My turkey gravy without drippings has an incredible old fashioned flavor that elevates every item I serve it with. I use poultry seasoning, fresh garlic, and turkey broth to give it a rich, savory taste!
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My Easy Recipe For Turkey Gravy with No Drippings
My recipe for turkey gravy without drippings came together the first time that my husband Ben and I were hosting Thanksgiving dinner. It was such a timesaver for me, especially since I was preparing multiple dishes!
Since my turkey gravy recipe required no drippings, I didn’t have to wait for the turkey to finish cooking to get started. I could make it in advance and simply reheat it when it was time to serve.
It’s since come in handy when I’m making something like an air fryer turkey breast. I can still enjoy classic turkey gravy even when the smaller piece of meat doesn’t give any drippings to make one!
Looking for more comforting gravy recipes for the holidays or weeknight dinners? Try my ham gravy or my mushroom gravy next.
Easy Turkey Gravy Ingredients
- Butter – I like to use unsalted butter since this recipe already includes additional salt.
- Fresh garlic – To add bold, earthy notes to the gravy.
- Poultry seasoning – This blend of thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram, and nutmeg adds depth and warmth. I usually reach for store-bought!
- Salt and pepper – Enhance the overall taste of the recipe.
- Flour – I use all-purpose flour to thicken the mixture.
- Turkey broth – Serves as the foundation of the gravy and gives it a rich, meaty base! Chicken broth and veggie broth will work, but will provide a slightly different taste.
How to Make Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: In a small saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat.
STEP TWO: Add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, use a whisk to combine the seasonings, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
STEP THREE: Slowly add in the flour, whisking the entire time for about 3 minutes until the mixture darkens.
STEP FOUR: Add in the turkey broth, whisking continuously as it is incorporated.
STEP FIVE: Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer and allow it to thicken, whisking occasionally.
STEP SIX: Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Homemade Turkey Gravy
- I whisk the flour until it darkens. This cooks the flour while also adding depth to the recipe.
- Warming up the turkey broth before gradually pouring it in makes it easier to mix and results in a nice, smooth consistency.
- To remove lumps from my gravy, I whisk it continuously as it cooks. For an even smoother gravy, I strain it through a fine mesh sieve before serving!
- I let the gravy simmer uncovered so that the broth reduces and the mixture thickens.
- Serving it in a gravy boat adds some extra fun! This is one of my favorite easy ways to elevate dinner, plus it makes for easy pouring too.
Turkey Gravy Recipe with No Drippings Variations and Substitutions
- If I can’t find turkey broth at the store, I use chicken broth instead!
- When I don’t have pre-made poultry seasoning on hand, I make my own with dried herbs.
- For some extra flavor and depth, I add in some minced onions before cooking the flour.
- To enhance the texture of this recipe, I sometimes add mushrooms! I use sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté them before adding the flour.
- For an even richer and creamier gravy, I stir in some heavy cream at the end.
What to Serve with Homemade Turkey Gravy
I love serving this turkey gravy on top of my air fryer turkey breast or with a heaping scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.
My kids are also huge fans of biscuits and gravy, so I always make sure to whip up some homemade biscuits to go with this gravy recipe.
Turkey Gravy Without Drippings FAQs
Can I make turkey gravy ahead of time?
Yes! Making this gravy ahead of time is a huge help, especially when I’m busy preparing other dishes. This recipe is easy to make in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat when it’s time to serve.
How can I make turkey gravy with no drippings a little thicker?
I find that letting my gravy simmer for a few more minutes at the end helps thicken the consistency. If I need an additional thickener, I will mix in a cornstarch slurry.
How should I store leftover gravy?
I make sure my gravy has cooled fully, then I transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat leftovers?
My favorite way to reheat leftover gravy is on the stovetop! I heat it over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Since the gravy will continue to thicken as it reheats, I like to add a splash of broth to loosen it up.
More Easy Thanksgiving Recipes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Cornbread stuffing
- Mac and cheese with cream cheese
- Green bean casserole with canned green beans
- Maple glazed carrots
Easy Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey broth
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan, melt the butter on medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Using a whisk, whisk to combine the seasonings until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Slowly add in the flour, whisking the entire time for 3 minutes or so, until it darkens. This cooks the flour and deepens the seasoning.
- Continue whisking as the turkey broth is added. Add it slowly, whisking continuously as it is incorporated. Once it has all been added, bring the gravy to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce it to a simmer and allow to thicken, whisking occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- If you can’t find turkey broth, use chicken broth for the closest flavor.
- Whisk the flour until it darkens. This cooks the flour while also adding depth to the recipe.
- Warming up the turkey broth before gradually pouring it in makes it easier to mix and results in a nice, smooth consistency.
- To remove lumps from my gravy, whisk it continuously as it cooks. For an even smoother gravy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before serving!
- Let the gravy simmer uncovered so that the broth reduces and the mixture thickens.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat leftovers on the stove top over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water to help loosen the gravy as it thickens.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
