If your Thanksgiving guests love to smother everything on their plates with gravy, then you know you need the perfect recipe when Turkey Day rolls around. Whether you’re looking for turkey gravy, vegetarian gravy, or gravy you can make ahead of time (because let’s face it, you need all the time you can get on Thanksgiving), we are here to help. These gravies will be delicious on your turkey, tofurkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or anything else you drizzle it on. Scroll through to find our top-rated gravy recipes.
Apple Cider Turkey Gravy
Julie Bidwell / Styling: Suzanne Lee / Wardrobe & Hair and Makeup: Valerie Gengras
This rich, make-ahead apple cider turkey gravy starts with making a flavorful homemade turkey stock, then finishes with pan drippings, a silky roux, and a splash of reduced apple cider for depth.
Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
Good news! Chef John’s top-rated gravy can be made ahead and stored in the freezer until Thanksgiving. It’s made with roasted turkey wings and vegetables, and has a little kick from his usual pinch of cayenne pepper. “This make-ahead turkey gravy frees up valuable kitchen time for Thanksgiving, plus it will look and taste even better than those frantic, last-minute versions,” says Chef John.
Homemade Turkey Gravy
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
If you prefer to make your Thanksgiving gravy right after the turkey comes out of the oven, this 4-ingredient recipe is for you. While the turkey is resting, you’ll cook the flour in the fat from the dripping to make your roux, then whisk in the turkey juices along with chicken broth until the gravy is the thickness you want. Season with salt and pepper to finish.
Simple Turkey Gravy
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
“This was the simplest most tasty recipe, everyone loved the gravy, it really came out perfect. Thank you for making it so easy.” —GustySoup9445
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Oana Ennis/Allrecipes
A 5-star favorite, this make-ahead gravy doubles up on the roasted turkey wings and takes under three hours to make. Freeze it for up to three months ahead of time. Some reviewers made the roux with turkey fat instead of butter to deepen the roast turkey flavor. You can whisk in the pan juices from your roast turkey to give it yet another layer of flavor.
Vegetarian Gravy
Allrecipes / Diana Chistruga
This meatless gravy is made with vegetable broth, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and spices. Reviewers say this gravy will even impress the meat-lovers at your Thanksgiving table. “This gravy is absolutely amazing. It has such a hearty taste…simply wonderful! You will not be disappointed,” says reviewer Dora.
Chef John’s Best Mushroom Gravy
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
“This mushroom gravy is delicious. I’ve made it twice for Christmas and it was a real hit. Easy to make, too!” —JumpyGin8394
Giblet Gravy
bd.weld
This old-fashioned gravy has turkey giblets, chicken broth, carrots, white wine, turkey drippings, celery, and spices. “It is delicious with turkey and mashed potatoes. Start making this while the turkey is cooking since it requires about two hours of simmering,” says recipe creator Tikeren.
The Best Turkey Gravy
Lindsey Hayes
This classic gravy recipe uses the giblets and neck from the turkey plus chicken broth, turkey drippings, and two packages of turkey gravy mix. “I made this for Thanksgiving, best gravy ever. I made all except the final step the day before. Added drippings and thickening once the turkey was done. Perfect. Definitely a crowd-pleaser,” says reviewer DB.
Savory Turkey Gravy
“Best gravy I ever made. I didn’t buy stock but I used the stock from the turkey I was making. We’ve used this recipe for years and will continue using it!” —Charity Susel
Dining and Cooking