Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe

This Easy Turkey Gravy is rich, smooth, and full of classic holiday flavor. Made with turkey drippings or broth, butter, flour, and simple seasonings, it comes together quickly and makes the perfect finishing touch for Thanksgiving dinner.

It’s especially good over turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, and it’s simple enough to make while the turkey rests.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe

• Rich, smooth texture
• Easy to make in about 15 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner
• Great with turkey and mashed potatoes
• Can be made with or without pan drippings
• Easy to adjust if it gets too thick or too thin
• Budget-friendly holiday staple

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup turkey pan drippings, if available
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Easy Turkey Gravy Instructions

Make the Roux

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

The mixture should look smooth and lightly golden.

Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the turkey broth while whisking continuously.

If using pan drippings, add them now.

Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.

Season the Gravy

Add the onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper.

Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.

Cook for about 5–8 minutes, whisking frequently, until it thickens.

Adjust the Consistency

If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more broth.

If it is too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Taste and add salt only if needed, especially if your broth or drippings are already salty.

Serve

Pour the gravy into a serving pitcher or gravy boat.

Serve warm over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

FAQ for Easy Turkey Gravy

Can I Make Turkey Gravy Without Drippings?

Yes. You can make this recipe entirely with turkey broth or chicken broth.

The drippings add extra flavor, but the gravy will still be delicious without them.

For even more flavor, use a good-quality turkey broth and add a little extra thyme or black pepper.

How Do I Keep Gravy From Getting Lumpy?

The key is to add the broth slowly while whisking constantly.

Make sure the butter and flour mixture is smooth before adding the liquid.

If lumps do form, you can whisk vigorously or pour the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer before serving.

What If My Gravy Is Too Thick?

Whisk in more turkey broth or chicken broth, a few tablespoons at a time, until the gravy reaches the consistency you like.

What If My Gravy Is Too Thin?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

As it cooks, it will reduce and thicken.

Can I Make Turkey Gravy Ahead?

Yes. You can make the gravy up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop and whisk in a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed.

Can You Freeze Turkey Gravy?

Yes. Let the gravy cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to about 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly while whisking.

What to Serve with Easy Turkey Gravy

This gravy pairs especially well with:

• Easy Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with Butter Gravy
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing with Herbs
• Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon
• Dinner rolls
• Cranberry sauce

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: About 8
Method: Stovetop

Complete your Thanksgiving dinner with my Easy Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with Butter Gravy, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes,

Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing with Herbs, and Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon.
Together, they make a cozy, classic holiday meal.

Planning your full holiday menu? See my Easy Budget Thanksgiving Dinner for 4–6 People

for the complete meal, shopping strategy, and cooking timeline.

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