How to Make Delicious Turkey Gravy from a Packet

Making homemade turkey gravy from scratch can seem intimidating, but starting with a convenient gravy packet makes the process easy and foolproof. With just a few additional ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up rich, flavorful gravy that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving feast or any time you crave homestyle comfort food.

Why Make Turkey Gravy from a Packet?

Packets contain pre-measured spices, seasonings, thickeners and flavorings to form the base of the gravy. This eliminates the guesswork of determining proportions. The packets also cut down on prep time since you don’t have to gather and measure each individual ingredient. Just add the liquid, drippings and aromatics specified on the package for gravy in minutes.

Gravy packets yield smooth lump-free gravy with an ideal thickness. No extra whisking or straining required! They generally contain cornstarch or wheat flour to thicken the gravy beautifully.

Tips for Choosing a Gravy Packet

• Look for packages labeled specifically for turkey, chicken or traditional gravy. General brown gravy packets also work well.

• Low-sodium or sodium-free options are available for health-conscious cooks

• Gluten-free gravy packets exist if you need to avoid wheat flour.

• Choose turkey or chicken gravy packets for milder flavor or brown gravy for deeper, richer taste.

• Opt for name brands you trust like McCormick and Lipton which consistently deliver good results.

How to Make Turkey Gravy from a Packet

Making gravy from a packet involves just 5 easy steps:

1. Prepare the Turkey Drippings

After roasting the turkey, transfer it to a cutting board or platter. Leave the tasty browned bits and flavorful pan drippings behind in the roasting pan.

For maximum flavor, place the roasting pan over a burner on the stove. Add 1 to 2 cups of water or broth and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly. This will dissolve any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan so they infuse into the gravy.

2. Separate the Fat

Pour the flavorful turkey drippings into a fat separator, gravy separator, or glass measuring cup. Let sit 5 minutes so the fat rises to the top. Skim off and discard the clear yellow fat with a spoon. Pour the defatted drippings into a medium saucepan.

3. Whisk in the Gravy Packet

Empty the entire contents of the gravy packet into the saucepan with the drippings. Whisk vigorously until combined and smooth. This prevents lumps.

4. Add Liquid

Gradually whisk in the amount of water, broth or milk specified on the package directions. Broth adds extra richness while milk gives a creamy consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently.

5. Simmer and Serve

Reduce heat and let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened to your desired consistency. Add any extra seasonings to taste. Pour the hot gravy into a gravy boat or serving bowl and serve immediately.

That’s all it takes to make smooth, flavorful turkey gravy with the help of a packet! For even more flavor, stir in a spoonful of chopped fresh sage, thyme or parsley at the end.

Turkey Gravy Packet Recipe

This easy recipe uses turkey drippings and a gravy packet for foolproof gravy every time.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 cups prepared turkey drippings
• 1 packet turkey gravy mix (such as McCormick)
• 2 cups water, broth or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Simmer turkey drippings 5 minutes to release flavor. Strain if needed.
2. Whisk in contents of gravy packet.
3. Gradually whisk in liquid until smooth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
5. Season to taste with salt, pepper and herbs.

Serve this flavorful turkey gravy alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and sides! It’s also delicious with chicken, meatloaf, pork chops or biscuits.

Expert Gravy Tips

Take your packet gravy from good to great with these expert tips:

• For ultimate flavor, use half broth and half milk or cream.

• Add herbs like thyme, sage or rosemary. Crush them first to release flavors.

• For a smooth consistency, blend with an immersion blender after simmering.

• To thicken gravy, simmer longer or whisk in a bit of cornstarch slurry.

• For a thinner gravy, stir in extra hot liquid a little at a time.

• Drizzle in a splash of wine, sherry or bourbon for a flavor boost.

• Season more assertively than you think you need to. The gravy flavor will become milder upon standing.

• Make gravy ahead and reheat gently to serve. Add liquid if thicker than desired.

With a well-chosen packet and a few additions like flavorful drippings, herbs and seasonings, you can easily make restaurant-quality turkey gravy at home. Follow the simple steps for rich, smooth and tasty gravy your whole family will love.

How to Get Turkey Drippings for Turkey Gravy

This recipe incorporates the rich drippings from roasting a turkey or turkey breast. After roasting in the oven, transfer the turkey to a carving board, leaving the flavorful drippings in the roasting pan. Position the roasting pan over the largest stovetop burner, set to medium heat. If the liquid in the pan measures less than one cup, simply add sufficient water to reach that quantity. Vigorously whisk to incorporate any caramelized remnants that may have adhered to the pan. This enhances the flavor of the gravy. The stovetop’s heat assists in loosening these flavorful bits from the pan’s sides. If you’ve used an aluminum pan for roasting, do not place it directly on the stovetop. Instead, add water to the drippings to reach one cup and use a whisk or spoon to release the browned bits from the pan’s bottom.

We have a fool-proof, step-by-step guide for Making the Perfect Turkey. Our Thanksgiving turkey recipe is full of fresh herbs: parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, onion, and celery. As a result, your gravy will have all those delicious flavors and herbs mixed in as well.

The #1 secret to good gravy is starting with well seasoned drippings from the turkey. In addition to good drippings, removing fat and straining out any unwanted bits and pieces from the cooked turkey is important for getting the right texture and consistency.

As mentioned above, three things really make a fantastic turkey gravy. First, the turkey drippings from a well-seasoned turkey or turkey breast. When that needs a boost, chicken bouillon granules (we love the Wyler’s brand) is a seasoning that gives richness and flavor to turkey gravy. Last, but not least, adding fresh herbs to the gravy can transform gravy! Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme all add incredible flavor.

If kept in the fridge in an airtight container, turkey gravy will be last a couple of days. Spoon the cold gravy into a skillet and warm over low heat and the turkey gravy will resume its creamy consistency within a few minutes. It can also be reheated in the microwave.

If you run out of potatoes before you run out of gravy (that’s happened to us many times) this turkey gravy freezes beautifully in a freezer safe container for up to three months!

This recipe is gluten-free IF you leave out the gravy packet that comes with the turkey. The rest of the ingredients are completely GF and it will still taste delicious.

If starting from scratch and without any drippings, butter does add flavor to gravy. However, in this recipe, the drippings provide adequate fat and flavor.

More Delicious Gravy Recipes

No matter what you’re serving, there’s a scrumptious, savory gravy to go with it. For a step-by-step guide for making gravies and sauces, see our post on How to Make a Roux.