Description: Whip up this Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe that doesn’t need any drippings but delivers rich, homemade flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas or Turkey Breast Gravy Recipes—smooth, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
Making a rich, homemade turkey gravy doesn’t have to depend on roasting an entire bird or saving every last pan drip. This Easy Turkey Gravy comes together quickly, delivering the deep, savory flavor you love without a single drop of drippings. It’s the perfect solution for your Thanksgiving Dinner or any weeknight meal with turkey breast—or even chicken. In this guide, you’ll find a heartfelt story, a complete ingredient list, simple step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and helpful FAQs so you can get perfect results every time. Even if you slow cook or air fry your turkey, this gravy saves the day.
A Thanksgiving Memory Around the Table
It happened one Thanksgiving when the turkey came out perfectly golden—but the roasting pan looked nearly dry. There were no drippings, just a few caramelized bits and the tiniest spoonful of fat. Panic set in for a moment. Gravy is the glue that holds Thanksgiving together, after all. But that year, necessity turned into invention. I decided to make my first Easy Turkey Gravy completely from scratch—no drippings, no stress. Using butter, broth, and a few pantry staples, I created a Homemade Gravy Without Drippings that was silky, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
When I poured it into the gravy boat, no one suspected a thing—until they asked for seconds. That simple success changed every holiday after that. Now, Turkey Gravy Without Drippings isn’t just a backup plan; it’s our family favorite, the same one that saves busy Thanksgiving mornings and last-minute turkey dinners alike.
Once you try this Easy Turkey Gravy, you may never go back to waiting on drippings again. It rivals traditional gravy in every way—smooth, creamy, and bursting with real turkey flavor. You can make it while your turkey breast rests or even before the main event, which makes it one of the most dependable recipes in your holiday lineup.
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Easy Turkey Gravy (No Drippings)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: about 3 cups 1x
Description
This easy turkey gravy recipe delivers rich Thanksgiving flavor without using pan drippings. Ready in under 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for holiday meals or any time you need a smooth, savory sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until foamy.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pale golden and nutty.
3. Slowly pour in warm broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
5. Season with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning and stir in herbs if using.
6. Ladle into a gravy boat and serve hot over turkey or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: gravy
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Keywords: easy turkey gravy, turkey gravy without drippings, thanksgiving gravy, homemade gravy, gravy recipe, stovetop gravy, simple gravy
This Turkey Gravy Without Drippings pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, stuffing, biscuits, or even leftover sandwiches. It’s fast, adaptable, and tastes like you spent hours on the stove. Best of all, it’s simple enough for anyone to master, even on their first try. Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or cooking just for two, this Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe will quickly become a tradition you’ll pass down for many seasons to come.
What You’ll Need in Your Kitchen
Here’s the best part about this Homemade Gravy Without Drippings—you probably already have everything you need. No turkey pan, no carving juices—just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.
- Butter – 4 tablespoons: the base of your gravy, adding depth and silky richness.
- All-purpose flour – 4 tablespoons: for thickening and creating that perfect satiny texture.
- Turkey or chicken broth – 3 to 4 cups: brings savory flavor and body to the gravy. Start with 3 cups and add more for a thinner consistency.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste: for balance and seasoning.
- Poultry seasoning – ½ teaspoon: delivers classic holiday flavor in a pinch.
- Fresh herbs (optional): a sprig of thyme or chopped parsley makes the gravy taste fresh and homemade.
Simple Substitutions:
- Butter swap: Use olive oil or dairy-free butter for a lighter, allergy-friendly version.
- Broth options: If you don’t have turkey broth, chicken or vegetable stock will work—it’ll still taste like your favorite Homemade Gravy Without Drippings.
- Gluten-free thickener: Replace flour with cornstarch—whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the simmering broth until thickened.
| Ingredient | Purpose in the Recipe |
|---|---|
| Butter | Adds richness and flavor; forms the base of the roux |
| Flour | Thickens the gravy and creates a creamy body |
| Turkey or Chicken Broth | Adds savory depth and signature turkey flavor |
| Salt & Pepper | Enhances and balances the flavors |
| Poultry Seasoning | Brings warm, aromatic notes reminiscent of roasted turkey |
| Fresh Herbs | Finish the gravy with a fresh, homemade taste |
Experiment with flavor—add a splash of dry white wine, roasted garlic, or a dash of soy sauce for complexity. Your Homemade Gravy Without Drippings will taste like it simmered alongside the bird all afternoon.
Kitchen Tools That Make It Simple
- Medium saucepan (2–3 quarts): the perfect size for whisking ingredients and simmering evenly.
- Wire whisk: your secret to a silky gravy—no lumps, no clumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons: for accuracy, ensuring the right thickening ratio.
- Heat-resistant spoon or ladle: for stirring and serving your finished gravy with ease.
- Fine mesh strainer (optional): for a super-smooth texture worthy of a dinner table centerpiece.
Time-Saving Tips:
- Warm your broth before adding it to the roux to help the gravy thicken faster and prevent lumps.
- Whisk constantly when combining flour and butter to create a smooth base for your Homemade Gravy Without Drippings.
- Keep your whisk handy even while simmering; a few quick stirs every minute will keep the texture velvety.
- Since this recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, clean as you go so you can relax before dinner!
Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Texture
- Melt the Butter (1–2 minutes): In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s foamy but not browned. This buttery base gives your Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving its richness.
- Whisk in the Flour (2–3 minutes): Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously until pale golden and nutty. This roux will thicken your Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe and keep it smooth.
- Slowly Add Warm Broth (3–4 minutes): Gradually pour the warm broth into the roux, whisking constantly to integrate. Start with half, blend until smooth, then add the rest.
- Simmer to Thicken (3–5 minutes): Bring to a light simmer, stirring as the sauce thickens into a glossy, spoon-coating gravy. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid boiling.
- Season and Taste (1 minute): Add salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning, then taste and refine for your perfect Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving.
- Serve and Savor: Ladle your golden gravy over turkey, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for instant comfort and flavor.
Quick Tip: For thinner gravy, whisk in extra broth; for thicker texture, simmer a bit longer. Whisk and taste frequently for best results.
Pro Tips & Flavor Variations
- Adjusting Thickness: Whisk in more broth to thin or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch to 1 tsp water) for extra thickness.
- Boosting Flavor: Add roasted garlic, fresh herbs like thyme and sage, or finish with a tablespoon of cream for a silky texture.
- Serving Ideas: Beyond turkey, this Turkey Gravy Recipe is wonderful over potatoes, vegetables, or biscuits.
- Storage Tips: Cool and store up to four days in the fridge or freeze up to three months. Reheat gently and thin with broth as needed to maintain its smooth consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make turkey gravy ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this Homemade Turkey Gravy up to three days before serving. Cool, refrigerate, then reheat over medium heat with a splash of broth as needed. It’s a game-changer for stress-free holiday cooking.
How do I make it thicker or thinner?
Simmer longer for thicker gravy, or add broth to thin. For a quicker fix, mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with one teaspoon of cool water and whisk it in. Always recheck texture once it cools.
Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of turkey broth?
Yes. Homemade Turkey Gravy made with chicken broth still tastes rich, while vegetable broth makes it lighter. Add poultry seasoning or a bit of butter for that signature turkey-note depth.
Can I freeze leftover turkey gravy?
Absolutely! Cool and store flat in resealable bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge, then reheat on the stove while whisking to revive its velvety texture.
What if my gravy turns lumpy?
Simply pour it through a fine mesh strainer or blend briefly with an immersion blender. For prevention, always whisk flour smoothly into melted butter and add warm broth gradually while stirring.
Conclusion
This Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe is the reliable, time-saving hero of the holidays. Even without drippings, it delivers all the traditional depth of flavor you expect from a classic Gravy Recipe for Thanksgiving. Serve it with turkey breast, mashed potatoes, or stuffing to give every bite that signature finishing touch.
Flexible and make-ahead friendly, this Homemade Turkey Gravy lets you control flavor and texture perfectly each time. Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, this recipe ensures your table feels warm, festive, and complete.
As you ladle golden gravy over your meal, remember that first Thanksgiving when innovation turned into tradition. This Easy Turkey Gravy without drippings celebrates both resourcefulness and family connection—a reminder that every great holiday feast starts with love and a bit of creativity in the kitchen.
