This herbed turkey gravy is the perfect companion for your holiday meals! Loaded with flavor from fresh herbs, it transforms any turkey into a feast.
I love how easy it is to whip up this gravy—just a few ingredients and a bit of stirring and you’re set. You’ll want to pour it all over everything! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Drippings: These are packed with flavor! If you don’t have enough drippings, turkey or chicken broth works well too. Using broth might make it slightly lighter but it’s still delicious!
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for ensuring I can control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil or a vegan butter substitute can work nicely.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard for thickening the gravy, but if you need a gluten-free version, cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend will do the trick. Just remember, cornstarch needs to be mixed with water first to avoid lumps!
Herbs: Fresh herbs add a lovely flavor. If fresh isn’t available, you can use dried herbs, but halve the amount since dried herbs are stronger. Personally, I love adding a sprinkle of sage—it brings a wonderful aroma!
Heavy Cream: This is optional but gives the gravy a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, milk can replace it. For a non-dairy choice, coconut cream or almond milk can also work.
How Do I Make Sure My Gravy Isn’t Lumpy?
The key to lump-free gravy is whisking! When you add the flour to the butter, make sure to whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Then, add the broth gradually while still whisking. This helps the flour blend in without clumping.
- Start by heating your turkey fat or butter before adding the flour. This lets the roux cook evenly.
- When adding broth, pour it in slowly while whisking vigorously. This prevents lumps from forming.
- If lumps do appear, don’t panic! Just continue whisking or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
Herbed Turkey Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups turkey drippings (strained) or turkey broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This gravy takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need a little time to gather your ingredients and another 15 minutes to whisk and simmer everything together. It’s quick and easy to make, and the result is delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Drippings:
After you’ve roasted your turkey, pour the drippings through a fine sieve into a bowl. This will remove any solids, leaving you with the flavorful liquid. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the fat to rise to the top. Skim off about 1/4 cup of the fat; you’ll use this for your gravy.
2. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of turkey fat that you’ve skimmed or use butter if you have less drippings. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Keep whisking constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbling but not browned.
3. Whisk in the Liquid:
Gradually whisk in the strained turkey drippings or broth while continuing to stir. This helps to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the Herbs and Seasonings:
Add in the fresh thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Stir this all together and let it simmer. This will enhance the flavor, giving your gravy a delicious herby taste!
5. Cook and Thicken:
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently, and you’ll see it start to thicken beautifully. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can let it simmer a little longer.
6. Add Cream for Extra Richness:
If you’re using cream or half-and-half, stir it in at this stage and heat through without bringing it to a boil. This adds a lovely richness to your gravy.
7. Final Seasoning:
Taste your gravy! Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour your warm, herbed turkey gravy into a serving dish or gravy boat and serve it alongside your turkey. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead of Turkey Drippings?
Absolutely! If you don’t have enough turkey drippings, using store-bought turkey or chicken broth works great. Just make sure to check for low-sodium options if you want more control over seasoning!
How Can I Make the Gravy Gluten-Free?
To make this gravy gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the broth. This will thicken the gravy without any gluten!
Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?
You definitely can! Prepare the gravy ahead of time and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Is It Possible to Freeze Leftover Gravy?
Yes, leftover gravy can be frozen! Just let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, whisking to restore the texture.
