Turkey Gravy Without Drippings is the easy homemade gravy recipe to keep in your back pocket for Thanksgiving and any turkey dinner. It takes just a handful of simple ingredients and comes together quickly, so you can have smooth, flavorful gravy even when there are no pan drippings to work with.
We love that this is one of those recipes that makes dinner easier. You can use butter and turkey broth to create rich, savory gravy from scratch, and if you do happen to have turkey drippings, the same recipe works with those too.
It is simple, reliable, and a great option when you need extra gravy for Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Breast, Stuffing, and Dinner Rolls.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- No Drippings Needed: This easy gravy gives you homemade turkey flavor even when you do not have enough pan drippings.
- Quick to Make: A few simple ingredients turn into smooth, savory gravy in just minutes.
- Simple Roux: Butter and flour create the base that thickens the broth into gravy.
- Holiday Ready: It is an easy recipe to make while hosting because it comes together right on the stovetop.
Turkey Gravy without Drippings Ingredients
- Butter (¼ cup, melted, or ¼ cup turkey drippings): Adds richness and combines with the flour to create the base of the gravy. Turkey drippings add even more savory flavor.
- All purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the gravy and gives it a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Turkey broth (2 cups): Adds the main savory flavor and creates the right pourable texture. Homemade or store-bought broth both work well.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, less if you used turkey drippings): Enhances all the flavors in the gravy. Start with less when using drippings since they may already be salty.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a little warmth and seasoning without overpowering the turkey flavor.
How to Make Turkey Gravy without Drippings
There are a couple different ways to make turkey gravy. You can make it with turkey drippings from your roasted turkey, or you can start with butter.
If you are using butter, then melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium saucepan.
If you are using turkey drippings, pour 1/4 cup of the drippings from the roasting pan into a medium saucepan.
BOIL. Finish making the roux by adding 1/4 cup of flour to the saucepan. Cook this over medium heat stirring constantly until it’s smooth. Add the 2 cups of turkey broth to the saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Season the gravy with the salt and pepper and stir. Serve it warm.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Pour the turkey broth in gradually while stirring constantly for the smoothest gravy.
- Do not walk away while the gravy comes to a boil because regular stirring helps prevent lumps and keeps the bottom from scorching.
- Turkey broth and drippings can vary in saltiness, so taste the finished gravy before adding extra seasoning.
- If the gravy is too thick, stir in a little more turkey broth until it reaches the consistency you like.
Turkey Gravy Without Drippings Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter, melted (or ¼ cup turkey drippings)
- ¼ cup All purpose flour
- 2 cup turkey broth
- ½ teaspoon salt, less if you used turkey drippings
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- If you are using Butter then melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium saucepan.If you are using turkey drippings: pour 1/4 cup of the drippings from the roasting pan into a medium saucepan.
- Finish making the roux by adding 1/4 cup flour to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until smooth.
- Add the 2 cups of turkey broth. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.
- Season with the salt and pepper and stir.
Notes
- Pour the turkey broth in gradually while stirring constantly for the smoothest gravy.
- Do not walk away while the gravy comes to a boil because regular stirring helps prevent lumps and keeps the bottom from scorching.
- Turkey broth and drippings can vary in saltiness, so taste the finished gravy before adding extra seasoning.
- If the gravy is too thick, stir in a little more turkey broth until it reaches the consistency you like.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Let the gravy cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently, whisking well.
You can make turkey gravy up to 5 days ahead of time! I am all about a make ahead meal for Thanksgiving and saving precious cooking time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat up over the stove.
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This recipe was first shared November, 2019.
Hi Krystin,
I have always used the turkey broth to make my gravy, always add the butter first cook it some add my broth. Of course had to always make a large batch, my grandchildren always wanted to take some home plus the dressing balls. Love to see what’s coming up on your posts.
Happy Thanks Giving
Wanda
Thanks for sharing! That’s so kind of you to make enough for everyone to take home too. Thanks for being here! Happy Thanksgiving!
Such a gReat comfort food…..gravy! It can go on anything. This recipe is simple and delicious.
My mom always made gravy growing up. I always thought it looked too tricky because she is one of those cooks who just THROWS things together without a recipe. Id never tried it myself until using your recipe. It was easier than i thought to make and so good.
This was the easiest gravy to make!! We will definitely be making this for Thanksgiving! Smooth & creamy!
Classic gravy recipe. I’m glad I made the whole recipe’s worth because there was barely enough for leftovers!
This was an amazing gravy! So much flavor and a great consistency. There was enough for everyone which i feel like is unusual with sauce recipes. everyone loved it!
I love to hear that!! Thank you for letting me know that!
these are my favorite to order out, but I have a sneaking suspicion they are more than 240 calories at a restaurant:glad i can make this at home now it would be a hit in our house definitely going to give it a try