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Marilyns Treats

November 6, 2020 · 34 Comments

Foolproof Gravy

Recipe Archive· Sauces

Don’t believe everything you hear. Making gravy isn’t as hard as everyone says. Just start with this guide and you’ll be ready to go when the big day comes to show off your skills to a large crowd.
Don’t believe everything you hear. Making gravy isn’t as hard as everyone says. Just start with this guide and you’ll be ready to go when the big day comes to show off your skills to a large crowd.

Foolproof Gravy

Don’t believe everything you hear. Making gravy isn’t as hard as everyone says. If I can do it, so can you!

It’s easy making gravy with meat drippings. This recipe does just that.

Your wire whisk is your best friend and the best way to avoid lumps.

Measure accurately because if you have too little fat your gravy will be lumpy.

In the same situation if you have too much fat and your gravy will separate.

More drippings means more gravy! Just double or triple your recipe. All ingredients are equal when the recipe is increased..

Taste your drippings before your make gravy. The drippings can get burnt easily so be sure they taste good before putting any effort into making gravy.

Remember, you can always use broth or stock instead of drippings.

When the moment for gravy making arrives, measure your drippings accurately, keep stirring, and stay with it.

After just a minute of boiling, it’s time to find the gravy boat and call your family yo the table because your gravy will be ready to go.

The perfectly cooked bird and the beautifully whipped mashed potatoes will taste even better when you add a few dollops of your rich and robust turkey gravy.

Do remember though, any type of meat drippings can be used in this recipe.

Once I made a Yorkshire Pudding using leftover gravy from this recipe.

It was so delicious that I gave up biscuits and gravy for a year!

Just like many families, gravy as part of the meal is actually dessert. Some recipes just aren’t worthy without a bit of gravy.

And my family agrees.

This is the recipe I most often use. My husband loves his meat and potatoes. So gravy is an integral part of my meal plan.

He looks forward to this Foolproof Turkey Gravy every holiday.

And it takes the fuss out of a Sunday dinner too.

These are the INGREDIENTS you will need:

  • 1/4 cup turkey drippings, fat and juices from roasted turkey
  • 1/4 cup All Purpose flour or cornstarch
  • 2 cups liquid, juices from roasted turkey, broth, water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons Browning sauce, optional

These are the INSTRUCTIONS for preparation:

  • Pour drippings from roasting pan into bowl, leaving brown particles in pan. Return 1/4 cup drippings to roasting pan. 
  • Measure accurately because too little fat makes gravy lumpy. Stir in flour. Again measure accurately so gravy is not greasy.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly. 
  • Stir in liquid. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. 
  • Stir in a few drops of browning sauce if you desire. I don’t think it needs it though. Stir in salt and pepper.
  • Pour into the gravy bowl and serve!!

Directions For a perfect gravy

If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons water or broth then whisk it into the hot gravy, bring to a boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

You can substitute corn starch for flour. Once I started making my gravy with cornstarch I had better luck turning out a perfect result.

Do like the pros and use a medium sized wire whisk to stir up the gravy, vigorously mixing in the flour into the pan drippings to create a roux.

End up with a few lumps? Pour the gravy through a wire mesh sieve to smooth the gravy to a silky smoothness.

A flavorful broth is a traditional liquid for many gravies, but you could mix things up by using wine, milk, or half and half with the broth.

I found these tips in an old cookbook of my Mom. They have saved my meal many times.

How Long Does Gravy Last?

Gravy will keep in the fridge for up to two days. Store in a well sealed jar or container. It can be tricky to warm gravy in the microwave, since it’s easy to overcook and curdle the gravy. Instead, reheat gravy on the stove over low heat. Stir often and remove from heat once gravy comes to a simmer.

If you’d like to save your gravy for long than two days, store in a well sealed container or resealable plastic bag in the freezer. Frozen gravy will keep for up to four months.

One caveat, milk and cream based gravies will separate when reheated, so it’s best to turn these types of gravies into your next meal, instead of freezing.

See my Tips for a Perfect Gravy for a full list of your gravy fixes.

Don’t believe everything you hear. Making gravy isn’t as hard as everyone says. Just start with this guide and you’ll be ready to go when the big day comes to show off your skills to a large crowd.

Foolproof Gravy

This is the Foolproof Gravy for all your meat and potato dinners.
5 from 21 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: holiday, turkey
Method: Stove Top
Skill Level: Basic
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Adjust Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 40kcal
Author: Marilyn

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup turkey drippings, fat and juices from roasted turkey
  • 1/4 cup All Purpose flour or cornstarch
  • 2 cups liquid, juices from roasted turkey, broth, water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons Browning sauce, optional

Instructions

  • Pour drippings from roasting pan into bowl, leaving brown particles in pan. Return 1/4 cup drippings to roasting pan.
  • Measure accurately because too little fat makes gravy lumpy. Stir in flour. Again measure accurately so gravy is not greasy.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  • Stir in liquid. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute.
  • Stir in a few drops of browning sauce if you desire. I don’t think it needs it though. Stir in salt and pepper.
  • Pour into the gravy bowl and serve!!

Notes

©MARILYN’S TREATS. All images are copyright protected.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Tbs | Calories: 40kcal (2%) | Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 3g (5%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (5%) | Cholesterol: 5mg (2%) | Sodium: 200mg (8%) | Potassium: 30mg (1%)
Tried this recipe?Mention @marilyn_lesniak or tag #marilynstreats!

Nutrition Information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.

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Disclaimer Unless indicated recipes influenced by cookbooks, magazines or family traditions.

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Comments

  1. blankMarielle says

    October 27, 2020 at 7:08 PM

    Thanks for sharing this Marilyn. I feel like my gravy is hit or miss. It’s nice to have these measurements. Have a great week!

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      October 27, 2020 at 7:40 PM

      You are welcome Marielle. I am glad to help. Gravy is indeed an art. I still mess up under pressure! Enjoy your week.

      Reply
  2. blankJodie Fitz says

    September 19, 2018 at 11:12 PM

    Just in time for fall entertaining…. Thanks for sharing at Reader Tip Tuesday.
    We can’t wait to see what you have to share at this week’s party. xo

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 20, 2018 at 10:36 AM

      Thank you Jodie. This is the best gravy I have made yet. Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. blankAmy @ The Quiet Homemaker says

    September 18, 2018 at 2:52 PM

    My people love a good gravy! Thanks!

    Thanks for linking up @LiveLifeWell!

    Blessings,

    Amy

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 18, 2018 at 7:57 PM

      We love gravy in our home too Amy. Enjoy your week.

      Reply
  4. blankMiz Helen says

    September 18, 2018 at 2:18 PM

    This is a delicious gravy recipe! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday, your post is awesome. Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 18, 2018 at 7:56 PM

      Thank you Miz Helen. This gravy has serves me well. Enjoy your week.

      Reply
  5. blankJann Olson says

    September 15, 2018 at 10:21 PM

    I do love good gravy now and then! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 16, 2018 at 9:33 AM

      When I have a meal with meats I do love a treat and add gravy. Glad you like it too. Have a lovely week.

      Reply
  6. blankRoseann Hampton says

    September 14, 2018 at 7:25 PM

    Makes me hungry for turkey! Thanks for sharing with us at the Blogger’s Pit Stop! Roseann from This Autoimmune Life

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 14, 2018 at 9:28 PM

      Me too Roseann. Some days I just can’t put up a recipe without adding it to my weekly meal plan for the store! Enjoy the weekend.

      Reply
  7. blankcandy says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:11 AM

    Gravy is very important at the family dinners that will be coming up. Foolproof is perfect. Found you on Simple Homestead Blog Hop.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 13, 2018 at 3:01 PM

      I agree. It is a great recipe to keep foods moist and hot. Have a lovely weekend.

      Reply
  8. blankKristi Stone says

    September 13, 2018 at 8:49 AM

    Love this, definitely going to try it!

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 13, 2018 at 2:59 PM

      Thank you Kristi. I hope it works for you! Have a lovely weekend.

      Reply
  9. blankKim~madeinaday says

    September 12, 2018 at 10:18 AM

    What a great sounding recipe. I need to try it soon. Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
    Kim

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 12, 2018 at 1:00 PM

      Thanks Kim! I love how easy this gravy is. Enjoy!

      Reply
  10. blankAmy says

    September 9, 2018 at 11:23 PM

    Thank you for posting this gravy recipe. I’ve gotten much better at making gravy over the years, but this recipe is great. My mother’s gravy always turned out nice and smooth. This gravy reminded me of her.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 10:47 AM

      Aren;t the best recipes the ones that bring back fond memories? There are some things, like gravy, I just won’t serve a meal without. It wouldn’t feel right! Enjoy your week.

      Reply
  11. blankKatherines Corner says

    September 9, 2018 at 10:14 PM

    I just made gravy tonight. I use the same method. Not sure about the browing sauce. That is a new one for me. Your gravy looks delish my friend. xo

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 10, 2018 at 10:46 AM

      Thank you Katherine. Browning sauce just give the gravy a bit of color and adds some veggie seasonings. I use it because my grandma used to. And I never mess with grandma’s recipes! LOL. Enjoy your week.

      Reply
  12. blankHelen at the Lazy Gastrome says

    September 9, 2018 at 1:46 PM

    Sounds just like the gravy my mom taught me to make! Delicious – Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 9, 2018 at 6:34 PM

      Now I love your mom even more. First she brought up such a caring and giving daughter and she also makes my gravy!! Enjoy your evening!

      Reply
  13. blankMaAnna says

    September 8, 2018 at 2:57 PM

    This is the easiest gravy I’ve ever made!!! Thanks Marilyn.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 8, 2018 at 4:59 PM

      Thank you so much MaAnna. All is appreciated!

      Reply
  14. blankJTwisdom says

    September 8, 2018 at 10:57 AM

    Very healthy and looks delicious. Pinned the recipe.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 8, 2018 at 11:25 AM

      Thank so so much. And thank you for the pin. Enjoy your say.

      Reply
  15. blankMichele Morin says

    September 8, 2018 at 8:48 AM

    Pinned this because gravy is my nemesis!

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 8, 2018 at 9:09 AM

      Not any more Michele! Thanks for the pin and enjoy.

      Reply
  16. blankSandy says

    September 8, 2018 at 2:31 AM

    Marilyn,
    The explanation on your fullproof gravy was EXCELLENT ! !
    THANK YOU ? for taking the time to explain the recipe so thourghly.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 8, 2018 at 9:08 AM

      You are welcome Sandy. I am glad it helped.

      Reply
  17. blankClearissa Coward says

    September 7, 2018 at 1:16 PM

    This is a quick and easy recipe. I haven’t had lunch yet and you’re making me hungry. 🙂

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 7, 2018 at 1:45 PM

      Thanks Clearissa. I like simple. Especially when I am cooking a big meal. Enjoy!

      Reply

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blankMarilyn Lesniak. Writer, Photographer and Chief Bottle Washer behind the scenes at Marilyn's Treats. Don’t burn down the kitchen!! Let me help with my Kitchen Tips, Hacks and Recipes for all levels of Chefs. Read More…

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