Description
This classic Turkey Gravy recipe enhances your holiday meal with rich, savory flavors made from turkey drippings, butter, and aromatics. Perfectly thickened and seasoned with fresh sage and brandy, this gravy pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and traditional sides for a memorable feast.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups de-fatted turkey drippings (add chicken or turkey stock if you don’t have enough drippings to make the full 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute to make gluten free)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Onions in Butter: In a large (10 to 12-inch), deep sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. This step develops deep flavor and should not be rushed.
- Add Flour and Seasoning: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened onions, then stir in the kosher salt and ground black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, for one full minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Turkey Drippings: Gradually pour in the 2 cups of de-fatted turkey drippings while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Ensure the mixture is smooth.
- Add Brandy and Sage: Stir in the brandy and chopped fresh sage if using. These add aromatic complexity and depth to the gravy.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble gently while stirring often until it thickens to your preferred consistency, about 4 to 5 minutes. Taste carefully and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve the gravy hot alongside turkey and your favorite sides for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- For gluten-free gravy, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Defatting the turkey drippings (removing excess fat) helps reduce grease in the finished gravy.
- The brandy and fresh sage are optional but highly recommended for enhanced flavor.
- If turkey drippings are insufficient, supplement with chicken or turkey stock to reach 2 cups total liquid.
- Ensure the onions are browned gently over medium-low heat to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Whisk continuously when adding flour and drippings to avoid lumps and ensure smooth gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
