When I think of Thanksgiving, I picture hungry friends and family around the table staring at the beautiful turkey as the centerpiece with the classic side dishes surrounding it. There is nothing more comforting and enticing than that! One of my favorite sides is the turkey gravy, it always seems to be the first item we run out of on Thanksgiving. Gravy adds so much flavor, it's pretty much essential for Thanksgiving (also leftovers and cocktails!).
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Who would've thought that there would be so many variations! Check out these recipes to find your favorite.
1. Perfect Turkey Gravy From Scratch
This is your basic turkey gravy made with the drippings, broth, salt, and pepper. It is cooked over the stovetop and thickened with flour.
It's so flavorful and you really can't go wrong, especially served over a heaping mound of mashed potatoes. Find the recipe here.
2. Turkey Gravy
This turkey gravy has so many delicious flavors due to the sautéed vegetables, sherry cooking wine, and herbs. Onions, carrots, and celery are sautéed and then the pan drippings are added along with a bay leaf and fresh thyme.
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3. Giblet Gravy
I know those weird, strange-looking turkey pieces (aka the turkey neck and giblets) that come in a bag inside the turkey are so tempting to throw away, but this year try using them for gravy.
Just make sure to rinse them off before cooking. This kind of gravy recipe is so decadent and a great way to use all of the turkey. Here's the recipe.
4. Perfect Gravy Without the Bird
I know some people like to smoke or fry their turkey for Thanksgiving. I personally love it deep-fried, but it's all delicious! However, when preparing turkey this way, you will most likely not get those dark, rich drippings on the bottom of the roasting pan. Fear not! This recipe is for you.
Made with brown flour, this gravy recipe is unique and tasty with a deep flavor. You can make brown flour at home by cooking it until it turns light brown. You can also make it in advance and store it until ready to use. Check out this recipe.
5. Turkey Gravy Without the Drippings
Here is another simple turkey gravy recipe that doesn't require drippings from a roast turkey. It uses chicken broth, butter, flour, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Easy to prepare and tastes just like Mom's.
6. The Best Turkey Gravy
Apple cider is such a festive, fall drink so why not add it to your flavorful gravy! The added sage in this just screams Thanksgiving. Check out this recipe.
7. Easy Mushroom Gravy
Mushrooms are earthy and easily soak in the flavor. Serve this gravy at your Thanksgiving dinner and your guests will be begging for seconds (or even thirds). Try testing out different mushrooms for this recipe.
8. Maple-Bacon Gravy
This gravy is a little out of the box, but... bacon. Yes, this recipe contains bacon. It also has some sweetness from maple syrup and apple cider. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Check out this recipe. Pair it with cranberry. and it's perfect.
9. Simple Homemade Apple Herb Turkey Gravy
I might have to try out this gravy for Thanksgiving! Sautéed onions, apple cider, apple brandy, fresh herbs, and a few other ingredients are combined to make this fresh and beautiful gravy.
Here's the recipe.
10. Silky Pan Gravy with Cream, Cognac and Thyme
This rich gravy is flavored with turkey drippings, broth, cognac, dry vermouth, and thyme.
It is thickened with flour as well as heavy cream to make it silky smooth. Check out this recipe.
11. Citrus Gravy
This turkey gravy is a little untraditional but still loaded with flavor. Homemade giblet stock is used in this recipe and is a perfect excuse to save those pieces you might otherwise throw away. The citrus taste from the lemons and oranges will brighten up this gravy. Find the recipe here.
12. Chipotle Gravy
If you want some southwestern spices at the table this Thanksgiving, then definitely follow this recipe! The gravy uses all the flavorful drippings from the turkey. The turkey is covered in a dry rub with salt, brown sugar, chile powder, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and onion powder.
The drippings are then combined with turkey stock, heavy cream, chipotle, and some other ingredients for this mouthwatering gravy!
13. Five-Minute Browned Butter Turkey Gravy
Brown butter is a wonderful creation and ingredient and adds nuttiness to any dish or sauce. Simply melt the butter in a medium sauce pan, stir gently and immediately remove from the heat when you notice it change to a golden.
Just make sure to watch it closely because it can easily burn! This is a simple recipe, and as the title says, it should only take five minutes!
14. Quick White Wine Gravy
This recipe has only a few ingredients but is full of tasty flavor from the drippings and white wine. They suggest the drippings come from their roasted turkey recipe with rosemary and lemon, but any dripping will do! Here is the recipe.
15. Turkey Gravy
This gravy is full of great ingredients like Asian fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine. And it also calls for browned butter. So delicious and hearty. Find the recipe here.
16. Homemade Gravy
Make this for your holiday dinner and you are sure to make your guests happy. There is some cognac, white wine, and heavy cream added to make this luxurious recipe.
17. Mom's Italian Style Turkey Gravy
Coming from an Italian family, these flavors are very common. Here's an Italian-styled gravy using turkey drippings, garlic, Marsala wine, and parsley. Find the recipe here.
18. Hoisin Gravy
If you're looking for an Asian-inspired gravy, you have to check out this recipe! Turkey drippings, sesame oil, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and Shaoxing wine are combined and reduced over medium heat to create this gravy. If you haven't heard of Shaoxing wine, it's a type of Chinese rice wine that tastes similar to dry sherry. Find the recipe here.
19. Bay Leaf, Beer, and Orange Gravy
I am pretty sure this gravy is good enough to drink! This recipe combines stout beer, bay leaf, orange juice, and broth for a savory and flavorful gravy. You might have to double this recipe because it's just that amazing! Find it here.
20. Easy Vegetarian Onion Gravy
Vegetarians, no need to panic, this simple and quick vegetarian gravy is perfect for you to slather over your vegetables! Butter (the recipe also mentions that you can replace unsalted butter with a vegan option), onions vegetable broth, and a splash of soy sauce. Delicious! Here's the recipe.
Editors Note: This article was originally published on November 7, 2017.
