Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner

Picture this: a Thanksgiving table laden with golden-brown turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, and the star of the show, a shimmering, savory gravy. This Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner will elevate your holiday feast with its rich flavor and velvety smooth texture.

Forget store-bought gravy packets that taste suspiciously like wallpaper paste. This year, impress your guests with a gravy so delicious, they’ll think you spent all day slaving over the stove (even though it’s surprisingly simple). Prepare for a symphony of savory flavors that will dance on your taste buds, a memory you will cherish for years to come, making every bite a moment of pure bliss.

• This gravy is incredibly easy to make, even for kitchen novices, saving you precious time on Thanksgiving Day.
• Experience a depth of flavor that surpasses anything you’ve ever tasted from a jar, bursting with savory goodness.
• Its rich, glossy appearance adds an elegant touch to your Thanksgiving spread, creating a visually stunning presentation.
• Perfectly complements turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and just about everything else on your Thanksgiving plate, making it a versatile addition.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Turkey Drippings These are the foundation of our gravy, packed with flavor from the roasted turkey. If you don’t have enough drippings, supplement with chicken or turkey broth.

Chicken Broth Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the gravy. It adds depth and richness.

All-Purpose Flour This is our thickening agent. Whisk it thoroughly to avoid lumps. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

Butter Adds richness and a silky texture to the gravy. Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the final salt level.

Onion Diced finely, the onion provides a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the gravy. Yellow or white onions work best.

Garlic Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic note that complements the other flavors beautifully. Freshly minced is always best.

Fresh Thyme A few sprigs of fresh thyme infuse the gravy with an earthy, herbaceous aroma. Dried thyme can be used, but use half the amount.

Salt and Black Pepper Season to taste. Remember that the turkey drippings and broth already contain some salt, so add gradually.

Cornstarch This is the secret ingredient to help thicken the sauce to perfection, for a beautiful glossy finish!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture forms a smooth paste, called a roux. This step is crucial for a lump-free gravy.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Slowly pour in the turkey drippings, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Gradually add the chicken broth, still whisking. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Add the fresh thyme sprigs to the gravy. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your thickening slurry.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s not thick enough, add the cornstarch slurry! Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Enjoy your amazing Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Pour the gravy into a gravy boat and serve hot with your Thanksgiving feast. Drizzle generously over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and anything else that needs a flavorful boost. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To maximize efficiency when creating this delicious gravy, start by roasting your turkey. This will provide the drippings crucial for a rich flavor. While the turkey rests, use those pan drippings to build the base for your fantastic gravy. It’s a symphony of flavor efficiency!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with this easy homemade turkey gravy recipe. For a deeper, earthier taste, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option. Let your taste buds guide you!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth to thin it out to the perfect consistency.

Here are some helpful tips to elevate your gravy game:

• Ensure your turkey drippings are strained well to remove any solids, leaving a smooth and flavorful base for your gravy. This makes a world of difference!

• Whisk constantly while adding the broth to the roux to prevent lumps from forming; nobody wants a lumpy gravy on Thanksgiving. A smooth gravy is a happy gravy.

• Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. A little extra salt, pepper, or poultry seasoning can make all the difference.

(Personal anecdote)

I remember one Thanksgiving when I almost forgot the gravy! A quick scramble and this recipe saved the day. My family raved about it, and now it’s a non-negotiable part of our holiday feast.

Conclusion for Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner :

So there you have it: An Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner that is both flavorful and simple to prepare. Remember that perfect gravy starts with quality drippings and a bit of patience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and seasonings to find your signature flavor. With a little practice, you will have a gravy that will impress your guests and become a holiday tradition for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving and happy gravy-making!

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FAQs :

Can I make this Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can absolutely conquer this gravy game days in advance. Just prepare it according to the recipe, let it cool completely, and then stash it away in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When Thanksgiving Day dawns, gently reheat it on the stovetop, whisking frequently, or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If it gets too thick, a splash of turkey broth or chicken stock will bring it back to that glorious, pourable consistency. This make-ahead magic trick saves you precious time when you’re already juggling a million other things.

What if my Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner is too thin?

Don’t fret! A watery gravy is a common Thanksgiving mishap, but easily fixable. If you’re using a cornstarch slurry, whisk one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Slowly drizzle it into the simmering gravy, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your liking. Alternatively, you can simmer the gravy uncovered over medium-low heat, allowing excess liquid to evaporate until it reaches your desired thickness. Just keep an eye on it to prevent scorching. A little patience is all you need!

How do I avoid lumps in my Thanksgiving turkey gravy?

Lumps are the enemy of smooth, delicious gravy! To prevent them, make sure your cornstarch slurry (if using) is completely smooth before adding it to the gravy. Whisk it vigorously! When adding the slurry to the hot pan drippings, stir constantly and quickly to incorporate it. If lumps do appear, don’t panic! Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve. This will capture any rogue lumps and leave you with a silky, dreamy gravy. Nobody will ever know your secret.

What can I add to my Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner to give it more flavor?

Oh, the possibilities! A pinch of dried herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary will add an earthy depth. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tang. For a savory boost, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce (check that it’s gluten-free and vegetarian if needed) works wonders. Some people swear by a tiny pat of butter stirred in at the end for extra richness and shine. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. It’s your gravy masterpiece!