Add this simple turkey gravy to your Thanksgiving menu. It’s made quickly and reliably from turkey drippings, broth, and a little cornstarch. This classic gravy is the perfect finishing touch for roast or smoked turkey and works great on mashed potatoes and other sides.
What You Need for Turkey Gravy
This flavorful turkey gravy comes together with only three main ingredients, one of which is the drippings you’ll collect from your turkey. Keep the quantities handy:
- Turkey drippings / basting liquid: Save the juices collected from the roasting pan or smoker. They pack concentrated turkey flavor and are the foundation of the gravy.
- Broth: Use turkey broth if available for the best flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth work well too.
- Cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent. Start with 2–3 tablespoons and adjust if you prefer a thicker gravy.
A good ratio to follow is 1 cup of drippings to 3 cups of broth. Using too much drippings can make the gravy overly salty, so dilute accordingly.
Variations — Make This Turkey Gravy Your Own
- No turkey drippings? Use 4 cups of broth. For added depth, sauté a few tablespoons of diced white onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic in a bit of oil or butter before adding the broth. Finish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme while the broth simmers.
- Add herbs and aromatics: Fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary complement turkey gravy beautifully. You can also stir in a spoonful of roasted garlic for a richer, slightly sweeter profile.
- Cornstarch versus flour: You can substitute all-purpose flour for cornstarch if preferred. Use a roux or a flour slurry and cook until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
- Make it thicker: For a thicker gravy, remove an extra cup of the liquid, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth, then return it to the saucepan and heat until thickened.
How to Make Turkey Gravy from Drippings
This quick turkey gravy is ready in about 20 minutes and serves roughly 8. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving and any meal where you want a classic, savory pan gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup turkey drippings (or turkey basting liquid)
- 3 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 2–3 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine the turkey drippings and broth in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Remove 1 cup of the hot liquid and place it in a separate bowl. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture back into the saucepan while whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue whisking as the gravy thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- If you want a thicker gravy, remove an additional cup of the liquid, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to that cup, then whisk it back into the saucepan and heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat, taste, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve warm over turkey, mashed potatoes, or roasted pork.
Storage
Store leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently; add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Can You Freeze Turkey Gravy?
Yes—this gravy freezes well.
- Cool the gravy completely to room temperature.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving space for expansion.
- Remove as much air as possible, seal, and label with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, whisking to re-emulsify.
Serving Turkey Gravy
This turkey gravy is versatile—use it on carved turkey, roasted chicken, pork roast, or over mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. It brings a warm, savory finish to holiday plates and everyday dinners alike.
Tips & Notes
- Adjust salt carefully: Drippings can be salty depending on how the turkey was seasoned. Taste before adding additional salt.
- Strain for smoothness: If your drippings contain solids or large bits, strain them through a fine mesh sieve before using to keep the gravy silky.
- Enhance depth: A splash of dry white wine added while deglazing the roasting pan or a small pat of butter whisked in at the end can add richness.
- Make ahead: Prepare the gravy a day ahead and refrigerate; gently reheat and whisk before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 15 kcal • Carbohydrates: 2 g • Protein: 1 g • Fat: 0.2 g • Fiber: 0.02 g • Sugar: 1 g
Nutrition information is an approximation and will vary depending on the exact amounts and ingredients you use.
If you try this turkey gravy, consider sharing a photo of your finished dish — it’s a reliable, classic recipe that brings holiday dishes together. Enjoy!