This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy.
This Turkey Gravy recipe is a must for Thanksgiving dinner. Made with rich, flavorful turkey drippings, it is delicious served over mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing. This is our Mom’s tried-and-true recipe and we’re excited to share her secrets with you!
Table of Contents
Mom’s Famous Turkey Gravy Recipe
If you know our Mom, you know she’s famous for her traditional Sunday dinners – every week alternation between roast beef and turkey. Growing up, it was like Thanksgiving every other week. Her turkey gravy is the dish everyone asks for. Until now, it was made to taste, but Mom generously shared her step-by-step method. This savory, creamy gravy is the perfect addition to mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and our leftover Thanksgiving casserole. We know you’ll love it as much as we do!
Ingredients for Turkey Gravy
This easy Turkey Gravy recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best gravy for your Thanksgiving dinner.
- Turkey Drippings: The secret to flavorful gravy! Use the drippings from your roasted turkey. If you’re short on drippings, add turkey stock, chicken stock, or broth.
- Gravy Packet (optional): Often included with frozen turkeys. If yours didn’t come with one, a tablespoon of dry turkey or chicken gravy mix works as a substitute.
- Chicken Bouillon: Adds depth and richness to the gravy. We love Wyler’s chicken bouillon granules, but you can use cubes or your favorite brand.
- Freshly Ground Pepper: For a hint of spice and flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk creates a creamy texture. For thicker gravy, mix in some half and half or heavy cream.
- Cornstarch or Flour: The thickening agent to get the perfect consistency.
- Water: Used with the cornstarch to make a slurry for thickening.
- Salt: To taste. Use sparingly after all flavors have blended.
How to Make Turkey Gravy (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Turkey Drippings
After roasting your turkey, transfer it to a cutting board. Keep the drippings in the roasting pan. Place the pan on medium heat and add water if the drippings are less than a cup. Whisk to loosen any caramelized bits – these are packed with flavor!
Important! Avoid placing an aluminum roasting pan directly on the stovetop. Instead, deglaze it with water and transfer the liquid to a large pot.
2. Strain the Drippings
Pour the liquid into a tempered glass measuring cup. Skim off the fat and strain out any turkey bits. Transfer the strained dripping to a saucepan.
3. Add Seasonings
Add the gravy packet (optional) to the drippings. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Whisk in the chicken bouillon and pepper. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly for a creamy consistency.
4. Thicken the Gravy
Combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Gradually whisk it into the simmering gravy until you reach your desired thickness. Remember, the gravy will thicken further as it cools.
5. Taste and Adjust
Taste the gravy and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt sparingly, the bouillon and gravy packet are salty.
6. Serve the Gravy
Keep the gravy warm until serving. Transfer it to a gravy boat or bowl with a ladle for easy serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Skip the gravy packet that comes with the turkey and use cornstarch instead of flour.
Enhance the flavor with chicken bouillon, fresh herbs, or a tablespoon or two from a dry turkey gravy seasoning packet.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add milk if the gravy is too thick.
Absolutely! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat to serve. Add milk to thin the consistency, if necessary.
We have a fool-proof, step-by-step guide for Making the Perfect Turkey. Our Thanksgiving turkey recipe is seasoned with fresh herbs and roasted to perfection.
More Delicious Gravy Recipes
No matter what you’re serving, there’s a scrumptious, savory gravy to go with it. For a step-by-step guide for making gravies and sauces, see our post on How to Make a Roux.
We Can’t Wait for You to Try This Recipe!
This Turkey Gravy is more than just a sauce – it’s a family tradition. We hope it brings the same warmth and love to your holiday table as it does to ours. Don’t forget to check out our complete Thanksgiving Dinner Guide for more delicious recipes and tips!
Turkey Gravy Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- ½ to 1 cup turkey drippings from cooked turkey
- 1 gravy packet (included with the frozen turkey or turkey breast)*
- 1 tablespoon Wyler’s chicken bouillon granules
- pepper to taste
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- salt to taste
Instructions
- After roasting a turkey or turkey breast in the oven, remove the turkey and leave the drippings in the roasting pan. Place the pan on the largest stove top burner on medium heat. If there is less than one cup of liquid in the pan, add enough water to make about one cup. Whisk up any little browned bits that may have cooked to the roasting pan. This adds delicious flavor to the gravy. The heat from the stove helps loosen the browned bits on the sides of the pan. If you've used an aluminum pan to cook the turkey, don't place it on the stove after removing the turkey. Add water to the drippings to make one cup. Use a whisk or spoon to loosen the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the liquid from the pan into a 2 cup or larger tempered glass measuring cup or glass bowl. The fat from the drippings will rise to the surface. Skim off the fat with a spoon. Pour the remaining liquid through a wire strainer into a medium-sized saucepan. This will remove any turkey bits or fat and make a smooth, creamy gravy.
- If a gravy packet was included with the turkey, add it to the saucepan (if you want a gluten free gravy, don't add the packet). Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then simmer. Stir in the bouillon granules and pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring back to a simmer. At this point, taste the gravy. Add more bouillon and pepper if needed for flavor. Do not add salt at this time.
- In a separate, small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. Stir until there are no lumps. It should be nice and smooth.
- Whisking the gravy constantly, slowly add cornstarch mixture a little at a time until the gravy is thickened to the consistency you desire.
- Make the gravy slightly thinner than what you prefer because it will thicken a little as it cools. Taste the gravy again. If needed, add a little salt for flavor.
- Pour into a gravy boat and serve.
Notes
*For Gluten Free Turkey Gravy
- Don’t use the turkey gravy packet that comes with the turkey or turkey breast.
- This recipe makes approximately 4 cups of gravy when using a gravy packet. If a gravy packet from the turkey is not used, this recipe makes approximately 3 cups.
Great gravy will make it over and over
Gravy is always the toughest part for me so this is perfect to get my own 5 stars on Thanksgiving.
Awesome Recipe
New recipe for me. My gravy has always been ok, but never great and I think this one will be my new new.
All this needs is a straw
Best bloody gravy ever. Love it.
I also love the gluten free option on making this gravy! Thank you so much!
I never could get the gravy to be right even with the turkey’s instructions! You have made it beyond what I wanted! Can’t wait to have my hubby have this on Thanksgiving! Thank you so much!
I did put 5 stars on this but for some reason it didn’t show up! That’s my luck! Lol
I love this recipe! I can cook and bake all kinds of things but when it comes to gravy, I’m just not interested in trying it. After it came out alittle lumpy I got discouraged. This step by step recipe has renewed my faith that it will come out delicious!
Finally a recipe for bigger volumes with lots of flavor and adjustable to thickness desires!
Yummy! I have necer added milk but loved the taste and creaminess of this recipe. Family favorite!
My family absolutely loved this gravy!!! I made it with the step-by-step pictures & directions so it was super simple!!!
Lets face it, smooth gravy is the hardest part of Thanksgiving! The super fine gravy flour works wonders or if all else fails strain it ! Only you will know.
Love this recipe!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I’ll follow every detail this thanksgiving ✌️✌️
My gravy always comes out lumpy, will give this a try!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I love the gravy recipe. It is going back to basics for me. I love making food from starch.
I enjoy sharing all the comfort foods of the Thanksgiving holiday with family and close friends.
This gravy recipe reminds me of treasured stored memories… of sitting around the dinning room table with my beloved mother. My mother took pride in the food she would cook and serve our family. I lost my mother, my dearest friend over 9 years ago.
The recipe takes me back on how she made her gravy. The best part! My family would fight for the very last bit of it, scrapping the sides of the gravy bowl.
Thank you for having this contest and thank you for sharing your delicious recipes.
Many Blessing to all of you and your families. May your belly’s always be full!
Kindest Regards,
Gina Oeser
Delicious gravy
This gravy perfectly complements our Thanksgiving meal. And as a novice cook, the tips are super helpful.
This gravy perfectly complements our Thanksgiving meal. And as a novice cook, the tips are super helpful.