Dinner

Turkey Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

ByLana Polati November 12, 2025November 12, 2025

Introduction

This turkey gravy without drippings is a perfect solution when you don’t have pan drippings but still want a rich, savory sauce to accompany your meal. Made with simple ingredients and fresh herbs, it’s flavorful, smooth, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

A white pot with a green exterior holds a creamy brown soup or sauce with a smooth texture, speckled with small bits of herbs and black pepper. A silver spoon with an ornate handle rests inside, partially dipped in the sauce. Some fresh green herbs and ground pepper are sprinkled on top. The pot sits on a rustic wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup unsalted butter
1 shallot, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2-3 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon ground sage
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
⅛ teaspoon poultry seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Add butter to a large saucepan and heat over medium heat until melted.
Step 2: Add the minced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it forms a smooth paste. Cook while stirring for 5-8 minutes until it turns a nice golden color to develop flavor.
Step 4: Slowly pour in 2 cups of broth while whisking continually. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens. Add more broth if the gravy becomes too thick, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Season the gravy with fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Stir well and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, use homemade turkey or chicken broth if possible.
Try adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of soy sauce for complexity.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
Fresh herbs can be swapped according to preference or what you have on hand.

Storage

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much during storage, whisk in a little additional broth or water to loosen it up before serving.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of three thick slices of roasted turkey breast arranged slightly overlapping on a white plate with a beaded edge. The turkey slices have a golden-brown, herb-crusted skin with visible black pepper and green herbs. A creamy, light tan gravy is poured generously over the top of the turkey, showing a smooth texture with small bits of seasoning. Around the turkey, fresh green sage and rosemary leaves add pops of color and freshness. The whole plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, this gravy can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can be used instead, but reduce the amount by about half to avoid an overpowering flavor. Add them when you add the seasonings at the end of cooking.