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Home » Share » Thanksgiving » Foolproof Turkey Gravy Recipe

Foolproof Turkey Gravy Recipe

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By: Shinee Published: 11/06/2017Updated: 11/23/2021

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Sharing tips and tricks for insanely flavorful, foolproof turkey gravy recipe. You’ll never make gravy any other way, because it takes minimum effort for an impressive result!

Sharing tips and tricks for insanely flavorful, foolproof turkey gravy recipe. You'll never make gravy any other way, because it takes minimum effort for an impressive result! #turkeygravy #ThanksgivingMenu #ThanksgivingRecipes #gravy #homemadegravy

Turkey is the king of Thanksgiving table, yes. But without gravy, it’ll be pretty sad Thanksgiving. Am I right?

Personally, I think, gravy is the best part of all things. And if you’re making my special champagne turkey, then your turkey gravy is going to be out of this world! Because, you know, the champagne reduces and flavors concentrate, soaking up all the turkey juices in the process.

And that turkey dripping is GOLD! It’s bold, tangy (sour almost, but in a good way), and oh-so-powerful in terms of flavor. That’s what makes this turkey gravy even more special. It adds ton of flavor to the gravy!

But if you have a go-to turkey recipe and that’s what you do year after year, then don’t you worry. You can still make this turkey gravy and you won’t be disappointed. Because this turkey gravy from scratch is foolproof, my friend.

Easy, foolproof turkey gravy recipes with tips and tricks to success! #turkeygravy #ThanksgivingMenu #ThanksgivingRecipes #gravy #homemadegravy

We’ll start the gravy making process with roux. Roux is when you roast equal amount of fat and flour until golden brown color with nutty aroma.

2 things to note about roux here:

  1. When making a roux, make sure to pay undivided attention, whisking it constantly! It’s so easy to burn it, because it literally takes seconds from perfectly nutty to burning. And once roux is burned, you’ll need to start over, because you don’t want that burnt flavor in your gravy. And if you don’t roast the flour well enough, you’ll taste raw flour and no one wants that. (Ok, I’m not trying to scare you away. Armed with these tips, you’ll be making perfect gravy every time. I promise!)
  2. Now, let’s talk about what kind of fat to use. In my recipe below, I called for butter, because it’s easily accessible. But to be quite honest, I really love using bacon fat! Because more flavor!!!

Now, once the roux is perfectly golden brown, slowly pour in the liquids, while whisking constantly. I’d say if you can whisk stuff, you can make a gravy. Haha It sure takes a lot whisking, but boy, is it worth it!

A quick note about pan drippings, if you’re using my champagne turkey recipe.

Because the flavors are super concentrated, you may not want to add all of the drippings. I’ve got about 10oz of pan drippings out of my turkey. And I suggest you add about 5-6oz of pan drippings into your gravy, and add the remaining little by little to your taste.

OMG, this’s a liquid gold. I could literally drink the stuff. 🙂

Sharing tips and tricks for insanely flavorful, foolproof turkey gravy recipe. You'll never make gravy any other way, because it takes minimum effort for an impressive result! #turkeygravy #ThanksgivingMenu #ThanksgivingRecipes #gravy #homemadegravy
Ridiculously easy, foolproof flavorful homemade turkey gravy with video tutorial. #turkeygravy #ThanksgivingMenu #ThanksgivingRecipes #gravy #homemadegravy

Hope you’ll make and enjoy a homemade turkey gravy to go with your amazing Thanksgiving spread! Thanks for visiting!

 

Foolproof Turkey Gravy

Sharing tips and tricks for insanely flavorful, foolproof turkey gravy recipe. You’ll never make gravy any other way, because it takes minimum effort for an impressive result!
5 from 6 votes
serves: 3 -4 cups
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total : 20 minutes
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Ingredients

  • Up to 1 cup of pan drippings Note 1
  • ¼ cup (55g) butter or bacon fat
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720ml) low sodium chicken stock
Note: I test all my recipes with both measurements for the most precise and accurate result!

Instructions

  • Pour the turkey drippings into a fat separator. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter (or bacon fat) over medium high heat.
  • Add flour and roast the flour, whisking constantly, until golden brown with nutty aroma, about 2 minutes. (Note: It’s so easy to burn the roux, because it literally takes seconds from perfectly nutty to burning. So don’t get distracted here.)
  • Slowly pour in pan drippings through a fine mesh strainer, leaving the layer of fat in the cup, and chicken stock, while continuously whisking.
  • Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium. Simmer until desired thickness is reached, whisking occasionally. Keep in mind, gravy also thickens as it cools.
  •  Serve immediately.

Tips & Notes:

Note 1: If you’re making my champagne turkey, I suggest adding about 5oz of pan drippings first, and then add more to taste. Read the details in the post above.
Make-Ahead Note: The gravy can be made up to 5 days in advance. Obviously you won’t have pan drippings yet, but you can make the gravy without it. And add the pan drippings when you reheat the gravy on Thanksgiving day.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 260kcal (13%) Carbohydrates: 16g (5%) Protein: 7g (14%) Fat: 18g (28%) Saturated Fat: 11g (69%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 48mg (16%) Sodium: 478mg (21%) Potassium: 268mg (8%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 4g (4%) Vitamin A: 480IU (10%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 13mg (1%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Author: Shinee
Course:Condiments
Cuisine:American
Did you make this?Show me your creation! Tag me @shineshka and hashtag it #sweetandsavorybyshinee!
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  1. Jerry T says

    Posted on 24 November 2022 at 9:36 pm

    5 stars
    Have made champagne turkey and gravy at least 5 times never fails to impress. Turkey is always very moist and tender. The gravy has just the right tang. Put the roasting pan on top of the stove with the carrots and apples and boil to get the brown bits and concentrate the juice.

    Reply
  2. Mary Jo Anderson says

    Posted on 20 November 2021 at 1:21 pm

    5 stars
    I made your foolproof turkey gravy today. It is 5 days before Thanksgiving. Should I freeze it or just refrigerate.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 20 November 2021 at 3:27 pm

      Hi, Mary Jo! Woohoo, you’re on top of it!! 🙂 Yes, go ahead and freeze the gravy. And transfer it into the fridge the day before Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  3. Ann says

    Posted on 24 October 2020 at 1:54 pm

    Can you make this in an electric roaster?

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 26 October 2020 at 10:09 pm

      Hi, Ann. I have no experience with electric roaster. So, unfortunately no advice.

      Reply
  4. Janice says

    Posted on 9 November 2019 at 1:34 pm

    This recipe sounds amazing. Have anyone ever tried making it gluten free? We have a couple of family members with Celiac. I don’t always know how best to modify recipes. Thanks! Can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 10 November 2019 at 4:31 pm

      Hi, Janice. Since you can’t use roux (roasted flour and fat mixture) as thickening agent, I suggest using cornstarch instead. I’d boil the chicken stock and drippings. Mix cornstarch with a little bit water to make a slurry and add it when the stock boils. (Note, cornstarch activates when it’s added to boiling mixture.) Since I haven’t tested this method for turkey gravy recipe, I can’t provide exact measurements though.

      Reply
  5. Theresa Kochalka says

    Posted on 15 November 2018 at 10:02 am

    5 stars
    This looks divine! Making in advance and will add drippings day of but wondered if I could use homemade turkey stock vs. chicken?

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 15 November 2018 at 1:13 pm

      Hi, Theresa. Yes, you can definitely use turkey stock instead of chicken. Enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Brittany says

    Posted on 24 November 2017 at 12:45 pm

    5 stars
    THIS GRAVY WAS DELICIOUS!!!!! Especially with the matching turkey!! Ohhh my word i can’t wait to make this again next week!! i also just made some potato pancakes with left over mashed potatoes and put some of this gravy on top and when i tell you my taste buds went wild I’m not joking !!! Best gravy ever!!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 25 November 2017 at 10:33 am

      Oh my gosh, Brittany, gravy over mashed potato pancakes sounds amazing!!!! And yes, this gravy is beyond delicious!

      Reply
  7. Shawn says

    Posted on 20 November 2017 at 9:19 pm

    You make turkey gravy look so good and easy to make! Can’t wait to give this a try!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 21 November 2017 at 12:47 pm

      Thank you, Shawn!!

      Reply
  8. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says

    Posted on 9 November 2017 at 2:35 pm

    This turkey gravy looks amazing!! Thanks for sharing!!!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 10 November 2017 at 2:00 pm

      Thanks, Jocelyn!

      Reply
  9. Karly says

    Posted on 6 November 2017 at 7:29 pm

    This is exactly what I’ve been looking for- foolproof AND delicious. Cannot wait for turkey (&gravy) day to get here!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 6 November 2017 at 11:09 pm

      Me too, Karly. Even though I had like 3 faux Thanksgivings so far this year (#foodbloggerproblems), I’m still looking forward to the actual Thanksgiving. Haha

      Reply

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