How to Make Delicious Turkey Gravy using Drippings

Making turkey gravy with drippings can seem daunting to some, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow a few key steps. The result of making your gravy from scratch is often tastier and more flavorful than store-bought gravy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up the drippings left over from your Thanksgiving turkey. So, let’s get started!

First, you’ll need to gather all your ingredients, including the drippings from your roasted turkey, flour, butter, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Begin by heating the drippings in a pan on the stove and adding a few tablespoons of butter. Then, slowly whisk in flour until it’s fully combined and no lumps remain. Cook this mixture for a few minutes until it turns a light brown color and develops a nutty aroma. Then, gradually pour in some broth or water while continuing to whisk. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and reaches your desired consistency. Finally, taste test with salt and pepper, and add any additional spices or herbs as desired. And there you have it – a perfect turkey gravy made with drippings!

Step 1: Collect the Drippings

Before starting to make your gravy, you need to collect the drippings from your turkey. Once you have removed the turkey from the oven, place it on a cutting board or platter to rest. While the turkey is resting, take a large roasting pan and place it over two burners on the stovetop. Turn the heat to medium-high and add a cup of chicken or turkey broth to the pan. Stir the broth around to loosen any bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Once the broth has heated up, use a ladle to scoop out the drippings from the pan and transfer them to a large measuring cup or bowl. If you have a fat separator, use it to remove any excess fat from the drippings. Set your drippings aside as you move on to the next step of the gravy-making process.

Step 2: Make a Roux

To thicken your gravy, you will need to make a roux. A roux is simply a mixture of fat (in this case, butter) and flour that is cooked over low heat to form a paste-like mixture. In a large saucepan, melt one stick of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, slowly add in ½ cup of flour, whisking constantly to ensure that no lumps form.

Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden brown color. This will help to remove any raw flour taste and thicken the gravy. Keep whisking as you slowly pour in your reserved drippings. The mixture will begin to thicken and bubble as it cooks. Ensure that you continue to whisk and scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent the gravy from sticking.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Once your gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, it’s time to add flavor. Start by seasoning your gravy with salt and pepper. You can also add herbs such as thyme, sage, or rosemary to give your gravy a delicious flavor. Taste as you go, adding more seasoning as necessary.

Another way to add flavor is to add aromatics such as garlic, onion, or celery. Finely chop these ingredients and sauté them in a separate pan until they are soft and fragrant. Add them to your gravy and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Thin the Gravy

If your gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more chicken or turkey broth. Start by adding a ½ cup at a time, whisking between each addition to prevent lumps. Keep adding broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Alternatively, you can thin out your gravy with a little bit of white wine. This will add a delicious flavor and aroma to your gravy. Simply stir in a ½ cup of white wine and simmer for a few minutes until the alcohol has cooked off.

Step 5: Strain the Gravy

Before serving your gravy, it’s important to strain it to remove any lumps or stray bits of fat. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain your gravy into a serving bowl or gravy boat. This will give you a smooth and silky gravy that is perfect for drizzling over your turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.

Step 6: Keep Warm

To keep your gravy warm while you finish cooking your other dishes, transfer it to a small crockpot or warming dish. This will allow your gravy to stay hot and delicious throughout your meal. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent any skin from forming on the surface of the gravy.

Step 7: Make Ahead

If you’re looking to get a head start on your Thanksgiving preparations, you can make your turkey gravy ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe as directed, making your roux and adding in your drippings. Once your gravy is finished, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to use it.

To reheat your gravy, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat it up over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little bit of broth or white wine.

Step 8: Experiment with Flavors

While a classic turkey gravy is delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. For example, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick or a touch of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. You can also try using different herbs and spices to give your gravy a unique flavor.

Step 9: Use Leftover Turkey

If you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, don’t let it go to waste! Shred or chop the turkey and add it to your leftover gravy for a delicious turkey and gravy sandwich. You can also use it as a topping for mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even French fries.

Alternatively, you can use your leftover gravy as a base for a hearty turkey pot pie. Simply add your turkey and vegetables to a baking dish, top with a layer of puff pastry, and bake until golden brown.

Step 10: Enjoy!

No matter how you choose to serve your turkey gravy, make sure to enjoy it with friends and family. Thanksgiving is a time to gather together, share good food and great company, and give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal with the people you love. Happy Thanksgiving!

10 Steps to Make the Perfect Turkey Gravy with Drippings

Making the perfect turkey gravy with drippings may seem like a daunting task, but with these 10 steps, you will be able to create a delicious and savory gravy that pairs perfectly with your turkey. Follow these simple steps and impress your guests this holiday season.

1. Collect the Drippings

The first step to making turkey gravy with drippings is collecting the drippings from your turkey. Once you remove the turkey from the oven, place it onto a cutting board or platter, and pour the drippings into a fat separator. Let it sit for a few minutes to separate the fat and juices. Reserve the juices for the gravy.

2. Make the Roux

In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes or until it turns a light golden color.

3. Add the Drippings

Slowly add the reserved turkey drippings to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Gradually increase the heat to medium-high and continue to whisk as the gravy thickens.

4. Season with Salt and Pepper

Once the gravy starts to thicken, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to over-salt, as the turkey drippings may already contain salt.

5. Add Thyme and Rosemary

To enhance the flavor of the gravy, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary. These herbs add a perfect earthy flavor to the gravy. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Use a Whisk

Use a whisk to remove any lumps that may have formed in the gravy. Continue to whisk until your gravy becomes smooth and silky.

7. Strain the Gravy

For a smoother texture, strain the gravy into a clean saucepan. Discard the herbs and any lumps that were strained.

8. Adjust the Consistency

If the gravy is too thick, add some chicken or turkey broth to thin it out. If the gravy is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

9. Make Ahead

To make things easier, you can make the gravy ahead of time. Simply reheat it on the stove or microwave when ready to use.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Pour the gravy over sliced turkey or mashed potatoes and enjoy! Your guests will love the rich and savory flavor of your homemade turkey gravy with drippings.

With these 10 simple steps, you now have the perfect recipe for making turkey gravy with drippings. Impress your guests this holiday season with this delicious and easy-to-make gravy that pairs perfectly with turkey and all of your other Thanksgiving dishes. Enjoy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Turkey Gravy with Drippings

Now that you have collected the turkey drippings and the necessary ingredients, it’s time to make the gravy. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and savory gravy that will complement your holiday turkey:

Step 1: Defat the Drippings

Before you start making the gravy, it’s important to remove any excess fat from the turkey drippings. You can do this by using a fat separator, which allows the fat to rise to the top while the drippings settle at the bottom. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the drippings and remove the solidified fat using a spoon or knife.

Step 2: Prepare the Roux

A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken the gravy. To make the roux, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 3: Add the Drippings

Slowly pour the defatted turkey drippings into the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Be sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as they will add flavor to the gravy. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Season the Gravy

Once the gravy has thickened, it’s time to season it to taste. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage, to enhance the flavor of the gravy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your turkey gravy is ready, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a gravy boat or serving dish. Serve it alongside your holiday turkey and enjoy the delicious flavors that you have created.

Making turkey gravy with drippings is a simple process that can elevate the taste of your holiday meal. By following these steps and using quality ingredients, you can create a savory and delicious gravy that your guests will love. So, go ahead and impress your guests with your culinary skills and enjoy a wonderful holiday meal together!

Time to Put Your Gravy Making Skills to the Test!

Now that you know the ins and outs of making the perfect turkey gravy with drippings, it’s time to try it out for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little with different seasonings or textures until you find the gravy that suits your taste buds! And don’t forget to share your delicious success stories with your friends and family. Thanks for reading, and make sure to visit again soon for more delicious recipes!