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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    Turkey Gravy Without Drippings

    Published: Jan 22, 2025 by Lisa Killian · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my  disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Discover how to make delicious Turkey Gravy Without Drippings, perfect for those moments when you want a rich sauce without the mess. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful gravy that will complement any turkey dish beautifully.

    gravy in a gravy boat with turkey in background
    The best gravy ever!

    My easy homemade gravy is perfect for topping your favorite sour cream mashed potatoes, hot turkey sandwiches, herb crusted rack of lamb, smoked spatchcock turkey, homemade stuffing, or pouring over some tasty smoked chicken leg quarters!

    It comes together in less that 5 minutes and is a hearty comfort food you will love.

    It comes together in less that 5 minutes and is a hearty comfort food you will love.

    Gravy made from scratch always used to seem so daunting. Like why even try when I could just buy a packet or a jar of gravy from the store.

    Once I figured out how incredible easy it was, I will never buy from the store again. Not only is homemade gravy cheaper, it way tastier too.

    pouring gravy on to plate of food
    Do you pour gravy over everything on Thanksgiving like I do?

    Check out these other tasty recipes:

    close up of deviled eggs
    Deviled Eggs
    mashed potatoes in bowl with melted butter on top
    Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
    spoonful of cranberry relish
    Cranberry Sauce
    slice of pecan pie on plate with whipped cream
    Pecan Pie

    What ingredients do you need?

    Broth- chicken, beef, or vegetable works great

    Milk- I use 2% but you can use any type or even heavy cream

    Flour- all purpose flour is what I recommend

    Butter- salted or unsalted

    Seasoning- I just add a little salt and pepper

    Ingredients for homemade gravy

    I always thought you had to have drippings from a roast, chicken, or herb butter turkey to make gravy. Which, let’s be real, we don’t always have that and don’t always want to deal with straining the drippings and dealing with the mess just to make gravy.

    When I realized you could just use broth I was in ecstatic.

    open faced turkey sandwich with brie and gravy
    An open-faced hot turkey sandwich would be incomplete without this tasty gravy!

    How to make gravy without drippings:

    1. Mix together your flour and melted butter. This will be the thickener for the gravy.
    2. In a sauce pan bring your broth and milk to a boil.
    3. Once boiling add the thickener and boil for another 1-2 minutes.
    4. Remove from heat and enjoy.

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    butter and flour mixed
    mixing broth and milk
    adding thickener to sauce pan
    gravy boiling in sauce pan
    close up of gravy in white gravy boat

    Best Tips for Homemade Gravy

    1. Storing leftovers: Keep leftover gravy refrigerated in an airtight container. Use within 4 days.
    2. Freezing: You can also freeze this gravy in a freezer safe container for at least 3 months.
    3. Reheating: I recommend reheating leftovers in a small saucepan- stirring until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it is warm throughout.
    4. If you are looking for a cute gravy boat here is a similar one to the one I have a love!
    pouring gravy on to plate of food
    This recipe is perfect for holidays, leftovers, or just a typical home cooked dinner!

    Frequently Asked Homemade Gravy Questions

    Can I use drippings for gravy if I have them?

    Absolutely. Simply strain the drippings and use the liquid. If you don’t have 2 cups of drippings just supplement with a little broth or even water in a pinch.

    How to get gravy to be thick?

    If you want your gravy extra thick simply mix together another tablespoon of flour with melted butter then add that to the gravy. Boiling the gravy, a little longer will also thicken it up but it will reduce the amount of gravy.

    Why do you mix the flour and butter together before adding it to the broth?

    If you add flour straight to the broth it will clump and not dissolve fully- and no one wants a lumpy gravy!

    Holiday Menu Tips


    Holiday Menu Tips- when to make everything!

    Trying to get all the dishes made during the Holidays can be a bit hectic. However, planning out what you will make, what ingredients you need, and when everything should be in the oven or on the stove helps a lot.

    If you can make some dishes things ahead of time that is even better. Here are a few of my favorite holiday recipes that can be made a day or two or three in advance and either reheated or just set out on the table when ready to eat!

    • Homemade Gravy without Drippings or Peppered Gravy- made the day before
    • Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes- make up to three days before
    • Deviled Eggs- make 1-2 days before (but it’s hard to not snack on them!)
    • Green Bean Casserole- prepare the day before but don’t bake until the day of
    • Sweet Potato Pudding- prepare the day before but don’t bake until the day of
    • Cranberry Sauce or Cranberry Relish- make 1-2 days before
    • Any pie or other dessert should be made a day or two before to allow them to cool/set. (I recommend my pumpkin, chocolate pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, or french silk pies!)

    Don't miss my latest posts:

    • Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Churro Cheesecake
    • Bacon Roses
    • Easy Lemon Cupcakes
    • Easy Birthday Cupcakes
    gravy in a gravy boat with turkey in background pinterest pin
    Don't forget to pin this recip!

    Video

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    gravy in a gravy boat with turkey in background featured image

    How to make gravy without drippings- Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe

    Ever wanted to know how to make gravy without drippings? It’s actually really simple- with only a few ingredients you will have delicious, flavorful gravy that you will want to put on everything!
    4.57 from 16 votes
    Print Pin
    Author: Lisa Killian
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 7 minutes minutes
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
    • ⅓ cup milk
    • 3 tbs flour
    • 3 tbs butter melted
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Pepper

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl combine flour and melted butter until a thick paste forms. Set aside.
      butter and flour mixed
    • In a medium saucepan combine broth and milk. (2 cups broth, ⅓ cup milk)
      mixing broth and milk
    • Heat over medium heat until boiling, stirring frequently.
    • Once boiling stir in the butter/flour mixture, salt, and pepper (½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper).
      adding thickener to sauce pan
    • Return gravy to a boil and boil until slightly thickened, usually 1-2 minutes.
      gravy boiling in sauce pan
    • Remove from heat, pour into a gravy boat and enjoy.
      close up of gravy in white gravy boat

    Notes

    Tips and Tricks
    • Storing leftovers: Keep leftover gravy refrigerated in an airtight container. Use within 4 days. You can also freeze this gravy in a freezer safe container for at least 3 months.
    • Reheating: I recommend reheating leftovers in a small saucepan- stirring until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it is warm throughout.
    • Gravy Boat: If you are wanting a fun new gravy boat, here is one like mine!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 148IU | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Comments

      4.57 from 16 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Suzanne says

      November 19, 2023 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for all your yummy recipes!
      I plan on using most of them. I do can my own cranberry jelly but the rest is thanks to you
      Happy holidays from Wisconsin 🧑‍🍳🦃

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        November 20, 2023 at 2:50 pm

        Thank you so much for sharing with me! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas and enjoy all the tasty food!

        Reply
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    Hey, I'm Lisa!

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