This herbed turkey gravy is the perfect companion for any meal! Made with savory turkey drippings, it’s packed with flavor from fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. Yum!
If you’re like me, you’ll want extra gravy on everything—mashed potatoes, stuffing, you name it! It’s so good, you might find yourself licking the bowl. 🤭
Making this gravy is simple! Just whisk it up while your turkey rests, and you’ll have a warm, delicious sauce that everyone will love. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to your gravy. If you prefer, you can swap it out for olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a lighter version.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour thickens the gravy. If you’re gluten-free, try cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just mix it with a little cold broth before adding to avoid lumps.
Turkey Drippings: The drippings give your gravy amazing flavor. If you don’t have enough, substitute with more broth or even bacon grease for a twist.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are stars in this recipe! If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work in a pinch—just use about a third of the amount. I love adding a touch of sage for extra depth!
How Do You Make Gravy Without Lumps?
Lumpy gravy can be frustrating, but I’ve got you covered. The trick is in the roux and how you add the liquids. Follow these steps:
- When making the roux, cook the flour and fat until it’s just golden—don’t rush this step!
- Gradually whisk in the broth and drippings using a whisk; add them slowly to avoid lumps.
- Stir continuously as the mixture heats—this keeps the gravy smooth!
- If you do end up with lumps, use an immersion blender to blend them out or strain the gravy before serving.
With these tips, your gravy will be creamy and inviting every time!
Herbed Turkey Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 to 3 cups turkey or chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1 cup turkey drippings (strained to remove solids)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This herbed turkey gravy will take around 15-20 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up right after roasting your turkey. Just give it some time to simmer and thicken before serving, and you’ll have a delicious gravy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Collect Your Drippings:
After roasting your turkey, pour the pan drippings into a bowl or measuring cup. Let them sit for a few minutes until the fat rises to the top. Skim off and reserve about 1/4 cup of the fat, discarding any excess or saving it for other uses. If you don’t have enough fat, you can supplement it with butter.
2. Make the Roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt the reserved fat (or butter) over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and keep stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture is lightly golden and smells nutty—this takes about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown too much.
3. Add the Liquid:
Slowly whisk in the strained turkey drippings and turkey or chicken broth. Add enough liquid to achieve your desired gravy consistency, generally 2 to 3 cups total. Whisking as you go helps keep the gravy smooth.
4. Flavor with Herbs:
Stir in the freshly chopped herbs—rosemary, thyme, and optionally sage. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
5. Simmer and Season:
Let the gravy simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to your preference. Taste it at this point and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your gravy is smooth and flavorful, you can remove it from heat and strain it if you want an extra smooth texture. Serve hot alongside sliced turkey and enjoy the delicious flavors! A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top makes for a beautiful presentation.
This herbed turkey gravy is rich and satisfying—perfect for drizzling over turkey, mashed potatoes, or anything else on your holiday table. Enjoy! 🍽️
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth for This Gravy?
Absolutely! Store-bought broth is convenient and will still give you a delicious gravy. Just opt for low-sodium versions to control the saltiness!
What If I Don’t Have Turkey Drippings?
No worries! If you’re short on drippings, you can simply increase the amount of broth used. Adding a bit of butter can also help create that rich flavor you want in your gravy.
Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the gravy ahead! Just prepare it and let it cool, then 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 water if it’s too thick.
How Can I Make This Gravy Gluten-Free?
To make this gravy gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold broth before adding it to avoid lumps!
