Quick Turkey Gravy Recipe

This quick Turkey Gravy recipe is exactly what your holiday table needs for that final, comforting touch. It’s the kind of rich, savory addition that instantly transforms a meal, making everything from turkey to mashed potatoes taste extra special. With a smooth, velvety texture, this gravy is perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond.

A red jug brimming with creamy turkey gravy is surrounded by fresh green herbs on a light surface.
Turkey Gravy. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

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This turkey gravy is ready in just 35 minutes, making it an easy addition to any holiday spread or weeknight dinner. My family loves it with everything and I always make extra to have on hand for leftovers. It’s quick, versatile, and adds that perfect, comforting finish to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

Ingredients laid out for turkey gravy: garlic, flour, thyme, chopped onion, rosemary, pepper, butter, salt, and a jar of chicken or turkey stock.
Turkey Gravy Ingredients. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

How to Make Turkey Gravy with Step-by-Step Instructions

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Follow my easy steps to create a tasty, smooth turkey gravy in minutes.

Melt the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s smooth and ready for the next ingredients.

A pat of butter melting in a stainless steel pot on a light-colored surface, preparing the base for turkey gravy, with small rosemary sprigs nearby.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth.

Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes to let them soften and turn golden, creating a deep, savory base for your gravy.

Chopped onions sautéing in a pot with bubbling oil, setting the stage for a savory turkey gravy. A fresh rosemary sprig is visible in the background, promising aromatic depth to the sauce.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 10 minutes.
Chopped onions sautéing in a pot with melted butter, herbs, and oil mingle to create the perfect base for a rich turkey gravy.
Stir in thyme and rosemary; cook for 1 minute.

Add the Herbs

Stir in the thyme and fresh rosemary, letting them cook for about a minute. This infuses the gravy with a fresh, fragrant flavor.

Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to create a thick paste, or “roux.” This step keeps your gravy smooth and lump-free.

Flour mixed with butter in a pot on the stove, starting to form a light-colored roux perfect for rich turkey gravy.
Sprinkle in the flour.
A stainless steel pot holds a partially cooked mixture of flour and butter, known as a roux, eagerly awaiting to be transformed into rich turkey gravy. Sprigs of rosemary rest nearby on the light gray surface, promising aromatic depth to the savory dish.
Stir constantly to form a thick paste (roux).

Slowly Add the Stock

Gradually whisk in 2-3 cups of stock, pouring slowly to avoid lumps.

A pot of simmering soup with an open jar pouring turkey gravy into it, surrounded by sprigs of rosemary.
Pour slowly 2-3 cups of stock.
A hand uses a spatula to stir turkey gravy in a pot, while fresh rosemary is scattered on the countertop.
Gradually whisk, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens to your liking. If it’s too thick, add more stock until it’s just right.

Serve and enjoy!

A blue plate with sliced meat and turkey gravy beside a ceramic gravy boat filled with more of the same savory sauce, all on a wooden surface.
Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Here are my top tips to make sure your gravy is as rich and delicious as possible:

  • Sauté for Flavor: Cooking the onion and garlic on low heat brings out their natural sweetness without burning.
  • Herb Timing: Add herbs just before the flour to keep their flavors fresh and avoid burning.
  • Slow Stock Addition: Pouring the stock in slowly while whisking is the best way to keep your gravy smooth. A gradual pour allows you to control the texture and avoid any clumps.
  • Perfect Simmering: Allowing the gravy to simmer thickens it and helps blend the flavors perfectly. This little bit of extra cooking time is worth it for depth and balance.
  • Adjust as Needed: If the gravy thickens too much, simply add more stock to get your preferred consistency.
  • Drippings Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a spoonful of turkey drippings if you have them. The drippings infuse the gravy with a rich, roasted flavor that enhances any dish.
Sliced roasted meat on a blue plate with rich turkey gravy being poured over it from a white gravy boat.
Turkey Gravy. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

How to Store Leftover Turkey Gravy

Pour leftover gravy into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This gravy also freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge and warm on the stove, adding a splash of stock if it needs thinning.

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Here are some easy ways to make this recipe on a budget:

  • Homemade Stock: Making stock from leftover bones or veggie scraps saves money and adds tons of flavor.
  • Save the Drippings: Drippings from a roasted turkey add rich, roasted flavor without costing extra.
  • Bulk Herbs: Buying herbs in bulk or drying your own can be cheaper than smaller packets, plus you’ll have extra on hand.

What to Serve with Turkey Gravy

What to Serve with Turkey Gravy

Turkey gravy is a must-have alongside traditional roasted turkey, but it doesn’t stop there! Ladle it generously over fluffy mashed potatoes, letting the gravy soak into every creamy bite.

It’s also perfect for drizzling over stuffing or even green bean casserole, adding extra depth and richness to each dish. Use it as a warm dip for crusty dinner rolls or pour it into a turkey pot pie or shepherd’s pie for a hearty, comforting boost of flavor.

A ceramic pitcher filled with creamy turkey gravy sits on the countertop. Surrounding it are a white grinder, a red container, and sprigs of rosemary.
Turkey Gravy. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

More Easy Holiday Recipes for You to Try at Home

I’ve got lots of holiday recipe inspiration for you, here are some of my favorites.

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A red jug brimming with creamy turkey gravy is surrounded by fresh green herbs on a light surface.

Quick Turkey Gravy Recipe

This quick turkey gravy is the ultimate comforting touch for any holiday table, bringing rich flavor to everything from turkey to mashed potatoes. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving or even a cozy weeknight dinner. My family loves it so much that I always make extra for leftovers. This gravy’s smooth, velvety texture and savory taste make every meal feel special.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Turkey Gravy
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 353kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 3 cups chicken or turkey stock

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s smooth. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for about 10 minutes on low heat, letting the onion soften and the garlic release its flavor.
    3 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup onion, 3 garlic cloves
  • Next, stir in the dried thyme and fresh rosemary, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a thick paste, or “roux.”
    1 teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ cup flour, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
  • Then gradually whisk in 2-3 cups of stock. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat slightly and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
    3 cups chicken or turkey stock
  • Gradually whisk in 2-3 cups of stock, adding it a little at a time to avoid lumps. Once fully combined, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency. If it’s too thick, add more stock as needed until smooth and velvety.

Notes

  • Sauté for Flavor: Cooking the onion and garlic on low heat brings out their natural sweetness without burning.
  • Herb Timing: Add herbs just before the flour to keep their flavors fresh and avoid burning.
  • Slow Stock Addition: Pouring the stock in slowly while whisking is the best way to keep your gravy smooth. A gradual pour allows you to control the texture and avoid any clumps.
  • Perfect Simmering: Allowing the gravy to simmer thickens it and helps blend the flavors perfectly. This little bit of extra cooking time is worth it for depth and balance.
  • Adjust as Needed: If the gravy thickens too much, simply add more stock to get your preferred consistency.
  • Drippings Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a spoonful of turkey drippings if you have them. The drippings infuse the gravy with a rich, roasted flavor that enhances any dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 652mg | Potassium: 451mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 557IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
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