The BEST Turkey Gravy Recipe: Savory Perfection for Your Holiday Feast

Looking for the best turkey gravy recipe to complement your delicious roast turkey? This savory, rich turkey gravy will transform your holiday feast into an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making every dish on your plate taste even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This turkey gravy recipe is incredibly versatile and complements not just turkey, but also mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more. One of the benefits is its simplicity—it doesn’t require any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, yet it delivers extraordinary flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion, this gravy is a surefire way to impress your guests.

It’s all about the depth of flavor; the combination of turkey drippings and aromatic herbs sets this gravy apart. It creates a rich, velvety sauce that ties all the components of your meal together, enhancing each bite with its savory goodness.

Context/Background

Gravy has a long-standing tradition as an essential component of holiday meals, providing a luscious accompaniment that elevates even the simplest ingredients. Traditionally, turkey gravy is made using the drippings left over from roasting turkey, blended with a roux of butter and flour.

The art of making gravy has been passed down through generations as a staple of festive preparations, and mastering this classic is a rite of passage for many home cooks. The techniques used in making a great turkey gravy have been refined over the years, making it easier than ever to achieve perfect results.

Recipe Details

Serves: 8-10

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey drippings (or broth)
• 1 cup chicken or turkey stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms, cooking for about 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add in the turkey drippings, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Stir in the chicken stock and continue to whisk for 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add herbs if desired.
6. Remove from heat and serve warm over turkey and sides.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Gravy

• For extra flavor, use homemade stock or broth instead of store-bought.
• Strain the gravy if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Adjust the consistency with more stock if the gravy is too thick.
• Experiment with adding a splash of white wine for an elegant touch.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey gravy pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. It also makes an excellent addition to open-faced turkey sandwiches or simply drizzled over bread rolls.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, whisking frequently to maintain its texture.

Final Thoughts

Crafting the best turkey gravy is an art that’s worth mastering for your holiday celebrations. With its rich, savory flavor profile, you’ll find this recipe a go-to for many occasions. Give it a try and experience the delight of a perfectly savory companion to your roast turkey.

Recipe Notes

• If using broth instead of drippings, add a teaspoon of bouillon for extra depth.
• You can add a pinch of sage for a more earthy flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch (use less cornstarch).