Gravy is the ultimate finishing touch for any Thanksgiving meal. From pouring it over turkey to drizzling it on mashed potatoes, it adds flavor and richness to your holiday spread. However, making gravy from scratch can be intimidating. But don’t worry! This hassle-free gravy recipe is not only delicious but also stress-free. The best part? You can prepare the base ahead of time and finish it off with the turkey drippings on Thanksgiving day!

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
• Turkey pan drippings (collected after roasting)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown. This helps cook off the raw flour taste and gives your gravy a rich flavor.

If you want to add a layer of flavor, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in the butter before adding the flour. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Gradually whisk in the broth to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the gravy thickens.

• Pro Tip: If you want to prepare the base ahead of time, stop here! Cool the gravy base and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to finish it on Thanksgiving day.

Once the turkey is done, collect the drippings from the roasting pan. Pour the drippings through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solid bits.

Reheat your gravy base on the stove, then whisk in the turkey drippings for added richness and flavor. Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and if the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a little more broth or water. If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Make Ahead: The gravy base can be prepared the day before, reducing stress on Thanksgiving day.
• Customizable: You can add onions and garlic for more flavor or keep it simple—whatever suits your preferences.
• Foolproof: This gravy recipe is simple, reliable, and ensures no lumps!

Bonus Tip:

For extra depth of flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of white wine when reheating the gravy on Thanksgiving day.

Pair this delicious gravy with other Thanksgiving staples like mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing. And if you’re looking for extra help getting your home ready for the holidays, check out Wheatley Creek’s professional cleaning services to make sure your house shines as bright as your Thanksgiving table!