Turkey Gravy Without Turkey Drippings

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This Turkey Gravy Without Turkey Drippings recipe makes a delicious gravy in just minutes. The best part is that this recipe is designed to work if you don’t have enough drippings from your roasted turkey to make gravy on it’s own.

If you want to make turkey graving with parts and drippings try my Creamy Giblet and Turkey Neck Gravy and my Turkey Gravy with Drippings.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy, herb-flecked Turkey Gravy without Turkey Drippings, garnished with chopped parsley.

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Why this Turkey Gravy Without Drippings Recipe is a Keeper

This easy homemade gravy recipe is as delicious as it is simple to make. This recipe allows you to make gravy without turkey drippings, but with all the flavor.

  • No Drippings Required: This flavorful turkey gravy doesn’t rely on pan drippings, making it perfect for turkey breasts, slow cooker recipes, or any meal where drippings aren’t available.
  • Quick and Foolproof: With just a few pantry staples and under 15 minutes of cook time, this recipe for gravy delivers rich, savory gravy without the stress. Plus you can make the gravy while cooking a turkey.
  • Flexible and Flavorful Gravy: The combination of turkey stock, all purpose seasoning, and poultry blend creates a deep and comforting flavor that mimics traditional gravy beautifully.
  • Perfect for Holidays and Weeknights: Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or making a cozy weeknight dinner, this gravy fits the bill. Easy to scale, easy to prep, and always delicious.
  • Pairs with Everything: This flavorful turkey gravy without drippings is not just for turkey. This gravy perfectly works with mashed potatoes, stuffing, chicken, biscuits, and even leftover sandwiches.

Can I Use Chicken Stock Instead of Turkey Stock for Best Gravy?

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with  and chopped parsley, next to a spoon and fresh parsley on a striped cloth.

Sure! Using chicken stock instead of turkey broth is a great way to make chicken gravy. For this recipe, you could use either turkey or chicken stock.

Ingredient Notes to Make this Recipe for Turkey Gravy without Drippings

A measuring cup of broth, three small bowls with flour, crushed seasoning, and another spice blend, plus a wrapped cube of butter are arranged on a striped cloth.
  • Unsalted Butter: This is best so you can control the salt in the gravy.
  • All Purpose Flour: A wonderful thickening agent.
  • Turkey Stock: Any good quality stock, chicken broth or stock will work well too. Stock or broth is what ads the moisture.
  • Poultry Seasoning Blend (includes rosemary, dried thyme and sage): All the aromatics.

What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This gravy is a HIT!!! My family doesn’t even want me to add anything from the turkey. I make it exactly as the recipe calls for!”
~ Courtney

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How to Make Turkey Gravy Without Drippings

This easy gravy recipe for turkey without drippings comes together in just 2 quick and easy steps. This recipe is so good, it’s a great one to have on deck during the busy holiday season.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

A collage showing melted butter in a pan, flour in a small bowl, liquid being poured, and breadcrumbs in a bowl—ingredients being prepared for Turkey Gravy without Turkey Drippings.
  1. Make a Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then, whisk in the flour until a paste forms. Let butter and flour cook while whisking for 1 minute.
  2. Let Gravy Simmer: Slowly whisk in the turkey stock or broth, along with the All Purpose Seasoning and Poultry Seasoning. Let simmer until it reaches desired consistency.

Make Ahead Suggestions to for Gravy Recipe Without Drippings

When I prepare ingredients ahead of time for turkey gravy without the drippings, it can help save me time and kitchen space when it comes to making everything for Thanksgiving dinner.

  • Make it Ahead of Time: Make gravy ahead of time and store in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock or water to loosen. Make this gravy up to 3 days ahead.
  • Roux: You can also prep the roux (butter + flour) and store it separately, then whisk in hot stock when ready to serve.
  • Make Seasonings: Make you own seasoning ahead of time for the best gravy. They’re great to have on hand so you’re not just seasoning Thanksgiving gravy with salt and pepper.

Alternate Cooking Methods to Make Gravy Without Drippings

This turkey gravy recipe without turkey drippings is best made on the stove, but there are a couple other ways to make it if there’s too much on the stove.

  • Microwave: Whisk ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals, stirring often.
  • Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. Great for keeping warm during dinner service.

How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Gravy Recipe

  • Store: Keep leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Reheating this easy turkey gravy recipe is super easy. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking to restore smoothness. You can also carefully reheat gravy in the microwave.
  • Use Leftovers: Pour over Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches or open-faced toast. Stir into rice or mashed potatoes for a quick comfort meal. Use as a base for turkey pot pie or leftover casserole.

Questions to Love this Recipe for Homemade Gravy

How Do I Thicken Gravy if it’s Too Thin?

You can thicken gravy by adding in a slurry of water or broth, and cornstarch or flour. Let cook until it thickens. If gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with additional turkey stock.

What Herbs Can I Add to the Gravy?

Try adding herbs such as rosemary, thyme or sage to this delicious turkey gravy for the holidays.

A white oval dish filled with a light brown, herb-flecked Turkey Gravy without Turkey Drippings, garnished with chopped parsley, sits beside fresh herbs and a blurred plate of rice in the background.

Expert Tips for Making Easy Homemade Gravy

  • Toast the Flour First: Let the flour cook in butter for 1–2 minutes before adding stock. This removes the raw taste and deepens the flavor in this recipe for turkey gravy from scratch.
  • Whisk Constantly: A steady whisk prevents lumpy gravy and keeps this thanksgiving gravy recipe silky smooth.
  • Warm Stock Works Best: Adding warm or room-temperature stock helps the gravy thicken faster and more evenly.
  • Taste Before Serving: Seasoning blends vary, always taste and adjust salt or herbs before serving gravy for your Thanksgiving whole turkey.
  • Add a Splash of Cream: For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end to this easy recipe.
  • Serve this Recipe With: Serve gravy on Thanksgiving with Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole, Cherry Fluff Salad or Pumpkin Dip.

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A white dish of Turkey Gravy without Turkey Drippings, garnished with chopped herbs, sits next to a plate of mashed potatoes and a bunch of fresh parsley.

Turkey Gravy without Turkey Drippings

4.92 from 145 votes
Turkey Gravy Without Turkey Drippings is a wonderfully flavorful gravy in minutes. The great thing is that you don’t have to wait for your turkey to be done cooking to use the drippings to make this recipe.
Prep Time : 5 minutes
Cook Time : 10 minutes
Total Time : 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Sauces, Seasonings, Dressings
Calories: 47kcal

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Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.
  • When butter is melted, whisk in flour until a paste forms.
  • Whisk the flour paste for about 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in turkey stock and/or turkey pan drippings with the fat strained out.
  • Stir in All Purpose Seasoning and Poultry Seasoning Blend.
  • Simmer over medium heat until gravy thickens to desired consistency.

Christina’s Notes

  • This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a crowd or for leftovers, there is nothing sadder than not having enough gravy for leftovers, like hot open faced sandwiches.
  • Giblets: Cook and finely mince the turkey giblets and add them to the gravy.
  • Wine: Feel free to substitute some of the stock with a dry white wine.
  • Variation tip: Finish with a little fresh herbs on top to bring brightness or chopped hard boiled eggs (It is a tradition in some homes).

For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 194mg | Vitamin A: 115IU | Iron: 0.2mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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36 thoughts on “Turkey Gravy Without Turkey Drippings”

  1. 5 stars
    I’ll be honest, making gravy scares me and it can make or break a meal. That’s why I’m so happy I found this gravy recipe. It was easy enough for me to do and I will definitely be adding it to my Thanksgiving menu. Fair warning it does stain the carpet and I had to call in the carpet cleaners. But that was definitely my fault. I recommend this recipe to everyone!

    Reply
4.92 from 145 votes (144 ratings without comment)

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