There I was, prepping for our smaller-than-usual Thanksgiving last year—thanks to the roller coaster that is life—and I was beyond excited to be cooking my famous turkey for the few friends who could join us. I kept the turkey in its brined glory out on our New York apartment balcony overnight to make some fridge space. After all, it was cold enough and it shouldn’t have been a problem.

Fast forward to the next day, as I waltzed into the living room with a spatula in one hand and a cup of joe in the other. I glanced out the window to see the turkey still sitting pretty. All was well until I noticed a furry little visitor getting waaaay too close for comfort. Apparently, our neighborhood raccoon decided I had prepared a five-star meal especially for him. My sleep-deprived mom brain went into panic mode.

Summoning the warrior within, I flung open the door, spatula still in hand, and embarked on a valiant quest to save Thanksgiving. The raccoon, in his dazed stupor, scampered back to his secret lair while I secured the turkey, which, miraculously, remained mostly untouched. Crisis averted!

As we shared laughs and a tasty, raccoon-free meal later that day, the turkey escapade became our latest Thanksgiving epic, added to the treasure trove of stories from previous years. It just goes to show that if you can keep your wits and humor intact—even in the face of an impromptu wildlife encounter—you’ll create memories and moments that are far more precious than any perfectly executed dinner spread.

Ingredients

Butter – 6 tablespoons for a rich and creamy texture.

Flour – A key ingredient for thickening the gravy, use good quality flour.

Fresh thyme – For a nice herbal flavor.

Pan drippings from turkey – Adds a rich flavor to the gravy.

Water – To make the gravy less thick and more pourable.

Fresh parsley – To give a fresh taste to the gravy.

Salt and pepper – To taste.

Instructions

Alright folks, are you ready for the ultimate turkey gravy recipe? This easy, 15-minute recipe will elevate any Thanksgiving meal to new heights, trust me.
First thing’s first, grab your trusty skillet and set it over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add in your butter and let it melt down. Now, this is where things start to get interesting. Sprinkle in the flour and thyme, and whisk it all together until it starts to lightly brown – about a minute or so.
Now, pour in your pan drippings and water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Keep stirring until it thickens up – this should take about 5-8 minutes.
When the gravy is nice and thick, throw in some chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. And there you have it folks, a perfectly smooth and flavorful turkey gravy.

Notes:

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the flour for cornstarch.
Use fresh thyme and parsley for the best flavor, or experiment with other herbs like rosemary if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you’re using dried herbs, use ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.

FAQ’s

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Instead of using flour, you can use cornstarch to make a gluten-free version of this delicious gravy.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme and parsley?

You can definitely use dried herbs, but keep in mind that fresh herbs will give you the best flavor. If you do use dried thyme, use 1/4 teaspoon. And for dried parsley, use 1 teaspoon. And it’s good to mix dried parsley with thyme so it simmers with the gravy.

How much does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 1 cup of gravy, which should be enough for a small group of people. But you can always double the recipe if you’re feeding a larger crowd.

Can I use a different type of pan than a skillet?

A medium skillet is what the recipe calls for, but if you don’t have one or prefer to use something else, a saucepan or Dutch oven would also work well. Just be sure to use a pan that is big enough to hold all of the ingredients.

How much calories I am going to consume if I have this gravy?

Each serving of this gravy recipe has 892 calories, so keep that in mind if you’re trying to watch your calorie intake. But it’s totally worth it though, it’s a delicious addition to your turkey dinner!

Rich and Flavorful Turkey Gravy

A delicious and comforting turkey gravy made with high-quality ingredients and balanced flavors, perfect to be served with any meal.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Sauce

Cuisine American

Servings cups

Calories 170 kcal

Equipment

1 medium skillet
Whisk
Heatproof spatula

Ingredients

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, high quality
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
2 cups turkey pan drippings
2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to foam.
Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown.
Gradually pour in the turkey pan drippings while whisking continuously, making sure to mix the flour and butter mixture well.
Add the chicken broth, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, stirring well.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
Serve the gravy warm with your favorite dish.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch.
For a richer flavor, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to add depth to the flavor.
If using dried thyme and parsley, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 247mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 521IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Turkey Gravy

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