Homemade Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe
A rich and flavorful homemade Thanksgiving gravy made with browned onions, turkey drippings, and a hint of Cognac, perfect for complementing your holiday meal.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://leofoster.com/homemade-thanksgiving-gravy-recipe/
