This herbed turkey gravy is a warm hug for your holiday meals! It’s rich and tasty, made with drippings from the turkey and fresh herbs for a pop of flavor. Yum!
I love how it brings everything together on the plate. Oh, and there’s always a little extra on the side for my mashed potatoes—heavenly! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Drippings: These are the flavorful juices from your roasted turkey. If you don’t have enough drippings, you can use additional low-sodium chicken broth to compensate.
Broth: Low-sodium turkey or chicken broth works best to maintain control over the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, homemade broth is fantastic, or you can use vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard for thickening. However, for a gluten-free option, try using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend—just make sure to mix it with a little cold broth first to avoid clumping.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are classic choices. If you’re out of fresh, 1/3 of the dried version can be a good stand-in. Sage adds a beautiful flavor, but it’s totally optional.
How Do I Make a Smooth Roux for My Gravy?
The roux is a key component that thickens your gravy. It requires careful attention to achieve that smooth texture. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning. Mix your turkey fat and butter until melted.
- Add the flour gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until it’s a light golden brown—this step is essential for flavor!
- After that, slowly whisk in your broth and drippings while continually stirring. This helps create a lump-free gravy.
Remember, patience is key when making gravy. If it’s not thickening as you want, let it simmer a bit longer—this also develops the flavor. Enjoy your delicious herbed turkey gravy!
Herbed Turkey Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups turkey drippings (from roasted turkey)
- 2 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This herbed turkey gravy takes about 10 minutes to prepare after you’ve roasted your turkey. It simmers for an additional 5-7 minutes, so you’ll have warm, delicious gravy ready in around 15-20 minutes total. Perfect for adding to your holiday feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Collect the Drippings:
Once your turkey is finished roasting, carefully pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a heatproof container. Allow the fat to rise to the top. Once it settles, skim off about 1/4 cup of the fat and return it to the roasting pan or a large skillet, keeping the rest of the drippings aside for later.
2. Heat the Fat:
Set the skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter to the turkey fat you’ve kept. Let it melt together, stirring until combined. This adds flavor and will help create a delicious base for your gravy.
3. Make the Roux:
Whisk in the flour gradually to create a smooth roux. Continue to whisk constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the roux becomes lightly golden and you notice a nutty aroma. This step is key for a rich flavor!
4. Add the Broth and Drippings:
Slowly whisk in the turkey or chicken broth and the reserved turkey drippings, making sure to break up any lumps. This will help incorporate all those delicious flavors into the gravy.
5. Add the Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all those lovely herb flavors to meld together.
6. Simmer and Thicken:
Let the gravy simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. You’re looking for it to thicken up to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more broth to loosen it.
7. Season to Taste:
Once it’s thickened, taste the gravy and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember, the drippings may already be salty, so adjust accordingly!
8. Strain (Optional):
If you prefer a smooth texture, strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve into a serving bowl to catch any lumps or herb bits.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your warm, herbed turkey gravy is now ready to serve! Ladle it generously over sliced turkey or mashed potatoes and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead of Drippings?
Absolutely! If you don’t have enough turkey drippings, using store-bought low-sodium turkey or chicken broth works perfectly. It’ll still give your gravy a rich flavor.
How Can I Thicken My Gravy More?
If your gravy isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the gravy and let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Can I Make This Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the gravy a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to get the desired consistency back.
What Should I Do If My Gravy Is Too Salty?
If your gravy turns out too salty, try adding a splash of water or unsalted broth to dilute the saltiness. Another trick is to add a small peeled potato to the gravy while it simmers; it can absorb some saltiness. Just remove the potato before serving!