to rest for a minute to let the fat rise to the top.
• Use a large spoon, ladle, or fat separator to skim off most of the fat, leaving the flavorful liquid and browned bits behind.

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Make the Gravy

• In a large saucepan, combine the reserved giblet broth, 2 cups of the defatted turkey drippings, and 2 tablespoons of bouillon base (chicken or turkey). Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup of water to form a smooth slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the boiling liquid.

• Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, whisking constantly, for 5–8 minutes or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

• Stir in the diced giblet meat, if using, for added texture and flavor.

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Adjust the Consistency

• If the gravy is too thick, whisk in additional water or broth, ¼ cup at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• If the gravy is too thin, cook for another 10 minutes, or whisk in a second cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and heat until thickened.

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Season and Serve

• Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve warm in a gravy boat or directly ladled over your favorite Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Enjoy!

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Pro Chef Tips for Perfect Turkey Gravy

1. Start with Golden Brown Giblets: Browning the giblets adds a deep, roasted flavor to the gravy. Be patient during this step—let them caramelize to maximize flavor.
2. Sauté Aromatics for Extra Depth: Cooking onion, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme with the giblets creates a rich and complex broth base. Don’t skip this step; it makes all the difference!
3. Don’t Forget the Bottom of the Pan: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the roasting pan. These are packed with concentrated turkey flavor and will elevate your gravy.
4. Use a Fat Separator for Smooth Gravy: A fat separator ensures that your gravy is silky and not overly greasy. If you don’t have one, refrigerate the drippings for 10–15 minutes so the fat solidifies on top and can be skimmed off easily.
5. Add Bouillon Base for a Flavor Boost: A spoonful of chicken or turkey bouillon base enhances the richness of the gravy, especially if your drippings are minimal or lack flavor.
6. Adjust Consistency with Care: If your gravy becomes too thick, whisk in additional water or broth a little at a time. If it’s too thin, whisk in a cornstarch slurry and cook over medium-low heat until thickened.
7. Strain for Ultimate Smoothness: For a polished, restaurant-quality gravy, strain the finished product through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
8. Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Stir in a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley just before serving for a pop of flavor and visual appeal.
9. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Turkey drippings and broth can vary in saltiness, so always taste your gravy before serving. Add salt and pepper gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
10. Make It Ahead of Time: To save time on Thanksgiving Day, prepare the gravy up to two days ahead. Reheat it gently, adding a splash of turkey stock or chicken broth to refresh the texture.
11. Revive Leftover Gravy: If reheating leftover gravy, whisk in a little broth or water over medium-low heat to restore its creamy consistency.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have the best homemade turkey gravy to wow your guests with its tons of flavor and silky-smooth texture!

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Perfect Pairings

Pair this delicious gravy with these holiday staples:

• Southern Cornbread Dressing – Soaks up every drop beautifully.
• Homestyle Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and irresistible under a blanket of gravy.
• Juicy Roast Turkey Breast – The perfect canvas for a drizzle of savory gravy.
• Cranberry Sauce – For a tangy-sweet contrast.

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Common Questions

Can I skip the giblets?
Yes! You can make this easy turkey gravy recipe with just the drippings and broth.

What if my gravy is too thin?
Whisk in an extra cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water) and simmer until thickened.

How long does leftover turkey gravy last?
Store it in the fridge for 2–3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Storage & Reheating

• To Store: Keep leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge.
• To Reheat: Warm over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• To Freeze: Store in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight before reheating.

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This homemade turkey gravy recipe is more than just a sauce—it’s the heart of every great Thanksgiving day spread. From juicy roast turkey to buttery rolls, it ties every dish together with its rich, savory flavor. So go ahead, grab your whisk, and make this year’s Thanksgiving meal unforgettable!

Complete Your Holiday Feast!

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Mains

Ultimate Turkey Brine: Transform your Thanksgiving turkey with this flavorful brine. It infuses your bird with juicy tenderness and bold flavor, ensuring every bite is unforgettable.

Herb-Butter Rubbed Turkey: Take your turkey to the next level with a rich herb-butter rub. This recipe delivers a golden, crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat that will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table.

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Sides

Easy Jiffy Corn Casserole: A classic, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s fluffy, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for balancing savory Thanksgiving flavors.

Homestyle Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes made just like grandma used to. They’re a comforting staple for any holiday spread.

Sweet Potato and Apple Bake: A sweet and tangy side that combines tender sweet potatoes and apples with a hint of cinnamon. A holiday favorite that pairs beautifully with turkey.

Sautéed Garlic Butter Green Beans: Vibrant green beans sautéed in garlic butter, offering a fresh, flavorful contrast to heavier dishes.

Crispy Duck Fat Oven Roasted Potatoes: These golden, crispy potatoes are rich in flavor and texture, thanks to the indulgent addition of duck fat.

Homemade Southern Creamed Corn: A rich, velvety dish bursting with fresh corn flavor, making it an irresistible holiday side.

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon: Smoky bacon and tender cabbage come together in this flavorful Southern classic.

Southern-Style Collard Greens: Slow-cooked greens with smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey wings, seasoned to perfection, add a hearty, savory touch to any holiday menu.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: A cheesy, indulgent side that’s guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Creamed Spinach: Lush and creamy, this dish is a fantastic way to add a rich, earthy green to your holiday table.

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Salads

Creamy Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon: A refreshing, crunchy salad with a creamy dressing and crispy bacon bits, providing a fresh counterpoint to hearty Thanksgiving dishes.

Apple-Snickers Salad: A fun, sweet twist on salad with crisp apples, whipped topping, and chunks of Snickers—a dessert in disguise.

Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: A tangy, creamy pasta salad with the zesty kick of dill pickles, adding a unique flair to your holiday sides.

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Desserts

Easy Pumpkin Bars with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Soft, spiced pumpkin bars topped with luscious maple cream cheese frosting—ideal for pumpkin lovers.

Pineapple Upsidedown Sheet Cake: A retro favorite with caramelized pineapple and cherries baked into a tender cake. A beautiful and delicious holiday dessert.

French Silk Chocolate Pie: A decadent, silky chocolate pie with a flaky crust and whipped cream topping—perfect for chocolate enthusiasts.

Buttermilk Pie: A Southern tradition, this creamy, custard-like pie has a subtle tang from buttermilk and a sweet, flaky crust.

Pecan Pie: The ultimate holiday classic, with a gooey, nutty filling and a buttery crust that’s synonymous with Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Dump Cake: An effortless dessert that layers spiced pumpkin with a buttery cake topping for a warm, comforting treat.

Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Moist, spiced carrot cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting, a holiday favorite for any occasion.

Texas Sheet Cake: A rich, chocolatey sheet cake with a fudge-like frosting, perfect for feeding a crowd during the holidays.