This herbed turkey gravy is a warm and tasty addition to any meal. Made with rich turkey drippings and fresh herbs, it brings a delightful flavor to your plate!
I love how easy it is to whip up a batch right after cooking turkey. It always gets everyone talking at dinner—so good that even the mashed potatoes thank me! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Drippings: These provide core flavor. If you’re short on drippings, using low-sodium turkey or chicken broth can work too. Adding a bit of smoked paprika can mimic depth.
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for balancing flavors. You can substitute with oil or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option!
Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the gravy. If you’re gluten-free, try using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. It’s best to mix cornstarch with cold water first.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage bring out the festive flavor. Feel free to mix in some dried herbs, but use about a third the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
White Wine or Sherry: This adds great richness, but if you prefer to skip the alcohol, a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice works beautifully.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Gravy Consistency?
Getting gravy just right can be tricky. The key is in the roux and how you mix in the liquid. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Make a roux by cooking flour and fat together until it’s nicely golden. This prevents raw flour taste.
- Add the liquid gradually while whisking to break up any lumps. Keep the heat at medium—too high can scorch the roux.
- Simmer gently, stirring often, until it thickens. Want it thicker? Simmer longer, but don’t forget to adjust the seasoning afterward!
- If lumpy, a quick blend with an immersion blender can fix it up!
Herbed Turkey Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups turkey drippings and broth (from roasted turkey)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine or sherry (for depth of flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This herbed turkey gravy takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need a few minutes to gather your ingredients and make the roux, along with simmering time until it thickens. Just a quick cook and you’ll have a delicious gravy ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Gather Your Drippings:
After roasting your turkey, carefully remove it from the roasting pan and let it rest. Pour the drippings from the pan into a fat separator or a bowl. If you don’t have a separator, you can let it sit for a minute and skim off the excess fat with a spoon, saving about 1/4 cup of the liquid along with any flavorful browned bits at the bottom.
2. Start the Roux:
Place the roasting pan (or a separate saucepan) on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the reserved fat from the drippings and the unsalted butter. Let them melt together, stirring occasionally to combine.
3. Cook the Flour:
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour thoroughly. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color—this is your roux, which will give the gravy its nice thickness!
4. Add the Liquid:
Slowly whisk in the reserved turkey drippings and broth, ensuring that you don’t have lumps. If you’re using the optional white wine or sherry, pour it in now for a lovely depth of flavor!
5. Flavor with Herbs:
Stir in the chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Lower the heat and let the gravy simmer gently, stirring occasionally until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be simply delightful!
6. Final Seasoning:
Season your gravy with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you prefer a silky-smooth texture, strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps or herb pieces.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Pour the warm gravy into a serving dish or gravy boat. Serve it alongside your perfectly roasted turkey and let everyone enjoy the aromatic flavor in every delicious drizzle. Happy feasting!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead of Drippings?
Absolutely! If you don’t have enough drippings from your turkey, feel free to use store-bought low-sodium turkey or chicken broth. Just remember that the drippings add a lot of flavor, so consider enhancing the broth with some extra herbs to mimic that roasted taste!
How Can I Make This Gravy Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this gravy gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. To use cornstarch, mix it with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the gravy, which will help thicken it without lumps.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Gravy?
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, and stir well to restore its texture!
Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge after it cools, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Stir well to ensure it warms evenly!