Turkey Gravy from Pan Drippings

Introduction

Turkey Gravy from Pan Drippings is a rich, flavorful, and savory sauce that elevates any roasted turkey into a truly memorable meal. By using the natural drippings from your turkey, this gravy captures all the depth of flavor from the roasted bird, enhanced with butter, seasonings, and a touch of flour or cornstarch for the perfect consistency. The result is a smooth, velvety gravy with a robust, savory taste that complements turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other holiday favorites.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or special dinners, this homemade gravy is far superior to store-bought versions, offering freshness, richness, and a depth of flavor that can’t be matched. It’s a simple yet essential addition to the table that brings all the components of the meal together in delicious harmony.

Why We Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple pan drippings into a rich, savory, and velvety gravy that enhances every part of the meal. The natural flavors from the roasted turkey are captured perfectly, creating a sauce that is both comforting and indulgent. Each spoonful adds depth and richness to the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other sides, making every bite more flavorful and satisfying.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its simplicity and authenticity. Unlike store-bought gravies, this homemade version is made from scratch using ingredients you already have, ensuring freshness and a depth of flavor that canned gravy cannot match. It’s easy to make but has a professional-quality taste that elevates the entire meal.

It’s a must-try dish

• This dish is a must-try because it transforms the natural juices and flavors from a roasted turkey into a rich, savory, and velvety gravy that elevates every part of the meal. It captures the essence of the roasted bird, adding depth and flavor to turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other sides, making each bite truly memorable.
• It’s also a must-try because of its freshness and authenticity. Homemade gravy made from pan drippings tastes far superior to store-bought options, offering a natural, robust flavor and smooth texture that can’t be replicated by canned products.
• Another reason it stands out is its versatility and ease of preparation. With simple ingredients like butter, flour, pan drippings, and seasonings, you can create a professional-quality gravy that complements any holiday or special meal, and it can be customized with herbs, wine, or broth to suit your taste.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories (per serving): ~90 kcal
• Cuisine: American
• Cooking Method: Stovetop
• Course: Sauce / Condiment

Ingredients

• ½ cup (120 ml) turkey drippings (from roasting pan)
• 2–3 cups (480–720 ml) turkey or chicken stock (adjust for desired thickness)
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for added aroma

Directions

1. Collect Drippings:
   After roasting turkey, carefully pour pan drippings into a heatproof measuring cup. Let stand a few minutes so fat rises to the top. Skim off excess fat, leaving about ½ cup for flavor.
2. Deglaze Pan:
   Place the roasting pan over medium heat. Add a splash of stock and scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon — this is pure flavor.
3. Make Roux:
   In a medium saucepan, whisk together the reserved fat (or butter if needed) and flour over medium heat until golden and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Liquids:
   Gradually whisk in the remaining drippings and stock. Bring to a simmer.
5. Thicken:
   Cook, whisking constantly, until gravy reaches your desired thickness, 5–8 minutes.
6. Season:
   Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add herbs if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1: Remove turkey from roasting pan and collect drippings.
2. Step 2: Skim off excess fat, reserving about ½ cup.
3. Step 3: Deglaze roasting pan with a little stock, scraping browned bits.
4. Step 4: Make a roux in a saucepan with reserved fat and flour.
5. Step 5: Slowly whisk in stock and drippings.
6. Step 6: Simmer until thickened.
7. Step 7: Season to taste and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve hot in a gravy boat or small pitcher alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, or biscuits.

Additional Recipe Tips & Variations

• For Extra Richness: Replace some of the stock with a splash of cream or white wine.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch slurry instead of flour for thickening.
• Make Ahead: Prepare gravy up to 2 days in advance, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving.
• Boost Flavor: Roast turkey on a bed of onions, carrots, and celery so the drippings have built-in aromatics.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight, reheat slowly while whisking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan (used to collect drippings)
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cup
• Wooden spoon

Conclusion

This Turkey Gravy from Pan Drippings is the ultimate holiday sauce — rich, flavorful, and made with love from the very essence of your roasted turkey. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to elevate your meal from good to unforgettable.