Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

This make-ahead best turkey gravy is an essential holiday feast, and it’s a tradition in my kitchen that I treasure. You see, I’m the kind of cook who can’t wait until the turkey is finished to enjoy the savory goodness of gravy. Instead of relying on drippings, I turn to turkey necks to create this flavorful elixir three days ahead. It’s a secret to stress-free holiday cooking and adds a delightful touch to the main dish.

What sets this turkey gravy apart? Besides its incredible make-ahead convenience, the handful of simple ingredients come together to create a rich and delectable gravy. Trust me; your guests will be reaching for seconds. So, why wait? Prepare this best turkey gravy in advance and savor a relaxed Thanksgiving Day. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

And speaking of Thanksgiving, if you’re looking for the perfect stuffing and herb turkey recipes to pair with this gravy, you’re in for a treat. Check out my recipes for the ultimate stuffing and oven-roasted herb turkey recipe to complete your unforgettable holiday spread!

Ingredients for the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

• Turkey Necks: Turkey necks add a deep, savory, and meaty flavor to the gravy. They provide a robust turkey essence that enhances the overall richness of the sauce.
• Leek: Leeks contribute a mild, slightly sweet, and onion-like flavor with subtle herbal notes. They help build a flavorful base for the gravy.
• Carrots: Carrots bring a hint of natural sweetness and earthiness to the gravy. They add depth and balance to the overall flavor.
• Celery: Celery provides a mild, crisp, and slightly peppery taste, offering a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients in the gravy.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms impart a robust, umami-rich flavor with earthy and meaty undertones. They enhance the gravy’s depth and complexity.
• Fennel: Fennel offers a subtle anise-like flavor with hints of licorice. It adds a unique aromatic quality to the gravy.
• Water or Broth: Water or broth serves as the liquid base for the gravy, helping to develop the sauce’s depth and ensuring it’s well-seasoned.
• White Wine (Optional): White wine, if used, contributes acidity, brightness, and fruity notes to the gravy, balancing its richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter lends a creamy, luxurious texture and a subtle buttery flavor that complements the savory elements in the gravy.
• Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and a touch of spiciness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs (Sage, Thyme, Rosemary): Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary bring aromatic, earthy, and herbaceous notes, enhancing the gravy’s fragrance and complexity.

These carefully chosen ingredients harmonize harmoniously to create a flavorful turkey gravy that is well-balanced and perfect for your holiday feast.

Creating the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

Begin by securing two large turkey necks, expertly sectioned by the butcher, for a perfect fit in your pan. Searing these turkey necks locks in their caramelized goodness. Then, add a medley of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and seasonings, followed by a generous splash of turkey or chicken broth. Cover the pan and transfer it to the oven for approximately 45 minutes.

Once done, allow the pan to rest for 20 minutes before straining. This yields a sumptuous 4 cups of flavorful broth and drippings. Skimming isn’t typically required when using just the necks, but a simple spooning technique will suffice if you prefer.

For the thickening magic, start with four tablespoons of butter and half a cup of flour to create a rich base. Gradually introduce the prepared broth while whisking continuously. As a delightful finishing touch, incorporate half a cup of white wine, adding a surprising layer of flavor to your homemade turkey gravy.

Tips and Variations for the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

• Thickening Without Cornstarch: If you prefer not to use cornstarch, natural thickeners like pureed vegetables, such as potatoes or winter squash, work wonders. Boil your chosen vegetable, blend or process it, and then stir a bit into your gravy to achieve your desired consistency.
• Leftover Turkey Necks: Wondering what to do with the leftover turkey necks? You have options: shred the meat into the gravy for added flavor or save it for future use. Here’s a personal touch – shred the turkey necks as a delightful treat for your furry friends. My dog, Mia, absolutely loves this pre-Thanksgiving treat!
• Elevating Your Gravy: Add drippings from your roasting turkey to enhance your turkey gravy. Aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley can infuse wonderful flavor. After steeping your gravy with these herbs, strain it for a clean, flavorful pour. For an even richer touch, blend in some roasted garlic to add an extra dimension of flavor.
• Reheating Your Make-Ahead Gravy: Warming it up is simple if you’ve prepared your turkey gravy in advance. Use a pot on the stovetop, set the heat to low, and gently stir until it’s heated and pour-ready. Don’t worry if the texture appears gel-like; this is normal. Break it down with a silicone or wooden spoon, and it will return to a rich, creamy state in no time.

Pairing Suggestions for Turkey Gravy

Here are some delightful pairings to consider:

• Turkey Stuffing Casserole: Pour this luscious turkey gravy over a hearty turkey stuffing casserole, adding an extra layer of savory flavor and ensuring each bite is a delectable delight.
• Oven-Roasted Herbed Turkey: Elevate your succulent oven-roasted herbed turkey by drizzling it generously with this rich gravy. It’s the perfect finishing touch to an already magnificent centerpiece.
• Cranberry Relish: The tangy brightness of cranberry relish finds a harmonious companion in the rich, savory notes of turkey gravy. Spoon some over your cranberry relish for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Mac and Cheese: Transform your mac and cheese into a decadent masterpiece by adding a drizzle of turkey gravy. The creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with the savory depth of the gravy.
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes and turkey gravy are a match made in heaven. The creamy, buttery potatoes soak up the rich, savory goodness, creating a heavenly side dish.
• Green Beans with Crispy Shallots: Elevate your green bean dish with a touch of turkey gravy. The savory gravy complements the shallots’ crispiness and the green beans’ freshness.

These pairings ensure that your best turkey gravy plays a versatile role in enhancing the flavors of your Thanksgiving feast, making every dish a memorable delight.