Description

This smooth and flavorful turkey gravy recipe is made without drippings but still delivers classic savory taste. Made with a blend of fresh shallots, garlic, herbs, and turkey broth, this simple stovetop gravy thickens to perfection using a roux technique. Perfect for complementing your turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing, it’s a versatile and easy-to-make gravy that elevates any holiday meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Gravy 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), chopped
⅛ teaspoon poultry seasoning

Instructions

Melt Butter: Add butter to a large saucepan and heat over medium heat until the butter has fully melted.
Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Add the finely diced shallots to the melted butter and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir continuously to form a smooth paste with the butter and aromatics. Cook this mixture for 5-8 minutes while stirring frequently, until it turns a nice golden color, which will impart a rich, toasted flavor to the gravy.
Add Broth and Thicken: Slowly pour in 2 cups of turkey or chicken broth while whisking to combine and prevent lumps. Continue stirring as the mixture heats and thickens. Add additional broth as needed (up to 3 cups) to achieve your desired gravy consistency.
Season and Finish: Stir in fresh herbs, salt, pepper, ground sage, and poultry seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Let the gravy warm through while stirring, then remove from heat and serve.

Notes

You can substitute chicken broth if turkey broth is unavailable.
For a smoother texture, strain the gravy before serving.
If the gravy is too thick, add more broth gradually to reach preferred consistency.
Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity by half).
Make ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking to restore smoothness.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Sauce/Gravy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Turkey Gravy, Gravy Without Drippings, Thanksgiving Gravy, Easy Turkey Gravy, Stovetop Gravy, Holiday Sauce