Homemade Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe

Introduction

This Homemade Thanksgiving Gravy is rich, flavorful, and the perfect complement to your holiday meal. Made from browned onions, turkey drippings, and a touch of Cognac, it’s sure to elevate your dinner plate.

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 2 onions)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Defatted turkey drippings plus chicken stock to make 2 cups, heated
• 1 tablespoon Cognac or brandy
• 1 tablespoon white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large 10 to 12-inch sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions and cook gently for 12 to 15 minutes until they are lightly browned. Take your time—the flavor depends on well-cooked onions.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk it in thoroughly. Add the kosher salt and black pepper and cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Step 3: Slowly add the hot turkey drippings and chicken stock mixture while whisking. Stir in the Cognac or brandy. Continue cooking uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
4. Step 4: If desired, stir in the white wine and heavy cream for extra richness. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, slowly caramelize the onions until golden brown but not burnt.
• If you don’t have turkey drippings, chicken stock alone works fine.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or sage for a fragrant twist.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.

Storage

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of stock or water to thin it out if it thickens too much while cooling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy a day in advance and reheat it before serving. Just store it in the refrigerator and warm it gently to avoid separating.

What if I don’t have Cognac or brandy?

You can omit the Cognac or brandy without sacrificing much flavor. Alternatively, use a splash of dry white wine, broth, or apple juice for a subtle sweetness.

Homemade Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe

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4.4 from 117 reviews

A rich and flavorful homemade Thanksgiving gravy made with browned onions, turkey drippings, and a hint of Cognac, perfect for complementing your holiday meal.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gravy Ingredients

• 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 2 onions)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Defatted turkey drippings plus chicken stock to make 2 cups, heated
• 1 tablespoon Cognac or brandy
• 1 tablespoon white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the onions: In a large 10 to 12-inch sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped yellow onions and cook slowly for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are lightly browned and caramelized. This step is essential for developing the gravy’s deep flavor.
2. Add flour and seasonings: Sprinkle the flour into the pan with the cooked onions and whisk thoroughly to combine. Add the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Incorporate liquids: Gradually add the heated mixture of defatted turkey drippings and chicken stock to the pan while whisking constantly. Then pour in the tablespoon of Cognac or brandy. Continue cooking uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency.
4. Finish the gravy: Stir in the white wine and heavy cream if using, mixing well to combine. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as necessary with additional salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

• Slowly cooking the onions over medium-low heat is key to achieving a rich, caramelized flavor in the gravy.
• Using defatted turkey drippings gives authentic Thanksgiving flavor while reducing excess fat.
• The Cognac or brandy adds depth but can be omitted or substituted with additional stock if preferred.
• White wine and heavy cream are optional but add extra complexity and creaminess to the final gravy.
• For a thinner gravy, add more chicken stock or drippings as needed.

Keywords: Thanksgiving gravy, homemade gravy, turkey gravy, Ina Garten gravy recipe, holiday gravy, caramelized onion gravy