How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy Without Drippings

Making delicious turkey gravy is one of the best parts of the Thanksgiving meal. That rich, savory gravy drizzled over turkey mashed potatoes and stuffing takes the whole meal to another level. But what if you don’t have those tasty turkey drippings to make gravy? Don’t worry, you can still make an easy, delicious turkey gravy without drippings.

Why Make Turkey Gravy Without Drippings

There are a few reasons you may need to make turkey gravy without relying on drippings:

• You didn’t roast a turkey – Maybe you smoked, grilled or fried your turkey instead Or you are making your gravy ahead of time before cooking the turkey

• You need more gravy – Turkey drippings only yield a small amount of gravy. Doubling or tripling a recipe means you’ll need to supplement with broth.

• You want an extra batch – Having an extra batch of gravy made without drippings means you have backup if your homemade drippings gravy doesn’t turn out.

• You’re making giblet gravy – Giblets simmered in broth make an exceptionally flavorful gravy base without drippings.

• Dietary restrictions – Using broth allows you to control ingredients for food allergies/intolerances.

How to Make Gravy Without Turkey Drippings

Making gravy without drippings is simple. The basic method is:

1. Make a roux with butter and flour.

2. Whisk in broth and seasonings.

3. Simmer until thickened.

Here are some tips for making smooth, lump-free gravy:

• Whisk flour into melted butter thoroughly before adding liquid. This prevents lumps.

• Add broth slowly while whisking constantly.

• Simmer gravy for 5-10 minutes to cook off raw flour taste and achieve desired thickness.

• Strain for silky smooth gravy (optional).

• Thicken gravy further with a cornstarch slurry if too thin.

• Add more broth if too thick.

Choosing a Broth

The broth is key to flavor in gravy made without drippings. Try these broths:

• Chicken broth – classic choice

• Turkey broth – more flavorful than chicken when available

• Beef broth – for a deeper, heartier flavor

• Vegetable or mushroom broth – to make vegetarian gravy

For a super savory gravy, simmer turkey giblets (neck, gizzard, heart) in broth. Cool, then strain and use this giblet broth as the base for your gravy.

Seasonings

Beyond broth, seasonings add lots of flavor. Consider adding:

• Fresh or dried sage – classic seasoning for turkey gravy

• Thyme – provides an earthy flavor

• Pepper – freshly cracked or coarsely ground is best

• Minced garlic or onion – provides savory flavor

• Salt – add last to adjust flavor, if needed

• Kitchen Bouquet or gravy master – adds color and boosts flavor

You can also prepare an aromatic veggie mixture, cooked in butter, as a flavor base for your gravy. Try minced celery, carrots and onions.

Make Ahead Gravy

One of the best parts about homemade gravy without drippings is that you can prepare it 1-2 days ahead. Here are some tips:

• Make your gravy through step 3.

• Cool completely. Refrigerate in an airtight container.

• When ready to serve, add broth or water as needed to thin gravy.

• Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently.

• Add any pan drippings or extra seasonings before serving, if desired.

• If drippings aren’t available, mix in a spoonful of pan sauce for extra flavor.

Cooking Tools

Having the right kitchen tools helps make gravy without drippings easy:

• Wide heavy-bottomed saucepan – prevents scorching

• Whisk – essential for lump-free gravy

• Fine mesh strainer – for smooth, silky gravy

• Glass liquid measuring cup – easier to add broth slowly

• Fat separator (optional) – removes excess fat from drippings

Gravy Tips

• If your gravy seems too greasy, chill it briefly in the fridge. The fat will rise and solidify on top so you can remove it easily.

• For thinner gravy, add broth. For thicker gravy, make a slurry with cornstarch and cold water.

• Keep gravy warm in a double boiler or insulated carafe while serving.

• Shake up jarred gravy seasoning into your homemade gravy for extra flavor.

• Drizzle pan drippings into finished gravy a spoonful at a time to boost flavor without thinning too much.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade turkey gravy is delicious served:

• Warm over sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing and cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving dinner.

• As a sauce for turkey pot pie or turkey tetrazzini.

• Over biscuits for turkey pot pie.

• Over egg noodles or rice along with leftover turkey.

• As a dip for cooked veggies like carrots, broccoli and cauliflower.

With this easy method, you’ll have rich, smooth and flavorful turkey gravy ready for any meal or occasion – with or without drippings!