This Gravy No Drippings Recipe is your new secret weapon for everyday dinners or special occasions like Thanksgiving. It’s rich, savory, and doesn’t require any pan drippings—because who needs extra mess when you can have gravy magic in minutes?
Make it a meal and serve this over Smoked Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, or even Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a deliciously rich addition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No roasting required: Perfect for when you don’t have drippings from a roast.
- Quick and easy: You can whip it up in minutes without any hassle.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it in advance, saving time on busy days.
- Versatile: Works for any meal, from everyday dinners to holiday feasts.
Let me tell you why this No Drippings Gravy has become a staple in our house every Thanksgiving—and honestly, throughout the year. It’s so simple, and you don’t have to rely on drippings from a turkey or roast to get that rich, velvety goodness. You know how hectic holiday cooking can get, right? The last thing I need is to be scraping up drippings from a pan while I’ve got a dozen other things on the stove. This recipe takes that stress away and guarantees you’ll have smooth, savory gravy every single time.
Not only is it quick and foolproof, but it’s also a lifesaver for make-ahead meals. I love that I can whip it up ahead of time and just reheat it when I’m ready to serve. It’s also perfect if you’re making a lighter meal. Plus, this gravy works with everything—mashed potatoes, stuffing, biscuits—you name it. We make it every year, and honestly, I’m not sure how we ever survived Thanksgiving without it!
Ingredient You’ll Need
This Gravy No Drippings Recipe has one of the shortest ingredient lists you’ll ever see for such a rich and flavorful sauce. Just four simple ingredients, and you’re on your way to gravy perfection. Let’s take a look:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your gravy. Plus, it gives you a creamy, rich base to build on.
- Flour: Make sure to whisk the flour well into the butter to avoid any lumps. Cook it for a minute or two to get rid of that raw flour taste and create a smooth roux.
- Broth: Choose a broth that complements your dish—chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or beef broth for something more robust. Low-sodium broth is best so you can adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Salt and Pepper: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go, so you can perfectly balance the flavor without overdoing it. Freshly ground black pepper can also give your gravy a little extra pop!
That’s it! With just these pantry staples, you can create a smooth, savory gravy that’s perfect for any dish.
Variations and Substitutions
This turkey gravy without drippings is super versatile, so feel free to switch things up depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re going for. Here are a few variations and substitutions to make it your own:
- Butter Substitutes: If you’re dairy-free, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative or even olive oil. It will still give you that rich texture without the dairy.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can easily make this gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Another great option is using cornstarch as a thickener—just mix it with cold water to form a slurry before adding it to the broth.
- Broth Variations: Get creative with your broth! Beef broth will give you a heartier flavor, while vegetable broth keeps it lighter and is perfect for vegetarians. You can also experiment with bone broth for added depth and nutrition.
- Herbs and Spices: Want to take your gravy to the next level? Try adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor. A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can also add a little umami goodness!
Gravy Recipe Without Drippings
This gravy without drippings is super easy to whip up and only takes a few steps! Always taste before and as you add the seasonings. A well seasoned gravy can make the meal, but heavy hand can ruin your gravy. Here’s how to do it:
- Make A Roux: Melt butter in a medium pot and whisk in the flour until smooth.
- Simmer: Cook for a few minutes until bubbly, then add broth and season with salt and pepper.
- Thicken: Keep whisking over medium heat until the gravy thickens and comes to a boil, about 2 minutes.
- Enjoy: That’s it! Simple, quick, and ready to serve.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best parts about this gravy recipe for turkey without drippings is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday feasts. Here’s how to handle it:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this gravy up to 3 days in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, whisking occasionally to smooth it out.
- Storage: Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up slowly on the stovetop, whisking to bring back that perfect consistency.
Pro tip: If the gravy thickens too much while reheating, just add a splash of broth to thin it out!
Expert Tips:
Whisk Constantly: Keep whisking while the flour and butter cook and as you add the broth. This ensures a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Room-Temperature Broth: For best results, use room-temperature broth. Cold broth can sometimes cause the butter-flour mixture to seize up, making it harder to blend smoothly.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once the gravy thickens, lower the heat to a simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent it from becoming too thick or lumpy.
Add Seasoning Gradually: Salt and pepper are key, but add them a little at a time, tasting as you go. Different broths can vary in saltiness, so this ensures you don’t overdo it.
Consistency Control: If the gravy turns out too thick, just whisk in a little more broth to loosen it up. Too thin? Let it simmer a little longer to thicken.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil, vegan butter, or even coconut oil if you’re dairy-free. Just make sure to follow the same steps to create a smooth roux.
If your gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a little more broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Absolutely! You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth depending on the flavor you’re going for. Low-sodium options are best so you can control the salt level.
Yes! Gravy freezes well. Just cool it completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth if needed to thin it out.
If your gravy is too salty, add more broth or a little water to dilute the saltiness. You can also balance it with a splash of cream or milk to mellow out the flavor.
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Gravy without Drippings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 2 cups broth of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper more or less to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, melt the butter over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s completely liquid and starting to bubble gently.
- Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking constantly to combine. This mixture will look a bit like a paste and might feel thick—that’s exactly what you want! Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Let the butter and flour mixture cook for about 2-3 minutes. This helps remove the raw flour taste. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally; you want it to be slightly bubbly but not browned.
- Slowly pour in the broth while continuing to whisk. This is key to avoiding lumps! Keep whisking until the broth is fully combined with the butter and flour mixture, and the liquid is smooth.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Start small—you can always add more later if needed.
- Continue cooking the gravy over medium heat, stirring with a whisk the entire time. After about 2 minutes, it should start to thicken. Once it reaches the consistency you like (thick but pourable), remove it from the heat.
- Taste your gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If it’s too thick, just add a little more broth to loosen it up!
Equipment
Nutrition
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More Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
- Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffed Shells
- Smoked Turkey Breast
- Slow Cooker Stuffing
- Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Sausage and Herb Stuffing
- Classic Green Bean Casserole
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Comments & Reviews
Marilyn says
Simply gravy recipes are the best!