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Gravy – A Foolproof Recipe

A homemade gravy recipe that is foolproof. It requires only 3 ingredients. Use this simple technique to make gravy with turkey, chicken, beef or even vegetable broth. 

One of the things I hear a lot from people is “Help Des! I can never make a good gravy!” or “Do you have any tips? It’s always lumpy!”  I am writing this post to help you solve all of your common gravy problems.

With this quick and easy foolproof gravy recipe, everyone will be asking you for your tips!

How to make the perfect gravy every time!

When it comes to making gravy there are a few different ways to approach it. You can make it with pan drippings, you can make it with broth and butter, you can make it creamy with milk and you can make it gluten free by using corn starch.

I’ve laid out each different technique in this complete guide to making foolproof gravy, so you can make gravy with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

First things first, here are some basics:

The perfect ratio for making gravy:

As I mentioned before, gravy is one of those things that I get a lot of questions about. The easiest way to remember for me is, if I want 1 cup, I will use 1 tablespoon of fat, 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 cup of liquid.

Fat in this case can be leftover fat from a roast, bacon drippings or even butter. Liquid can be pan drippings, beef stock, chicken stock, turkey stock or even vegetable stock.

Gravy in a gravy boat

Most often, I want to make 2 cups of gravy so I simply double the ingredients. I will use 2 tablespoons fat, 2 tablespoons flour and 2 cups of liquid. If I want to make 3 cups, I will use 3 tablespoons fat, 3 tablespoons flour and 3 cups liquid and so on and so forth. It turns out for me every time and I can increase or decrease as I need to!

DES’ PRO TIP: Gravy Ratio: 1 tablespoon flour + 1 tablespoon + 1 cup broth/stock/pan juices = 1 cup gravy. Can be easily doubled or even tripled!

How to make gravy with pan drippings:

Pan drippings and fond. The juice and little brown bits that are leftover in the bottom of the pan after you’re done frying chicken, roasting turkey etc. It is where all of the flavor is.

To make gravy with pan drippings and fond, you simply need to remove all liquid and all but 2 tablespoons of fat. Next, whisk flour into the fat and allow to cook 1 minute until the flour starts to brown. Then slowly whisk in the broth (or left over pan juices) to ensure there are no clumps.

DES’ PRO TIPSlowly whisking the broth into the flour mixture will help prevent clumps from developing. 

Reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens slightly. When done, it’ll coat the back of a spoon. It will only take about 15 minutes and you are on your way to making delicious, creamy gravy fit for any Sunday dinner or holiday meal.

Foolproof gravy recipe

How to make gravy with  flour, broth and milk:

When I originally posted this recipe in November of 2009, I used half broth and half milk. It makes a rich creamy gravy. Start by whisking the flour into fat (butter or grease from pan), slowly whisk in 1 cup of broth. Once the broth is warmed, temper the milk by stirring 1 tablespoon of broth into milk. Tempering will prevent the milk from curdling when you add it to the broth.

Once the milk has tempered, slowly whisk it into the pan. Cook 10 – 15 minutes or until thickened.

How do you make gravy without drippings:

Hands down, pan drippings will give you the most flavor without having to add too much seasoning. However, in a pinch, you could simply use butter and broth instead. Follow the same technique and ratio as you would if you were making the recipe with pan dripping. The only adjustment is you may need to add a bit more salt and pepper.

A homemade gravy recipe that is foolproof. It requires only 3 ingredients. Use this simple technique to make gravy with turkey, chicken, beef or even vegetable broth. 

How do you make gravy without flour (Gluten Free Gravy):

You can substitute cornstarch for the flour. You will want to use half of the amount of cornstarch. This recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of flour, so you’ll use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.

A classic gravy recipes that requires only three ingredients. Use this technique to make turkey gravy, chicken gravy or beef gravy. 

How to store leftovers:

You will want to store any leftover gravy in a covered container in the refrigerator. It will last approximately 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a pan. You may need to add additional broth to get desired consistency.

For more recipes to serve with gravy check out some of our favorites!

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Southern Fried Pork Chops

Brined Fried Chicken

 

This gravy recipe is FOOL PROOF! 3 ingredients, easy to make and perfect for the holidays! #gravy #thanksgiving #christmas

 More Thanksgiving Favorites:

Roasted Turkey Thighs

Spinach Artichoke Stuffing

Rosemary Cranberry Spread

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Note: This post was originally written in 2009. Updated with new photos, tips, recipe and video 2019.

A classic gravy recipe that requires only three ingredients. Use this technique to make turkey gravy, chicken gravy or beef gravy. 

Gravy - A Foolproof Recipe

A classic gravy recipe that is foolproof. It requires only 3 ingredients. Use this technique to make gravy with turkey, chicken, beef or veggies!
5 from 12 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Condiments
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 41 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons reserved fat from roast chicken beef, or turkey (or butter)
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth turkey broth, beef broth or vegetable broth
  • fresh cracked pepper and kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Reserve the 2 tablespoons of fat in your roasting pan. Place roasting pan on the stove. Heat fat over medium heat. Sprinkle flour over the top and whisk until smooth, cook 1 -2 minutes. Be sure to scrape up any of the brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
  • Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened, whisking occasionally. Gravy should coat the back of a spoon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve.

Notes

Nutrition facts not guaranteed! Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 41kcalCarbohydrates: 3.5gProtein: 4.1gFat: 0.9gSaturated Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 424mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.4g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: basic gravy, how to make gravy, pan gravy, thanksgiving dinner, thanksgiving side dish

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Andrea
    November 19, 2018 at 9:45 am

    I LOVE how easy this gravy is! Perfect for gravy novice cooks like me, can’t wait to try it!

  • Reply
    Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life
    November 18, 2018 at 10:15 pm

    I love that you talk about how to make gravy both with pan drippings and without. Great, detailed instructions!

  • Reply
    Karyl
    November 18, 2018 at 7:49 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never made gravy at home, because I never think it turns out right. But these are some very helpful tips…I’ll have to try it out!

  • Reply
    Mackenzie
    November 18, 2018 at 7:46 pm

    5 stars
    As a kid, I never liked gravy. It was because I had never had it done correctly. Now, I enjoy any opportunity to make it. I don’t usually think to add milk for a creamy version though, so I love the tip on tempering the milk first! I would have just poured it in!

  • Reply
    Leslie
    November 18, 2018 at 7:28 pm

    I love gravy, and I love that this is only a few ingredients!

  • Reply
    Sam | Ahead of Thyme
    November 18, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    Yum! This gravy looks so thick and creamy. Sounds perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!

  • Reply
    Cindy
    November 18, 2018 at 2:39 am

    there is no milk mentioned in ingredients yet in step 2 you say to whisk in stock and milk….am I missing something?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      November 18, 2018 at 12:34 pm

      Oh thank you for catching that Cindy! When I originally posted this, I did a creamy version which simply uses half milk/half broth. I will fix it now :)

  • Reply
    Allison
    November 17, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    5 stars
    Gravy is one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing your tips!

  • Reply
    anne
    November 17, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    5 stars
    I need help with gravy! Thanks for sharing your helpful tips just in time for Thanksgiving!

  • Reply
    Veena
    November 15, 2018 at 8:26 am

    5 stars
    I love making gravy and my kids love gravy. This sounds so wonderful. Perfect addition to a Thanksgiving dinner table. Sounds so yum.

  • Reply
    Jacque
    November 15, 2018 at 6:14 am

    5 stars
    Love this idea! It sounds great year around and not just for Thanksgiving. Pinning this recipe for later.

  • Reply
    Kelly
    November 15, 2018 at 3:55 am

    5 stars
    I could eat that gravy alone with a spoon! But I’ll wait for mashed potatoes and turkey ;) Looks divine!

  • Reply
    Dana
    November 14, 2018 at 8:32 am

    5 stars
    I sincerely believe that if you don’t have gravy for your potatoes or turkey… you don’t have a complete meal. This is just about the same as my mom’s recipe for gravy and it is delicious!

  • Reply
    Chrissie Baker
    November 13, 2018 at 10:23 am

    5 stars
    I want to try to cook your recipe for Thanksgiving! I LOVE homemade gravy. Great recipe! I think this will be one of my favorites. Looks incredible!

  • Reply
    Abeer
    November 13, 2018 at 6:04 am

    5 stars
    This will be great to have on hand for Thanksgiving!

  • Reply
    Catalina
    November 13, 2018 at 6:03 am

    5 stars
    This is in our future! So easy and so delicious!

  • Reply
    Katerina @ diethood .com
    November 13, 2018 at 2:22 am

    5 stars
    This is fantastic!! Homemade gravy is the best!!

  • Reply
    jessica | novice chef
    November 12, 2018 at 3:17 pm

    homemade gravy is without a doubt one of my favorite things about thanksgiving!

  • Reply
    susan
    November 24, 2009 at 7:51 am

    I’m glad I remembered to come back for the gravy recipe! I’m totally excited to use your recipes this Thanksgiving :)

    • Reply
      Deseree
      November 25, 2009 at 10:23 am

      Thanks Susan! I hope you enjoy them and Happy Thanksgiving!!

  • Reply
    Deseree
    November 21, 2009 at 9:45 am

    Thank you Karly!

  • Reply
    Karly
    November 17, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    Looks delish!

  • Reply
    Deseree
    November 17, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    Thanks Memoria!
    Jackie- That sounds lovely!
    Thanks Jenn! On Thanksgiving, I do pour gravy on just about everything ;-)

  • Reply
    Jenn
    November 17, 2009 at 11:50 am

    I love the picture.. makes me want to pour gravy on just about everything!!

  • Reply
    Jackie at PhamFatale.com
    November 17, 2009 at 1:30 am

    Love it, absolutely love gravy. Just made a vegetarian version today for hubby. :P

  • Reply
    Memoria
    November 16, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    This is exactly how I like my gravy. The photo looks great.

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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