The Essential Ingredients for Making Delicious Butterball Turkey Gravy from Scratch

A beautifully browned Butterball turkey deserves an equally delicious gravy to match. Making gravy from scratch may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple when you understand the purpose of each ingredient and how to balance them. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make smooth, rich, and flavorful Butterball turkey gravy.

The Main Gravy Ingredients

There are just a few main ingredients needed to make basic Butterball turkey gravy:

• Turkey drippings – The flavorful pan drippings left over from roasting your Butterball turkey form the flavor base of the gravy. Be sure to spoon off excess fat, reserving just enough to sauté the aromatics.

• Aromatic vegetables – Onions, celery, carrots and herbs like thyme, sage and parsley are commonly used Sautéing them in the turkey drippings deepens the gravy’s flavor

• Flour – All-purpose flour is whisked with the turkey fat to form a roux, which thickens the gravy. Cornstarch can also be used.

• Broth – Chicken, turkey or vegetable broth is added to the gravy to thin it out and prevent a pasty texture. Homemade broth is ideal.

• Dairy – Milk, cream or half-and-half contribute richness, body and tang Heavy cream makes an extra decadent gravy

Vital Seasonings

Proper seasoning is key for balancing the flavors in Butterball turkey gravy. Consider adding

• Salt and black pepper – Essential for bringing out flavor. Taste and adjust to your preferences.

• Poultry seasoning – Dried thyme, sage, marjoram and rosemary add herbal flavor.

• Minced garlic – For savory undertones and aroma. Sauté it with the aromatics.

• Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth of flavor and savory umami. Use sparingly.

• Soy sauce – A dash boosts savoriness similar to Worcestershire.

• Fresh herbs – Chopped parsley, thyme or sage stirred in just before serving.

Optional Ingredients

For extra flavor dimension, you can incorporate:

• Madeira wine – Deepens color and flavor nicely. Add to the sautéed aromatics.

• Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms lend an earthy, meaty flavor.

• Onion powder – Dried onion flavor if you lack fresh onions.

• Poultry base – Concentrated turkey stock adds richness when broth is lacking.

• Cornstarch slurry – Thickens gravy nicely if it becomes too thin.

• Kitchen Bouquet – Browning sauce adds color and flavor depth.

Key Techniques

Proper techniques are vital for smooth, lump-free Butterball turkey gravy:

• Sauté aromatics in fat until softened

• Whisk flour into fat thoroughly when making roux

• Cook roux briefly to prevent a raw taste

• Add very hot broth to blend smoothly into roux

• Simmer gravy to meld flavors and develop texture

• Strain through a fine mesh strainer if lumpy

• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

• Use a gravy separator to remove fat for the cleanest flavor

Step-by-Step Method

Follow this simple process for foolproof Butterball gravy:

1. Heat turkey drippings in a skillet. Sauté aromatic vegetables until softened.

2. Whisk in flour until fully incorporated. Cook roux briefly.

3. Gradually whisk in hot broth and dairy products.

4. Add seasonings like salt, pepper, herbs and Worcestershire.

5. Simmer gravy gently for 15-20 minutes.

6. If needed, strain through a fine mesh strainer.

7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

8. Pour through a gravy separator before serving for the smoothest gravy.

With the essential ingredients and proper techniques, you can easily make rich, delicious gravy from scratch to complement your Butterball turkey this Thanksgiving. Adjust the components to suit your own tastes – the options are endless. Dig in to sensational homemade gravy and enjoy!