This is the perfect Turkey Gravy Recipe with instructions to make it with or without drippings. All you need is butter, flour, black pepper, chicken or turkey stock, and/or drippings! It is perfect for feeding a crowd on Thanksgiving.

When it comes to Thanksgiving, dinner would not be complete without the turkey gravy! Years ago I used to be extremely intimidated of making gravy because for whatever reason, it seemed too complicated to make. I’m here to tell you that this homemade turkey gravy is one of the easiest recipes you’ll make for Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, Thanksgiving isn’t the only time when this turkey gravy will come in handy. You can use this any time of year. I tend to use it any time I am making my favorite roast chicken.

Turkey Gravy Ingredients

Part of what makes this the perfect turkey gravy recipe is how simple the ingredients are. For the measurement of each ingredient, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Butter: Salted or unsalted butter can be used, but I would not use a butter substitute.
• Flour: Thickens the gravy by combining with the butter to make a roux. Some turkey gravy recipes call for cornstarch, but I prefer to use flour. I share more on this below.
• Black pepper: Adds a flavor profile that compliments the gravy.
• Drippings or chicken broth: The base and bulk of the gravy! If you are roasting a turkey or chicken, using the drippings (the liquid left after the meat is cooked) is a great way to add flavor to your gravy and use something that you would otherwise probably throw away. If you don’t have enough drippings or want to make gravy without them, use chicken broth. See more about this below.

How to Make Turkey Gravy

Here is a brief overview of how to make homemade turkey gravy. The method is so simple and will take only about 10 minutes from start to finish. For the full recipe including all measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Melt your butter. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Then stir in the black pepper.
2. Make a roux. Slowly add the flour, whisking to combine. Continue whisking until the flour is well incorporated into the butter.
3. Add the liquid. Slowly add your drippings or broth, be sure to whisk constantly to combine. Wait to add more until what you’ve added has been absorbed. Continue until all of the liquid has been added.
4. Cook the gravy. Allow the gravy to cook for several minutes so that it can thicken. Serve immediately or keep on low heat until ready to serve.

Making a Roux

To make this gravy thick and creamy, we make a roux using a fat (butter) and flour. Like in my Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup, this creates a thickening agent and is an important step in achieving the ideal consistency of the gravy. It is important to continue whisking when adding the flour and to add the liquid very slowly, allowing it to be absorbed by the mixture before adding more. This process only takes a minute or two, but you do not want to rush it. Do this until all of your drippings or broth has been added. This recipe comes together quickly but isn’t one you want to walk away from until it is done.

How to Thicken Turkey Gravy

While some recipes for turkey gravy call for cornstarch as the thickening agent, I like to use flour. Make sure that after you add the flour, you whisk really well so that it fully incorporates into the butter.

If you want to thin your gravy a bit after it is done cooking, add a little chicken broth or extra drippings until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Turkey Gravy for a Crowd

Are you cooking for a crowd this Thanksgiving? No problem. You can easily double or triple this recipe for lots of extra delicious turkey gravy. And the best news is that it can be made ahead of time and warmed up right before you eat. I don’t know about you, but when I’m cooking for a crowd I like to prep ahead as much as possible and this recipe works great for that!

Serving Gravy

I typically like to make the gravy shortly before we eat dinner, but you can always make it ahead of time and warm it up right before dinner. Is there anything better than warm, delicious gravy from scratch? Serve it atop your mashed potatoes, turkey stuffing, and whatever else you put gravy on! 

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat over low heat or in the microwave.

To freeze your gravy, allow it to cool and place it in a freezer safe bag or container, leaving about an inch at the top for the gravy to expand. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the gravy in the refrigerator overnight and heat over low heat when ready to serve to best prevent the gravy from separating.

Other Thanksgiving Recipes

To round out your meal, serve your perfect turkey gravy with the following dishes:

• Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
• The Best Mashed Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Casserole {Like Ruth’s Chris}
• Turkey Stuffing

If you make this perfect turkey gravy recipe or any of my other recipes, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment. I love hearing from you and how you like my recipes!

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