This easy turkey gravy recipe is made from scratch using turkey drippings. Don't have drippings? Use chicken broth instead for convenience! This is the BEST Thanksgiving gravy for your holiday meal!
Transfer turkey from roasting pan to rest. Pour all of the juices from the roasting pan into a large measuring bowl through a fine mesh strainer. Discard what's caught in the strainer.
Let the juices set in the measuring bowl on the counter top for about 2 minutes. The fat/oil will rise to the top and the broth will sink. Skim the fat from the top (about 3 tablespoons) and place the fat in a medium sauce pan.
Measure the remaining broth in the bowl and add warm or room temperature chicken broth to make 2 cups, if necessary. Cover broth in measuring bowl with foil to keep warm; set aside.
Heat the fat over medium heat until sizzling. Whisk in the flour and continue to cook while whisking until lightly browned. In a thin stream, slowly pour the 2 cups of broth into the sauce pan. (Make sure the broth is still hot before adding it to avoid clumps.)
Bring mixture to a low boil while constantly whisking. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Taste it first! May not be necessary!)
OPTIONAL: To make a creamy gravy, add heavy cream in a slow thin stream and heat through on medium low.
Notes
If making homemade gravy without first roasting a turkey, use 3 tablespoons of butter in place of the fat drippings to make the roux, and 2 cups chicken broth (heated in the microwave) in place of the roasted turkey juices.