Martha Stewart’s Turkey Gravy

Name: Martha Stewart’s Turkey Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons plain flour; 4 cups turkey stock or chicken stock; 1 cup turkey drippings; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 small shallot, finely minced; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Martha Stewart’s turkey gravy is rich, silky, and packed with deep roasted turkey flavour that makes every holiday meal feel complete. Made with turkey drippings, stock, butter, and a simple roux, this classic gravy has a smooth texture and beautifully savoury finish that pairs perfectly with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. It is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners, and comes together in about 25 minutes. Once you learn this method, you’ll never want to use packet gravy again.

What Is Martha Stewart’s Turkey Gravy?

Martha Stewart’s turkey gravy is a traditional homemade gravy made from turkey drippings collected during roasting. The drippings are combined with butter, flour, and turkey stock to create a velvety sauce with rich depth and smooth consistency.

The flavour is savoury, buttery, and deeply comforting with subtle roasted notes from the turkey pan juices. Unlike thin or lumpy gravies, this version is glossy, balanced, and easy to pour over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables.

This recipe is especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas because it transforms simple roast drippings into something luxurious and restaurant quality.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Gravy

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons plain flour
4 cups turkey stock or chicken stock, warmed
1 cup turkey drippings
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

1 small shallot, finely minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon heavy cream for extra richness

Kitchen Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Fine mesh sieve
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

How to Make Martha Stewart’s Turkey Gravy

Prepare the turkey drippings: Pour the turkey drippings into a measuring jug and allow the fat to rise to the surface. Skim off excess fat while keeping the flavourful juices underneath. Strain through a fine sieve if needed for a smoother gravy.
Warm the stock: Place the turkey or chicken stock into a saucepan over low heat until warm. Warm stock blends more smoothly into the roux and helps prevent lumps.
Make the roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes lightly golden and smells slightly nutty.
Add the stock slowly: Gradually pour the warm stock into the roux while whisking constantly. Add a little at a time to keep the gravy smooth and lump free.
Stir in the drippings: Add the turkey drippings along with the thyme and sage. Continue whisking until fully combined.
Simmer until thickened: Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your preferred consistency.
Season carefully: Taste the gravy and add salt and black pepper as needed. If using Worcestershire sauce or cream, stir them in during the final minute of cooking.
Serve hot: Pour into a warm gravy boat and serve immediately with roast turkey and your favourite holiday sides.

Helpful Tips

How Do I Prevent Lumpy Gravy?

Always whisk continuously while adding the stock slowly into the roux. Warm stock also helps everything blend smoothly.

What If My Gravy Is Too Thick?

Add extra warm stock a little at a time until the gravy reaches the consistency you prefer.

How Can I Make The Gravy More Flavourful?

Use homemade turkey stock if possible and include fresh herbs like sage and thyme for extra depth.

Can I Make Turkey Gravy Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare it one day ahead and gently reheat before serving. Add a splash of stock if it thickens too much.

Why Does My Gravy Taste Bland?

Turkey gravy usually needs enough salt to bring out the flavour of the drippings. Taste and adjust seasoning gradually.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over roast turkey slices
Pour onto creamy mashed potatoes
Drizzle over stuffing or dressing
Serve with roasted vegetables
Use alongside Yorkshire puddings
Spoon over leftover turkey sandwiches

Storage

Room Temperature

Do not leave turkey gravy at room temperature for more than 2 hours after cooking.

Refrigerator

Store cooled gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop while stirring.

Freezing

Freeze turkey gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 140 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 520mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make turkey gravy without drippings?

Yes, you can use butter and turkey stock alone. The gravy will still taste delicious, though drippings add deeper roasted flavour.

How do I thicken homemade turkey gravy?

Let the gravy simmer longer or whisk a small amount of flour mixed with water into the sauce until thickened.

Can I use chicken stock instead of turkey stock?

Yes, chicken stock works very well and is often used when turkey stock is unavailable.

Can turkey gravy be frozen?

Yes, turkey gravy freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when stored in airtight containers.

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