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Turkey Gravy from Scratch Recipe Easy Homemade No Drippings Needed

turkey gravy from scratch - featured image

A rich, creamy, and flavorful turkey gravy made from scratch without needing drippings. Perfect for holiday feasts or any turkey dinner, this easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and a classic roux technique.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) turkey broth or stock
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half

Instructions

  1. Gather and measure all your ingredients.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (57 grams) of unsalted butter over medium heat without browning.
  3. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup (30 grams) of all-purpose flour and stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to form a roux.
  4. Cook the roux for about 3-4 minutes until it turns a light golden color and smells nutty.
  5. Slowly whisk in 3 cups (720 ml) of turkey broth in small batches to prevent lumps.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and finely chopped sage. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and stir occasionally while it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Add more broth or water if too thick.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, starting with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  9. Optional: Stir in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving and heat through without boiling.
  10. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to thicken slightly.
  11. Optional: Strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve for a silky smooth texture before serving.

Notes

Cook the roux until light golden to avoid raw flour taste. Add broth gradually while whisking to prevent lumps. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend using half the amount. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and skip cream or use coconut milk. If lumps form, whisk vigorously or blend with an immersion blender. Flavors deepen after resting for a few hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey gravy, homemade gravy, no drippings gravy, easy turkey gravy, holiday gravy, Thanksgiving gravy