Oh, let’s talk about the magic of gravy on Thanksgiving! It’s like the delicious glue that brings everything together on the plate—turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing… you name it! There’s just something so comforting about pouring that rich, savory *best thanksgiving gravy* over your meal. I can still remember my grandma standing by the stove, whisking away, as the aroma filled the kitchen, making our mouths water. It’s a family tradition that’s been passed down, and trust me, nothing beats the joy of gathering around the table, ladling that homemade goodness over everything! So, if you want to elevate your Thanksgiving feast this year, stick with me as I share my secrets to crafting the perfect gravy that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the *best thanksgiving gravy*. I always recommend measuring everything out before you start; it makes the process so much smoother. Let’s dive in!
- 4 cups turkey drippings: These are the flavorful juices left in the pan after roasting your turkey. They’re packed with all that savory goodness! If you don’t have enough drippings, you can supplement with some chicken broth.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This will help thicken your gravy, giving it that luscious texture we all crave. Make sure to whisk it well to avoid any lumps.
- 4 cups chicken broth: I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness. This will add body and flavor to the gravy, making it rich and savory.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste! Remember, the turkey drippings can be salty, so taste as you go.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for that extra kick of flavor. It really enhances the overall taste!
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: This adds a lovely herbal note that pairs beautifully with turkey. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works too—just use a bit less since it’s more potent.
How to Prepare the Best Thanksgiving Gravy
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making the *best thanksgiving gravy*! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than you might think. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make something that’ll have everyone coming back for more!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, collect those turkey drippings! After you’ve roasted your turkey, pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes so the fat rises to the top. You’ll want to skim off some of that fat, leaving the flavorful juices behind.
- Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your skimmed drippings. This is where the flavor party begins! Once it’s heated through, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and golden—it’s called a roux, and it’s the secret to a thick gravy!
- Now, gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking. This prevents lumps and helps create a silky texture. Keep whisking until everything is well combined.
- Bring your mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. You’ll want to see those bubbles pop! This is when the gravy starts to thicken, so don’t stray too far from the stove.
- Once you’ve reached your desired thickness—about 5-10 minutes—add in the salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If your gravy is too thick, just add a splash more broth to loosen it up.
- And there you have it! Your rich, savory gravy is ready to be poured over your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my best tips to ensure you whip up the *best thanksgiving gravy* ever! First off, always keep an eye on the heat. Too high, and your gravy might scorch; too low, and it won’t thicken properly. If you find lumps in your gravy, don’t panic! Just whisk it vigorously, or you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve for a super smooth finish.
Another little trick is to add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of soy sauce for a depth of flavor that will impress your guests! And remember to taste as you go—seasoning is key! Don’t be shy about adjusting the salt and pepper to your liking. With these tips, you’ll be a gravy guru in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a serving of my *best thanksgiving gravy*, which is about 1/4 cup. Keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on the ingredients you use.
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These little nuggets of information will help you keep track of what you’re serving alongside that turkey! Enjoy your delicious gravy without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I make this gravy ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make your *best thanksgiving gravy* a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator after it cools. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
What if I don’t have enough turkey drippings? No worries! You can supplement with chicken broth to reach the 4 cups you need. Just keep that rich flavor in mind, and it’ll still turn out delicious!
Can I use cornstarch instead of flour? Yes, you can! Mix about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Add it to the simmering broth instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
How do I know when the gravy is thick enough? You’ll want it to coat the back of a spoon. If it drips off too easily, give it a bit more time on the heat while stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Can I freeze leftover gravy? Definitely! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and enjoy that homemade goodness again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *best thanksgiving gravy* is truly a game-changer for your holiday table! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can have this flavorful gravy ready to go!
- Rich and Savory Flavor: It brings out the best in your turkey and sides, making every bite a delight.
- Versatile: Perfectly complements not just turkey, but also mashed potatoes, stuffing, and even roasted vegetables.
- Family Tradition: It’s a recipe that can be passed down through generations, just like my grandma did!
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and turkey drippings, it’s both economical and delicious.
Trust me, once you try this gravy, it’ll become a beloved staple at your Thanksgiving feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftover *best thanksgiving gravy*—lucky you! Storing it properly is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact. Let the gravy cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it should last up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat your gravy on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often to prevent it from burning. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to get that perfect consistency back. It’ll be just as tasty as the first time around—trust me!
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Best Thanksgiving Gravy to Elevate Your Holiday Feast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and savory gravy perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups turkey drippings
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Collect turkey drippings in a pan after roasting.
- In a separate pan, heat drippings over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Cook until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- For a smoother gravy, strain before serving.
- Add more broth if gravy is too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving gravy, turkey gravy, best gravy recipe
