Bring a burst of flavor to your holiday table with this Savory Herb-Infused Turkey Gravy. This recipe elevates a traditional favorite with fresh herbs and a touch of creaminess that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Butter serves as the rich base of our gravy, providing a smooth texture and depth of flavor. The all-purpose flour is used for thickening, creating that luscious, velvety consistency we crave. Turkey drippings are the star here, imparting a robust, savory essence directly from your roasted bird. For added liquid, we incorporate chicken stock, which supports the turkey drippings without overpowering them.
The seasoning starts with salt and ground black pepper, essential for balancing flavors. Fresh herbs like sage and thyme bring a fragrant, earthy quality that complements the turkey beautifully. A touch of garlic powder and onion powder add subtle, savory notes. Worcestershire sauce introduces a tangy, umami kick, while a splash of heavy cream rounds it all off with a luxurious finish.
This gravy pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, naturally, but donβt stop there. Try it over mashed potatoes or stuffing to add an extra layer of flavor. It also complements roasted vegetables or can even be used as a base for a pot pie.
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. As it begins to bubble, stir in the flour. Keep stirring β this is your roux, and you want it to turn a light golden brown, which should take about 2β3 minutes.
Once your roux is ready, gently whisk in the turkey drippings and chicken stock. The key here is to add them gradually to avoid lumps, so take your time. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken naturally. This is where patience pays off. Stir occasionally as it simmers to prevent sticking. Once it's thickened to your liking, stir in the salt, pepper, sage, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let these flavors meld together for a minute or so.
Now, add the Worcestershire sauce and heavy cream. Stir them in, reduce the heat to low, and let it all come together for an additional 3β4 minutes. This gives the gravy a chance to develop its full flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then take it off the heat. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear!