Turkey Gravy: How To Make It From Scratch

Gravy is an essential part of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner; your turkey and mashed potatoes just wouldn't be the same without it. If you've been buying store-bought gravy, consider making your own from scratch this Thanksgiving (the premade version tends to be loaded with salt and preservatives).

The basic process of making gravy is simple; make a roux by mixing equal parts flour and fat, add any meat drippings that you have (on Thanksgiving Day it will likely be turkey drippings  from the roasting pan), deglaze the pan with stock or wine, and then season the gravy, whisking and stirring as you go.

If you're looking for a really basic turkey gravy recipe, we've got one that uses just four ingredients; it's a great way to learn the technique. Then, once you're comfortable making a basic turkey gravy, you can experiment with herbs, spices, and wine.

Click here to see our favorite turkey gravy recipe.

Kristie Collado is The Daily Meal's Cook Editor. Follow her on Twitter @KColladoCook.