Perfect Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe 🦃✨ | Rich, Savory & Easy Homemade Gravy Guide

Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Gravy

Few things make a Thanksgiving meal shine quite like a rich, velvety gravy. Whether you’re drizzling it over mashed potatoes, pouring it on turkey, or soaking it up with stuffing, Thanksgiving gravy is the unsung hero of the holiday table. This Thanksgiving gravy recipe is foolproof, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make—even for novice cooks.

The secret to this holiday turkey gravy? It starts with the drippings from your roasted turkey, combined with aromatic veggies, a splash of white wine, and a handful of fresh herbs. The result is a silky, savory gravy that’s both comforting and luxurious. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family dinner, this easy homemade gravy will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe.


Introduction: The Art of Making the Perfect Thanksgiving Gravy

Thanksgiving gravy is more than just a condiment; it’s the finishing touch that ties your entire holiday meal together. This Thanksgiving gravy recipe is crafted to elevate your dinner without adding stress to your prep. With a base of flavorful turkey drippings, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of white wine, this gravy is rich, smooth, and utterly irresistible.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. While many gravies rely on complicated techniques or artificial thickeners, this easy homemade gravy uses wholesome ingredients and a classic roux to achieve the perfect consistency. It’s a recipe that’s both accessible and impressive, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight meals.

Whether you’re hosting a large Thanksgiving feast or enjoying an intimate family dinner, this holiday turkey gravy will steal the show. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations—pure, comforting, and always delicious.


Alternate Names & Variations

If you’re searching for other names or similar recipes, you might come across:
Classic Turkey Gravy
Herb-Infused Gravy
Creamy Holiday Gravy

For a twist, try adding a splash of cream or substituting white wine with apple cider. This easy homemade gravy is versatile and easy to customize!


Ingredients: Thanksgiving Gravy

Thanksgiving Gravy

Here’s what you’ll need for this Thanksgiving gravy recipe:

  • Drippings from the roast turkey pan
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery rib, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup GF or AP flour (for gluten-free or all-purpose)
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 4 cups turkey stock or chicken stock
  • 3 sprigs of thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Heat the turkey drippings in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken the gravy and prevent lumps.

3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.

4. Add Stock and Herbs: Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken stock. Add the thyme sprigs and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.

5. Strain and Serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky-smooth texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chef Tip: If your gravy is too thick, add more stock. Too thin? Simmer longer or whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water.


Recipe Card Block

This Thanksgiving gravy recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, with a total cook time of 45 minutes. It serves 4 and contains approximately 120 calories per serving. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious—this is the gravy your holiday table deserves.


Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This holiday turkey gravy works because it balances rich flavors with simplicity. The drippings add depth, the vegetables provide sweetness, and the thyme lends a subtle earthiness. Plus, the flour roux ensures a lump-free, velvety texture.

Expert Tip: For a deeper flavor, roast the vegetables in the turkey pan drippings before making the gravy.


Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, pour it into ice cube trays for easy portions. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.


People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Gravy

Thanksgiving Gravy

What Ingredients Are Essential for Good Thanksgiving Gravy?

The essentials include turkey drippings, aromatic vegetables (onion, carrot, celery), flour for thickening, and flavorful stock. Fresh herbs like thyme add depth, while white wine enhances the complexity.

How Do You Thicken Thanksgiving Gravy Without Lumps?

The key is a smooth roux. Whisk the flour into the drippings and vegetables, ensuring no dry spots. Gradually add liquid while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Can You Make Thanksgiving Gravy Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if needed to restore the consistency.

How Do You Reheat Leftover Thanksgiving Gravy?

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For the microwave, use short intervals and stir in between to ensure even heating.


Conclusion

This Thanksgiving gravy recipe is a game-changer for your holiday meals. With its rich flavors, silky texture, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Try it this holiday season and watch it become a family favorite.


You Might Also Like

1. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
2. Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe – Bite-Sized & Delicious!
3. Easy Mediterranean Salmon Salad Recipe – Healthy & Flavorful!
4. Fluffy & Soft Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls 🦃✨ | Easy Homemade Recipe
5. Pumpkin Stuffing for Thanksgiving – Perfect Side Dish!
6. Comfort Food Alert: Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea

Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Thanksgiving Gravy

Thanksgiving Gravy


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This rich and savory Thanksgiving gravy is the perfect complement to your holiday turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups turkey or chicken stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Drippings from roasted turkey (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken stock, ensuring there are no lumps.
  4. Add salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and onion powder.
  5. Continue whisking and simmering until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
  6. For extra flavor, stir in the turkey drippings.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve warm over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.

Notes

You can make this ahead of time and reheat just before serving. If the gravy gets too thick, simply whisk in a bit more stock to loosen it up.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: thanksgiving, gravy, sauce, turkey gravy, holiday recipe