This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Here's how to make gravy without drippings with five ingredients. Use this easy gravy recipe for any dinner, or make turkey gravy without drippings at the last minute!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Kitchen Girl.
An essential recipe for gravy without drippings
Knowing how to make gravy without drippings is a home cook's secret weapon. This easy gravy recipe doesn't require drippings and can be made at the last minute. You only need five ingredients and can make it up to five days before serving or freeze for later. Trust me, this easy gravy recipe has saved the day for countless Thanksgiving dinners and family meals.
We enjoy this silky gravy scooped over holiday turkey, whole chicken, pork tenderloin, and mashed potatoes. It comes together at the last minute with on-hand ingredients, making it a rock-solid dinner staple.
Five gravy ingredients
- Butter - I prefer unsalted butter because it allows you to add salt to taste. When using salted butter, consider reducing the amount stated in the recipe.
- Flour - All-purpose flour creates a silkier texture than whole wheat flour, but either will work. You can even use white whole wheat flour.
- Broth or stock - An essential ingredient to create the volume of gravy. Make a Thanksgiving gravy with turkey stock or broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth.
- Salt and pepper - I like to add these to taste because the salt in your broth or butter might be enough.
Gravy 101
We know that classic pan-dripping gravy is made with pan drippings (fat) from roasted meat, starch (flour), cooking liquid (broth), and seasonings. The drippings are strained and then heated with the flour to make a roux. Cooking liquid is added to the roux, thickens as it simmers, and boom, gravy!
To make turkey gravy without drippings, substitute butter for turkey pan drippings in equal amounts and follow the same instructions. It's perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, chicken entrees, mashed potatoes, or a delicious poutine.
How to make this easy gravy recipe
Here's the step-by-step guide. Grab the ingredient amounts in the printable recipe below.
Start by melting butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until flour dissolves. Cook for a few minutes until golden brown, stirring as needed. Note: the longer it cooks, the browner it gets.
Add broth or stock in small amounts, whisking continuously to incorporate ingredients. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until the gravy reaches your desired thickness, whisking as needed.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer gravy to a gravy boat or ceramic bowl with a gravy ladle and serve warm.
Recipe tips and variations
- Substitute butter with your favorite oil in equal amounts.
- To thicken the gravy, mix one tablespoon of flour (or one teaspoon of cornstarch) with one tablespoon of broth or stock. Stir this mixture into the gravy and simmer until you reach the desired thickness, whisking as needed.
- To thin the gravy, add splashes of broth or stock and heat, whisking as needed. Repeat until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Feel free to experiment with soy sauce, Worcestershire, or fresh herbs for added depth and color.
- Add a splash of heavy cream to create a richer flavor.
- To make Thanksgiving gravy, use turkey stock or broth and add a pinch of poultry seasoning.
- If you have pan drippings, use them with this gravy recipe by substituting the butter with an equal amount of drippings.
More how-to recipes
- How To Make Turkey Gravy
- How To Cook a Turkey Breast
- How To Make French Bread
- How To Cook a Spiral Ham
- How To Dry Bread for Stuffing
- How To Make Crostini
- How To Make a Charcuterie Board
- How To Cook New York Strip Steak
- How To Cook King Crab Legs
📖 Recipe
How to Make Gravy without Drippings
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Kitchen Girl.
Video
Note about scaling
When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.
Ingredients
Ingredients for 2 ½ cups gravy
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, or pan drippings
- ⅓ cup Flour
- 3 cups Broth or Stock, Use only 2 cups for extra-thick gravy
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt, as needed to adjust taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Heat the BUTTER (or pan drippings) in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk the FLOUR into the butter and cook a few minutes until golden. The longer it cooks, the deeper the color.
- Gradually whisk in the BROTH or STOCK (about 2 cups for thicker gravy and up to 3 cups for thinner gravy). Continue heating it for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Remove from heat. Season with SALT and PEPPER. Serve warm.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 90 days in the freezer (longer if vacuum-sealed).
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Lisa Woods says
Can this be made the day before (tomorrow), cooked, and put in the fridge overnight? If so, any suggestions on how to reheat? Thanks!
Traci says
Yes! Let it cool, then refrigerate overnight. Reheat using medium heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring as needed. If the texture is too thick, whisk in a little broth to loosen it. Happy Thanksgiving!
Victoria says
this sure did come in handy as I was in panic mode because I don't have any pan drippings to use. this is my go to gravy now. thank you
Traci says
Yes!!! That is exactly why I created this recipe and I'm so glad you went for it! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Enjoy!!
Kate says
I'm so glad that I've found this gravy recipe! Love it.
Amy says
I made this super simple gravy without drippings and it turned out amazing! Thank you Traci for this useful recipe!
Traci says
Yay! You're so welcome and I'm glad your enjoying it. Thanks for the feedback!
Ana F. says
I never have enough drippings from my turkey and this gravy turned out amazing! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Traci says
Yay!! It's so easy, right? It has saved us at the last minute multiple times. Thanks for your feedback! Enjoy!
Jacqueline says
It's so handy to have this recipe in time for Christmas
Tia says
Gosh this is easy - and addictively delicious! Being able to make gravy without drippings really is a skill that everyone should have.
Anjali says
What a great tip for using butter instead of drippings in this gravy! Mine turned out delicious and I can't wait to serve it to my guests tomorrow!
Traci says
Yay! I'm glad your enjoying it. Thanks for the feedback!
Greg says
Can I make ‘beef’ gravy by substituting beef broth?
The Kitchen Girl says
Yes! You can use any broth for this gravy recipe. Let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy!
Jeff says
Just made this gravy recipe yesterday exactly as written. Yep, who needs drippings?! It's so easy and absolutely delicious on everything. Honestly, I can eat this gravy right off the spoon, and I did! Thanks Kitchen Girl!
Traci says
Lol I often do eat it right off the spoon! Thanks for your feedback – I appreciate it. Enjoy!