Don’t want to mess with making gravy from pan drippings right before your holiday meal? Make Turkey Giblet Gravy! It is made without pan drippings, has a classic savory flavor, and you can make it up to 3 days ahead.
It wouldn’t be a true Make-Ahead Thanksgiving without homemade gravy. Rich, savory, and smooth – no holiday meal feels complete without it. And while I love gravy made with pan drippings, it can add complication to the moments just before the meal. It’s hard to make gravy when everyone is hungry and staring at a table all of Thanksgiving dinner. You don’t need that stress!
Save yourself the trouble on Thanksgiving, and make this delicious gravy. Here’s everything you need to know.
A great giblet gravy starts with homemade stock made from the giblets. Even if you’ve never made stock before, don’t worry – it’s incredibly simple. Making stock out of the giblets will give you a delicious, rich turkey stock that will be the base of your gravy.
Giblet gravy is a classic Thanksgiving tradition. The rich, savory flavor takes your holiday meal to the next level. But making gravy from scratch with turkey drippings can be complicated and stressful on the big day. Luckily, there’s an easy shortcut – giblet gravy made without drippings!
I’ve perfected this easy recipe over the years and it has become my go-to for hassle-free, flavorful gravy. In this article, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step method for giblet gravy without drippings. After trying it, you’ll never go back to slaving over a hot stove and worrying about lumpy gravy again!
Why Make Giblet Gravy Without Drippings?
There are a few key benefits to using this drippings-free method:
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Make-ahead convenience – You can prepare the gravy 1-3 days ahead. Just refrigerate and reheat before serving. This saves you from last minute gravy stress!
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Rich flavor – Giblets (neck heart, gizzard and liver) impart deep, savory turkey essence. The gravy is bursting with flavor even without drippings.
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Foolproof method – No dealing with separating drippings or whisking in flour at the last minute. The roux-based technique guarantees smooth, lump-free gravy every time.
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Versatility – You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of turkey stock if needed. It works for any size turkey or even without roasting a bird.
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Dietary modifications – Easily adapted for gluten-free by using all-purpose gluten-free flour.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Let’s get into the easy, step-by-step method!
Start with Turkey Stock
First, we’ll turn the giblets into flavorful turkey stock:
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Roughly chop the giblets and neck and place in a pot with onions, carrots, celery, seasonings and water.
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Bring to a boil then simmer for 60 minutes.
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Strain out the solids, reserving the golden turkey stock.
Make a Roux
Next, we’ll use the stock to make a roux-thickened gravy base:
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Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Whisk in an equal amount of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.
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Slowly whisk in turkey stock and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Finish the Gravy
Finally, finish and adjust the gravy to perfection:
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Add a splash of vinegar for brightness – apple cider or wine vinegars work well.
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Season with salt, pepper and any additional herbs you’d like.
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If you have drippings, whisk in a bit to boost flavor. But it’s not necessary!
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Adjust consistency if needed with broth, water or drippings.
And that’s it – smooth, luxuriously rich giblet gravy without the fuss!
Serving Suggestions
This flavorful gravy is the ideal finishing touch for your Thanksgiving spread. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
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Roast turkey – a classic match! The savory gravy soaks right into the tender meat.
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Mashed potatoes – ladle on plenty of gravy to take potatoes over the top.
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Stuffing – moisten cornbread or sourdough stuffing with a drizzle of gravy.
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Biscuits – let freshly baked biscuits sop up every last drop!
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Vegetables – superb on roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots and more.
With so many possibilities, you’ll want to make extra! Leftover gravy can even be frozen for up to 3 months.
Make Giblet Gravy Without Drippings This Year
If you’re tired of lackluster, last-minute gravy, give this easy from-scratch version a try. With deeply flavored homemade turkey stock and a simple roux, it’s guaranteed to impress. Skip the complicated drippings separation and enjoy giblet gravy that can be made 1-3 days ahead. Your new go-to recipe will make your Thanksgiving morning stress-free!
Wishing you an easy, delicious Thanksgiving!
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Optional: Adding Pan Drippings Later
If you use this method to make your turkey gravy ahead, you can still use the pan drippings in your gravy whenever they’re ready. This is not at all necessary but will just increase the savory flavor. To do this, save the pan drippings from your roasted turkey. When you are nearly finished reheating your giblet gravy, whisk in about 1 Tablespoon of the reserved pan drippings.
Alternative Method – Turkey Wings or Drumsticks
If you don’t want to use (or don’t have) turkey giblets, you can make gravy using turkey wings or drumsticks. Use about 2 pounds of bone-in turkey wings or drumsticks and follow the instructions in the recipe card below.
Giblet Gravy-Without Giblets-Steph’s Stove
FAQ
What to do if turkey has no drippings?
How do I thicken my giblet gravy?
What part of the giblets do you not use for gravy?
How do you make turkey giblet gravy without drippings?
Turkey Giblet Gravy Recipe (no drippings) – an easy and delicious turkey giblet gravy recipe that is perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner! Place giblets in a large saucepan and add water (ensure giblets are fully covered). Cover and bring to a low simmer. Let cook 2-4 hours (add additional water as needed).
How to make turkey gravy without drippings?
Below is an overview on how to make an easy Thanksgiving turkey gravy without drippings. A roux is pretty much flour and fat (butter, in this case) cooked together. It’s used to thicken sauces. To make a roux, melt butter and add flour over medium-low heat.
How do you make giblet gravy?
Whisk in about ½ cup of flour and make a roux by allowing it to turn to a golden brown color. Add broth and more drippings, stirring until it thickened, and add the giblet meat. Season the gravy with salt and pepper and make sure to taste it to be sure it has the flavor you are looking for!
How do you make no-dripping giblet gravy?
No problem! You won’t be able to tell the difference with this No-Dripping Giblet Gravy. Thaw turkey and remove giblets. Discard liver; refrigerate rest of giblets until ready to use. Put giblets, celery, and onion in large saucepan. Cover with water (at least 3 cups). Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, over low heat for 90 minutes.