This herbed turkey gravy is perfect for drenching your favorite dishes. Made with rich turkey drippings and fresh herbs, it adds a cozy flavor to your meals.
I love how easy it is to whip up this gravy while the turkey rests. Just mix everything in the pan—no fuss, just deliciousness! Your mashed potatoes will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey drippings: These are the magical base for your gravy, bringing rich flavor. If you don’t have roast turkey drippings, you can use store-bought turkey or chicken broth instead.
Unsalted butter: This helps create a smooth roux with turkey fat. If you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute with olive oil or a vegan butter. It might slightly change the taste, but it will still be delicious!
All-purpose flour: A key element for thickening the gravy. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just mix them with water to make a slurry before adding to the gravy.
Fresh herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and sage give great flavor. Fresh herbs are always best, but dried versions also work in a pinch. Use 1/3 the amount if using dried herbs.
How Do You Make a Smooth Roux for Gravy?
Creating a roux is a crucial step for a great gravy! It combines fat and flour to form a thickener. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Heat the reserved turkey fat and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the flour. Keep stirring with a whisk for about 3-4 minutes.
- You want the roux to turn a light golden color but not brown. This helps develop a nice flavor without burning.
Patience is key here—rushing can lead to clumpy gravy later. By whisking diligently, you’ll have a smooth start to your delicious herbed turkey gravy!
How to Make Herbed Turkey Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup turkey drippings (from roasted turkey)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey or chicken stock (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes. You’ll spend a few minutes preparing the ingredients, making the roux, and simmering the gravy. Enjoy this easy and delicious addition to your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Drippings:
After roasting your turkey, carefully pour any drippings from the pan into a measuring cup or bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes so the fat can rise to the top. Use a spoon to scoop off and reserve about 1/4 cup of fat for your gravy.
2. Make the Fat Mixture:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the reserved turkey fat along with the butter. Allow the butter to melt and combine with the fat, creating a rich base.
3. Create the Roux:
Now, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Keep whisking constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown and loses its raw flour taste. This will help give your gravy a nice flavor.
4. Add the Stock:
Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken stock. Continue whisking to ensure there are no clumps in the mixture. Keep stirring until the gravy becomes thick and smooth.
5. Stir in the Herbs:
Add the chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage to the mixture. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, add that too! Let the gravy simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend all the flavors together.
6. Season to Taste:
Take a moment to taste your gravy and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Adjust to your preference for flavor!
7. Strain (If Desired):
If you prefer a very smooth gravy, remove it from the heat and strain it through a fine mesh sieve to catch any lumps or bits of herbs.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious herbed turkey gravy hot over sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Enjoy a delightful addition to your holiday meals or any cozy dinner!
With this recipe, you’ll have flavorful, aromatic herbed turkey gravy that everyone will love! Happy cooking! 🦃😊
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead of Drippings?
Absolutely! If you don’t have turkey drippings, use store-bought turkey or chicken broth. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium option to control the saltiness of your gravy.
How Do I Thicken My Gravy?
If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk this into the gravy while it’s simmering until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it slowly on the stove when you’re ready to serve, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, cornstarch works great! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, and add it to the gravy at the end of cooking to thicken it.
