Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or turkey drippings if you’ve roasted a bird)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (or use pan drippings for extra flavor)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional, for a touch of herby goodness)
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for a richer gravy)
Instructions
- Make a Roux:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter (or turkey drippings) over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown. This is your roux, which thickens the gravy. Be careful not to burn it!
- Add the Broth:
- Slowly pour in the broth, about ½ cup at a time, while whisking constantly. This will help prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer and Season:
- Bring the gravy to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. For an extra creamy gravy, stir in the heavy cream at the end.
- Serve:
- Pour the gravy into a gravy boat or bowl and serve hot over mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, or anything else that can benefit from some savory, saucy goodness.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use pan drippings from your roasted turkey or chicken for an extra flavorful base.
- Whisk constantly to prevent lumps. A smooth gravy is a happy gravy.
- Adjust the thickness! If your gravy gets too thick, just add a little more broth or water to thin it out.
DON’T:
- Forget to taste as you go! The seasoning can make or break your gravy.
- Skip the roux (the flour and butter combo)—it’s essential for thickening. Without it, you’ll have soup, not gravy!
Optional Add-Ins and Variations:
- Garlic Gravy: Add 1–2 minced garlic cloves to the butter as it melts for a garlicky twist.
- Mushroom Gravy: Sauté 1 cup chopped mushrooms in the butter before adding the flour to make a rich, savory mushroom gravy.
- Onion Gravy: Sauté 1 medium onion, finely chopped, in the butter before adding the flour for a sweet, caramelized onion flavor.
This gravy is the perfect finishing touch to your holiday meal or weeknight dinner. Easy to make, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, it’s the kind of gravy that makes people ask for seconds (and thirds). 🍗🥔
