Tips for Gravy, Plus 5 Easy Turkey Gravy Recipes

A smooth, velvety homemade gravy is the perfect finishing touch for your holiday turkey. Not to mention your favorite mashed potatoes, stuffing, and so much more! Whether you're looking to make gravy with pan drippings from your turkey, or you want a simple something you can make ahead of time, these easy turkey gravy recipes are sure to please. Flavorful additions like white wine, portobello mushrooms, and bacon will make for gravy that's anything but boring. Or, why not start with our recipe for Classic Pan Gravy and then experiment with your own tastes? You may never buy jarred or packaged gravy again once you see how easy and delicious homemade gravy can be. 

Tips for Luscious & Lump-Free Gravy:
1. Don't forget to skim the excess fat from the pan drippings. This is the clear, oily liquid that rises to the top.
2. Whisk flour as it cooks for at least two minutes to remove any starchiness from the gravy.
3. Warming the broth or liquid you're using before adding it to the flour mixture will help prevent lumps.
4. Always be sure to season with salt to taste.
5. If you do end up with lumps, you can strain your gravy through a colander or mesh strainer.

Test Kitchen Secrets:
1. If a recipe calls for you to skim off the fat from the pan drippings, and you do not have the amount that the recipe calls for, then add enough vegetable oil or melted butter to make up for the difference.  
2. Add a drop or two of browning and seasoning liquid (like Kitchen Bouquet or Maggie) to the gravy to give it a richer, more traditional, color.
3. Add ingredients like chopped mushrooms or onions to your gravy after you thicken it. That way, if your gravy is lumpy, you can strain the lumps out without straining out the chopped additions that you desire.