Name: Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour; 4 cups turkey drippings plus water as needed; Granulated chicken bouillon, as needed (optional); Seasonings as needed (dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, ground sage, dried minced rosemary, pepper, salt); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour; 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (granulated, crushed cube or base); 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon each onion powder, dried thyme, pepper; 1/8 teaspoon each ground sage, dried minced rosemary; Salt to taste

There’s something truly comforting about a rich, velvety gravy made from your own turkey drippings—it’s the kind of flavor that turns a meal into a memory. This Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe captures that golden goodness perfectly, giving you all the savory depth you want without any fuss.

The dish shows three thick slices of light tan cooked meat, covered with a smooth, shiny beige gravy with specks of black pepper and green herbs on top. To the right of the meat, there is a mound of creamy white mashed potatoes topped with the same beige gravy. Behind both, there is a fresh green salad with different green leaves, some small red seeds, and light-colored slices of vegetables. The food is arranged on a white plate with a thin brown edge, set on a white marbled surface, with golden salad tongs resting behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made gravies from scratch for years, and honestly, the homemade versions made from turkey drippings never fail to impress. This recipe is straightforward, uses ingredients you likely already have, and rewards you with that rich, deep flavor you just can’t beat in a jarred sauce.

Pure flavor: Using the actual drippings means the gravy carries the essence and seasoning of your roasted turkey—it’s like magic in a pan.
No lumps guaranteed: The recipe’s roux technique and constant whisking ensure you get silky smooth gravy every single time.
Flexible seasoning: You get to adjust herbs and salt to your liking, making this gravy uniquely yours without complicated steps.
Great for leftovers: The gravy stores, freezes, and reheats wonderfully—perfect if you’re planning ahead or have extra turkey.

The dish shows several thick slices of cooked turkey layered on the right side of a white plate, each slice covered with smooth, light brown gravy that has small black pepper specks. On the upper left side, there is a pile of mashed potatoes topped with the same gravy, and the mashed potatoes have a creamy texture with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. Around the slices and mashed potatoes, there are small red pomegranate seeds scattered and green herb sprigs placed near the edges of the plate. The background has a soft white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These simple ingredients come together to create a traditional gravy that’s full of body and flavor. Each ingredient has its role—from the butter that builds richness to the flour that creates the perfect thickening base.

Flat lay of unsalted butter sticks with a smooth, creamy texture; a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale beige all-purpose flour; a simple white ceramic bowl containing rich golden turkey drippings with a slightly oily surface; a small white ceramic bowl of granulated chicken bouillon powder; a few sprigs of dried parsley with deep green color; a small white ceramic bowl of fine garlic powder; a small white ceramic bowl holding onion powder with a soft off-white tone; a few dried thyme sprigs with muted green leaves; a small white ceramic bowl of ground sage in light brown powder; a few dried rosemary sprigs with slender, dark green leaves; a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly cracked black peppercorns; whole brown eggs with clean, uncracked shells placed neatly together, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: I prefer unsalted so I can control the salt balance; it also helps make a smooth roux.
Flour: This is your thickener. Cooking it long enough removes that raw taste and prevents lumps.
Turkey drippings: The star player packed with concentrated turkey flavor and roasted goodness.
Water: Used to adjust the consistency, especially when drippings aren’t enough to reach 4 cups.
Granulated chicken bouillon (optional): Great for boosting savory depth if your drippings are light.
Seasonings: Dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sage, rosemary, and pepper add a subtle herbaceous note that enhances overall flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I really enjoy about this Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want it thick and rich or a bit lighter, you can customize easily to fit your meal and mood.

Variation: Sometimes I add a splash of dry white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a subtle kick that brightens up the flavor without overpowering the turkey essence.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, try swapping butter with olive oil or vegan butter—it still turns out nicely, just with a slightly different richness.
Herb swap: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs if you have them on hand—rosemary and thyme really shine fresh, just add them at the end of simmering.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe

Step 1: Strain and Skim the Drippings

After roasting your turkey, carefully scoop the pan drippings into a fine mesh sieve set over a fat separator or a large freezer bag. Let it sit a few minutes so the fat rises to the top. If using a freezer bag, cut a tiny corner and slowly drain the bottom liquid into a measuring cup, stopping before the fat flows out. You want about 4 cups of mostly fat-free drippings. This step is crucial because too much fat can make your gravy greasy rather than silky.

Step 2: Make a Deep Golden Roux

Melt your butter over medium-low heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in the flour and keep stirring constantly for 4-5 minutes until the mixture turns a deep golden color. This slow cooking creates that beautiful nutty flavor and ensures a lump-free gravy. Don’t rush this part—it’s the foundation of a perfect gravy.

Step 3: Whisk in the Drippings Slowly

Turn the heat to low and gradually whisk in the strained turkey drippings (plus water if needed to reach 4 cups). Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth, with no lumps. This slow incorporation lets the roux absorb the liquid beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Thickened

Bring your gravy to a gentle simmer while continuously whisking. It usually takes 6-8 minutes to thicken. Remember, the gravy will thicken further as it cools, so aim for slightly thinner consistency than you want on the plate. If it gets too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water at a time until just right.

Step 5: Season and Adjust to Taste

Now’s the fun part—tasting and tweaking. Start with a pinch of granulated chicken bouillon if you need more depth, then add dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sage, rosemary, and pepper a little at a time. This lets you tailor the flavor exactly to your liking, because every batch of drippings varies.

Step 6: Keep Warm Until Serving

Once it’s perfect, keep your gravy warm on low heat, stirring often so it doesn’t stick or thicken too much. If it firms up while waiting, gently reheat and whisk in a splash of water to loosen it back up. Serving it in an insulated gravy jug helps keep it at the perfect serving temperature without drying out.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that patience really pays off with gravy—especially when making this Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe. Don’t rush the roux or skimp on straining, as these steps make all the difference in smoothness and flavor.

Degreasing: Using a fat separator or freezer bag to remove excess fat ensures the gravy doesn’t taste greasy or stodgy—a step that beginners often overlook.
Roux cooking: Cooking the flour and butter until golden—not just lightly cooked—adds a deep, toasty flavor and keeps lumps away.
Whisk constantly: This stops the gravy from clumping and creates that hallmark smooth, velvety texture.
Taste as you go: Since drippings vary so much, adjusting the seasoning bit by bit is how you nail the perfect balance every time.

How to Serve Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple—just a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley really brightens up the rich gravy. Sometimes, a few thyme leaves or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice touch right before serving.

Side Dishes

This gravy pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, roasted vegetables, and of course, tender slices of turkey breast. I’ve also served it over stuffing or even drizzled on steamed green beans for some extra flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to pour the gravy into a beautiful ceramic gravy boat or insulated jug for that elegant touch. During big family dinners, setting up a gravy station with toppings like caramelized onions or fried sage can make it interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover gravy stores really well. Just transfer it into an airtight container and pop it into the fridge where it’ll keep for up to 4 days. When you reheat it, add a splash of water and whisk to bring back that smooth texture.

Freezing

I often freeze leftover gravy in small portions so I can thaw only what I need. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly, and if the gravy feels too thick, add water a little at a time until it’s just right. This keeps the texture smooth and luscious, just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this gravy without turkey drippings?

Absolutely! While this Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe shines with drippings, you can use chicken broth or stock instead. The recipe includes instructions for making gravy without drippings—you’ll just lose some of that signature roasted flavor.

How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?

The key is to cook the flour and butter mixture (roux) long enough until it’s golden and to whisk constantly when you add the liquid. Adding the drippings slowly while whisking helps keep the texture silky smooth, as emphasized in this Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe.

Can I prepare the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently and whisk in a little water to restore the consistency before serving.

What if my gravy is too thick or too thin?

Gravy naturally thickens as it cools. If it’s too thick, you can whisk in a tablespoon of water at a time while reheating until you reach your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thin, continue simmering gently to reduce it slightly, but be patient to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Turkey Gravy from Drippings Recipe is one of those trusty classics I always come back to—simple, dependable, and packed with flavor. I hope you find it as rewarding to make as I do, turning your turkey dinner into a truly comforting feast. Go on, give it a try and watch your guests savor every last drop!