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What would we do without turkey gravy? Thanksgiving dinner would be lost without it! This creamy gravy recipe is simple and tastes so yummy on all of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

Turkey gravy is as much a Thanksgiving staple as cranberry sauce and stuffing! Make sure you smother all your other Thanksgiving side dishes in this delicious and creamy gravy—you won’t regret it.

Turkey gravy without drippings over slices of turkey and mashed potatoes
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Easy turkey gravy

Wouldn’t you agree?! Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t be the same without the gravy to tie all the flavors together.

I love making homemade turkey gravy because it’s simple and always turns out so creamy and delicious. Some people might be intimidated to make a gravy from scratch but I promise you it’s super easy!

Whether you pour on everything or just on your mashed potatoes, this recipe is a keeper!! It’s just so good – Thick, creamy, and tons of flavor. And the best part is it can be made even if you don’t have turkey drippings.

Talk about easy!

How to make turkey gravy without drippings

How to Make 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.

MAKE AHEAD: 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.

What to serve with gravy

Turkey gravy is so tasty on many different dishes. Here are some of our go-to’s:

We love it over most of the savory dishes found at holiday meals, and because it’s so simple, it’s a must-have.

turkey gravy on top of mashed potatoes and turkey slices

For more gravies and dressings:

MORE COLLECTIONS: Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, Thanksgiving Sides

5 from 8 votes

Turkey Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
This creamy turkey gravy recipe is simple and tastes so yummy on all of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Servings: 10
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1/4 cup butter melted (or 1/4 cup turkey drippings)
  • 1/4 cup All purpose flour
  • 2 cup turkey broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt less if you used turkey drippings
  • 1/2 tsp 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 55kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 329mg, Potassium: 38mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 142IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

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5 from 8 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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9 Comments

  1. Wanda Pope says:

    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

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thanks for sharing! That’s so kind of you to make enough for everyone to take home too. Thanks for being here! Happy Thanksgiving!

  2. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    Such a gReat comfort food…..gravy! It can go on anything. This recipe is simple and delicious.

  3. kristina says:

    5 stars
    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.

  4. Joy says:

    5 stars
    This was the easiest gravy to make!! We will definitely be making this for Thanksgiving! Smooth & creamy!

  5. Beks says:

    5 stars
    Classic gravy recipe. I’m glad I made the whole recipe’s worth because there was barely enough for leftovers!

  6. Lori says:

    5 stars
    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!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I love to hear that!! Thank you for letting me know that!

  7. mary anderson says:

    5 stars
    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