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This Homemade Gravy recipe comes out smooth and full of flavor. Homemade gravy has a way of tying the whole meal together. It’s rich, comforting, and makes everything on your plate taste better.
“Good gravy makes a meal, and this recipe never fails.”
-Becky
What I love most about this gravy is how quickly it comes together. In less than 15 minutes, you can go from pan drippings to a smooth, flavorful gravy that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s the secret to pulling your whole Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner together without adding any extra stress to the holiday kitchen.
This gravy is perfect on top of recipes like this delicious Roasted Turkey, or this festive Christmas Chicken. Don’t forget the other classic holiday sides like Homemade Dinner Rolls, and Roasted Green Beans. Make your table complete with this yummy Pomegranate Martini.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- Turkey drippings: The flavorful base of your gravy. (Can also be made without drippings.)
- Chicken broth: Enough to bring your total liquid (with drippings) to 5 cups.
- butter: Helps create a smooth, rich texture.
- flour: Thickens the gravy.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
How to Make Gravy from Scratch
- Add butter to a medium to large pot or saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, whisking constantly until it thickens and begins to brown (about 2–4 minutes).
- Add about ½ cup of turkey drippings, whisking constantly. Continue adding the drippings in ½ cup intervals, whisking until all are used. Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking as you go. Combined with the drippings, the total liquid should equal 5 cups.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the gravy comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Variations
- Fresh herbs: Add thyme, sage, or rosemary for an herby twist.
- Onion & garlic: Sauté finely diced onion or fresh garlic in the butter before adding the flour for richer flavor.
- No drippings: Substitute all chicken or turkey broth if you don’t have drippings. You will still get a flavorful gravy.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the roux in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the roux and slowly whisk in the hot broth and drippings.
Expert Tips
- Golden Ratio: Gravy follows a 1:1:3 ratio, to equal parts fat and flour, then about three parts liquid. This recipe uses ½ cup butter, ½ cup flour, and 5 cups liquid.
- Whisk constantly: The secret to lump free gravy is whisking, especially when adding the liquid.
- Consistency: If it’s too thick, whisk in extra broth ¼ cup at a time. If it’s too thin, simmer longer until it thickens.
- Reheating: Always add a splash of broth or water when reheating, since gravy thickens as it cools.
- Serving tip: Don’t stop at mashed potatoes! You can drizzle this homemade gravy over stuffing, roasted vegetables, turkey, biscuits, or even meatloaf. It’s the easiest way to add flavor to your favorite dishes.
Homemade Gravy FAQs
To remove lumps in your homemade gravy, whisk vigorously, or strain through a fine mesh sieve to smooth it out.
Add unsalted broth or a splash of cream to balance it out. You can also add more roux to stretch it without diluting flavor.
Yes! You don’t have to roast chicken to turkey to make this gravy! If you don’t have drippings, simply use chicken or turkey broth instead.
Absolutely. You can prepare the roux in advance and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, whisk in hot broth and drippings for fresh, lump-free gravy.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat on the stove with extra broth or water to loosen it back up.
More Holiday Recipes
Desserts
Homemade Pie Crust
Desserts
Pecan Pie Recipe
Side Dish
Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Desserts
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Homemade Gravy
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup turkey drippings
- 4 cups chicken broth, or enough to bring your total liquid with drippings to 5 cups.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add butter to a medium to large pot or saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, whisking constantly until it thickens and begins to brown (about 2–4 minutes).
- Add about ½ cup of turkey drippings, whisking constantly. Continue adding the drippings in ½ cup intervals, whisking until all are used.
- Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking as you go. Combined with the drippings, the total liquid should equal 5 cups.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the gravy comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Golden Ratio: Gravy follows a 1:1:3 ratio, to equal parts fat and flour, then about three parts liquid. This recipe uses ½ cup butter, ½ cup flour, and 5 cups liquid.
- Whisk constantly: The secret to lump free gravy is whisking, especially when adding the liquid.
- Consistency: If it’s too thick, whisk in extra broth ¼ cup at a time. If it’s too thin, simmer longer until it thickens.
- Reheating: Always add a splash of broth or water when reheating, since gravy thickens as it cools.
- Serving tip: Don’t stop at mashed potatoes! You can drizzle this homemade gravy over stuffing, roasted vegetables, turkey, biscuits, or even meatloaf. It’s the easiest way to add flavor to your favorite dishes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This gravy is so easy to make! It’s perfect for holiday meals!