If you want rich, smooth and flavorful gravy for your holiday meal, you will love this Ina Garten turkey gravy recipe. It is simple, classic and packed with deep roasted flavor. The gravy uses turkey drippings, broth and easy pantry items to create a sauce that tastes warm and comforting.
This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, family dinners or any meal with roasted turkey. Ina Garten always makes cooking feel easy and this recipe is no different. You only need a few tools and steps.
In this post, I will show you how to make Ina Garten turkey gravy, what ingredients you need and the best tips to get perfect results every time. Enjoy this delicious Ina Garten turkey gravy recipe at home.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this Ina Garten turkey gravy recipe during a family dinner, and everyone loved it. The gravy was smooth, thick and full of rich flavor. It tasted amazing with turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing.
I liked how simple the steps were. The gravy came together quickly while the turkey rested. I used the pan drippings and they added a wonderful roasted taste.
This recipe made the whole meal feel special. It is now my go-to gravy for holidays. If you want perfect gravy, this recipe works every time.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Turkey Gravy
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Sauce / Gravy
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Strainer (optional)
- Heatproof bowl
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Turkey Gravy Recipe
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey drippings or broth
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Collect the Pan Drippings
Pour turkey drippings into a bowl. Let fat rise to the top for easy skimming.
2. Melt Butter in a Saucepan
Place a saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter until smooth and bubbling gently.
3. Add Flour to Make Roux
Sprinkle flour into melted butter. Whisk fast until mixture turns light brown.
4. Cook the Roux
Cook for two minutes. Stir nonstop to avoid burning and create smooth texture.
5. Add Turkey Drippings Slowly
Pour turkey drippings slowly into the roux. Whisk fast to remove any lumps.
6. Add Chicken Stock
Add chicken stock next. Keep whisking to blend everything into a smooth sauce.
7. Season the Gravy
Add salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Simmer the Gravy
Let the gravy simmer for four minutes. Stir gently until it becomes thick.
9. Add Cream for Rich Texture
Add heavy cream if you want a richer and softer gravy flavor.
10. Strain the Gravy
Pour gravy through a strainer if you want extra smooth texture.
11. Serve Warm
Serve the gravy warm with turkey, potatoes, or stuffing.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Turkey Gravy Recipe
- Use fresh turkey drippings for best flavor.
- Cook the flour long enough to avoid raw taste.
- Add stock slowly to prevent lumps.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
- Add cream only if you want richer taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not whisking enough, causing lumps in gravy.
- Adding all liquid at once, making gravy uneven.
- Using too much flour, creating overly thick gravy.
- Burning the roux by using high heat.
- Forgetting to strain gravy for smooth finish.
Serving Suggestions
Ina Garten turkey gravy tastes great with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rice or biscuits. You can also serve it with roasted chicken, meatloaf or vegetables.
It makes any meal feel warm and comforting. This gravy adds so much flavor to every plate. Drizzle it generously over your food for the best taste.
Variations You Can Try
- Add garlic for deeper flavor.
- Use rosemary instead of thyme.
- Add white wine for richer flavor.
- Mix in roasted vegetables for extra aroma.
- Add mushroom slices for a hearty version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover gravy in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat over low heat and whisk gently.
- Add a little stock if gravy becomes too thick.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe container.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbs | 9 g |
| Sodium | 310 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Health Benefits
This gravy uses simple and natural ingredients. Turkey drippings add protein and rich minerals. The gravy can help make meals more satisfying without heavy ingredients.
When made with controlled butter and flour, it works well for balanced meals. Herbs like thyme also offer antioxidants. This recipe is a great way to add flavor without too much heaviness.

Ina Garten Turkey Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey drippings or broth
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme optional
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream optional
Instructions
Collect the Pan Drippings
- Pour turkey drippings into a bowl. Let fat rise to the top for easy skimming.
Melt Butter in a Saucepan
- Place a saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter until smooth and bubbling gently.
Add Flour to Make Roux
- Sprinkle flour into melted butter. Whisk fast until mixture turns light brown.
Cook the Roux
- Cook for two minutes. Stir nonstop to avoid burning and create smooth texture.
Add Turkey Drippings Slowly
- Pour turkey drippings slowly into the roux. Whisk fast to remove any lumps.
Add Chicken Stock
- Add chicken stock next. Keep whisking to blend everything into a smooth sauce.
Season the Gravy
- Add salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
Simmer the Gravy
- Let the gravy simmer for four minutes. Stir gently until it becomes thick.
Add Cream for Rich Texture
- Add heavy cream if you want a richer and softer gravy flavor.
Strain the Gravy
- Pour gravy through a strainer if you want extra smooth texture.
Serve Warm
- Serve the gravy warm with turkey, potatoes, or stuffing.
Notes
- Use fresh turkey drippings for best flavor.
- Cook the flour long enough to avoid raw taste.
- Add stock slowly to prevent lumps.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
- Add cream only if you want richer taste.
FAQs about Ina Garten Turkey Gravy Recipe
1. Can I make this gravy without turkey drippings?
Yes, you can use chicken stock alone, but turkey drippings add deeper flavor. If you skip them, add extra herbs to boost taste.
2. Can I make this gravy a day before serving?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat slowly. Add a bit of stock to fix thickness during reheating.
3. Why did my gravy become too thick?
Too much flour or long simmering can thicken gravy. Add extra stock and whisk well to reach the right texture.
4. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, gluten-free flour works well. Just whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps, because texture may change slightly.
5. How do I keep gravy warm for serving?
Keep the gravy warm in a slow cooker on low heat. Stir sometimes to keep it smooth and prevent skin from forming.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten turkey gravy recipe is simple, rich and perfect for any holiday meal. With easy ingredients and clear steps, you can make smooth and tasty gravy every time. The flavor is warm, comforting and full of depth.
Use the helpful tips and enjoy this recipe with your favorite dishes. If you want classic gravy with beautiful taste, this recipe is the best choice.

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!













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