Turkey Gravy from Roasted Turkey Drippings Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to make the richest, most flavorful gravy that perfectly complements your Thanksgiving turkey, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share my Turkey Gravy from Roasted Turkey Drippings Recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen. This isn’t just any gravy—it’s loaded with deep, savory goodness thanks to the drippings and the secret touch of giblets (if you’re up for it). Let me walk you through everything so you can nail it with confidence and wow your friends and family.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component here plays a key role: the drippings serve as your flavor base, flour thickens the gravy beautifully, and broth adds that perfect balance. If you’re including giblets, they add an old-school depth that I swear makes the difference. Let’s dive into the details!

• Turkey drippings: These are pure gold—fatty, flavorful, and perfect for making gravy that tastes like your turkey.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as your thickener to create that silky gravy texture.
• Low-sodium chicken broth (or turkey/vegetable broth): Adds extra volume and savory depth without overpowering the drippings’ flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and enhance flavors.
• Giblets and neck of uncooked turkey (optional): If you’re up for it, these make a flavorful stock and add richness to your gravy. I usually ditch the liver to avoid bitterness.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the occasion or dietary needs. You might want to skip the giblets, or use different broths—each tweak creates a subtly different gravy, and they all taste fantastic.

• Giblet-Free Gravy: When I’m cooking for guests who aren’t fans of giblets, I omit them entirely and just rely on the drippings and broth—still delicious and less “gamey.”
• Vegetarian-Friendly Option: Use vegetable broth and no drippings for a lighter version that still retains savory notes, great if you’re serving vegetarian guests alongside turkey.
• Herbed Gravy: Once or twice, I’ve added fresh herbs like sage or thyme while simmering—adds a lovely fragrant twist that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey.

How to Make Turkey Gravy from Roasted Turkey Drippings Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Giblets and Neck for Flavorful Stock

Start by placing the turkey neck, heart, liver, and gizzards in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 1 hour until the meat is cooked through. This homemade stock infuses your gravy with that deep turkey flavor. Remember, I like to remove the liver afterward because it can add bitterness and strong flavor some folks don’t enjoy.

Step 2: Prepare the Giblets

Using a slotted spoon, take out the giblets from the pot and set them aside to cool. When they’re cool, discard the liver, pull the meat off the turkey neck, and dice everything into small pieces. This chopped meat is what you’ll stir into the gravy later for extra texture and richness.

Step 3: Collect and Separate Your Turkey Drippings

After your turkey is out of the oven, carefully pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a large bowl. Be cautious here, as it’s hot! Let the drippings sit briefly so the fat rises to the top—you’ll want to skim off most of this fat with a spoon or ladle. The remaining drippings, rich in flavor but less greasy, are what you’ll use for your gravy base.

Step 4: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of drippings with ½ cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously over medium heat until you get a smooth paste—a roux. This step is crucial for a silky gravy. You want the roux to turn a light golden brown, which brings out that nutty, toasted flavor. If your mix looks too greasy, simply add a little more flour until it comes together nicely.

Step 5: Add Broth and Finish Cooking

Slowly whisk in 4 cups of broth and an additional cup of drippings. Keep whisking as the gravy heats and thickens—this usually takes 5 to 8 minutes. Once it starts to thicken, stir in your diced giblets. If the gravy feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved giblet broth or drippings liquid. If too thin, allow it to simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Season and Enjoy

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle whisk and you’re ready to serve! I love how this gravy has such a wonderful balance of hearty turkey flavor without being too heavy.

How to Serve Turkey Gravy from Roasted Turkey Drippings Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep this gravy simple, but sometimes I sprinkle a touch of fresh chopped parsley on top to brighten the look and add a hint of fresh flavor. A little sage or thyme leaves can also be a lovely garnish if you’ve added herbs while cooking.

Side Dishes

This gravy shines alongside classic Thanksgiving sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Trust me, my family goes crazy for the rich gravy drizzled over everything on their plates.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the gravy in a beautiful gravy boat to make the table feel festive. Another fun idea is to pour it over individual herb-infused mini meatloaves or oven-roasted turkey meatballs for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days. Before storing, make sure the gravy has cooled to room temperature to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen turkey gravy successfully by placing it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. When you’re ready, defrost it overnight in the fridge—this way, the texture stays smooth without separating too much.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low to medium heat, whisking often to prevent lumps or scorching. If it’s thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it before serving. This keeps the gravy tasting fresh and silky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Turkey Gravy from Roasted Turkey Drippings Recipe brings everything together—juicy turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and those classic holiday vibes. When I first tried making gravy with the giblets, I was nervous, but it turned out so flavorful and comforting that it became my go-to. I hope you’ll find the same joy with it. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and trust me, this gravy will soon be the star of your holiday table.

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