Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

It’s all about what goes on top of the turkey today (or to the side, or on top of the mashed potatoes, or maybe straight from the dish with a spoon).

Let’s be honest, you can’t have Thanksgiving turkey (or mashed potatoes) without gravy. I mean you can, but it definitely won’t be as delicious.

The trouble with making gravy nowadays is that with all of the different ways to prepare a turkey, often times you aren’t left with pan drippings to make your gravy.

So today I am sharing with you a the best gravy recipes around. Some use turkey drippings but most use an alternative (such as broth).

In addition, I will be sharing the best cranberry recipes. Cranberry doesn’t have to come from a can. Fresh cranberry sauce is not only beautiful but it’s a sweet and tangy complement to turkey.

Do you have any favorite gravy recipes or cranberry sauce recipes? I’d love to hear about them.

Need some more Thanksgiving recipes? Check out the rest of the collection. It’s the Ultimate Collection of Thanksgiving recipes (seriously).

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (1)

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (2)

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (3) Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (4)

The Best Gravy Recipes

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (5)

Slow the Cook Down’s Onion Gravy – From Scratch

What I love about this gravy is that it can be made without turkey drippings. Which means it’s perfect to pair with a a fried or smoked turkey.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (6)Build Your Bite’s The Best Vegetarian Gravy

Having a vegetarian gravy works well for those that are cooking a dinner with guests that are vegetarian. Instead of creating two gravies, you could have just one gravy for all guests to enjoy.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (7)Northern Nester’s Mushroom Gravy

I know that this gravy recipe was created to go with the pork tenderloin BUT this recipe for mushroom gravy looks too good not to include. Just because it was intended with pork doesn’t mean it won’t be delicious with turkey. What’s great about it is that it doesn’t include turkey drippings so it can be used with a fried, smoked, or grilled turkey.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (8)Platter Talk’s Southern Giblet Gravy

So this traditional southern gravy has a special secret ingredient. It’s apparently a very traditional southern ingredient for gravy, but it’s definitely a surprise for me.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (9)Raising Generation Nourished’s 5 Minute Bone Broth Gravy

You can use either bone broth or pan drippings to make this quick and easy gravy. If you know you’ll be rushed at the end of dinner prep, this is a great quick solution for you.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (10)Roasted Garlic Gravy from Nomageddon

If you want to make a quality gravy completely from scratch, this gravy is meant for you. It starts with a vegetable stock that you make yourself. Need a dairy free, vegan, or gluten free gravy? With just a few minor changes, you can meet your guests dietary needs.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (11)White Wine Turkey Gravy from Taste and See

This gravy recipe is so simple. It’s elevated with white wine. This gravy recipe again can be made using alternatives to turkey drippings which means it can be served alongside a fried, roasted, or grilled turkey.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (12)Easy Paleo Gravy from Cook Eat Paleo

There is a secret ingredient in this gravy that totally blew my mind. It’s the secret to creating a rich and creamy gravy minus the flour.

The Best Cranberry Recipes

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (13)Orange Cranberry Sauce from Renee Nicole’s Kitchen

The sweet and tart orange cranberry sauce is a great twist on a classic. It’s so simple with only four ingredients. What’s even better is that it can be prepared a week or more in advance which can really alleviate some of the stress at the end.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (14)Cranberry Sauce with Red Wine and Ginger from Healthy Ideas Place

Are you a fan of ginger? It pairs perfectly with cranberry in this dish from Healthy Ideas Place. It has the extra special addition of red wine as well.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (15)Homespun Seasonal Living’s Brandied Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries are a Thanksgiving must-have. But sometimes, people want a little more than the jellied kinda out of the can. Try this homemade variation on cranberries with a special little twist.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (16)Veggie Inspired’s Maple Cinnamon Cranberry Pear Sauce

Isn’t this beautiful? It’s almost too pretty eat {almost}. The addition of pear and maple make this sauce unique. The pears naturally add sweetness to the sauce.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (17)Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce from Beyond the Chicken Coop

This recipe is SO easy. If you want to step away from the canned cranberries but aren’t the most comfortable in the kitchen, you can’t go wrong with this recipe.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (18)Eat the Gains Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This is another simple cranberry recipe. It uses only 3 ingredients and uses all natural ingredients as sweeteners. It will meet many people’s dietary needs.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (19)Homemade Cider and Elderberry Cranberry Sauce from Raia’s Recipes

Elderberries make this cranberry sauce extra special. It’s such a unique ingredient that takes this cranberry sauce to a new level.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (20)Taste and See’s Cranberry and Dried Cherry Sauce

I love Holly’s addition of dried cherries to her cranberry sauce. Not only does it create a stunning cranberry sauce with the mix of the dark cherries and the lighter cranberries, but it also adds some great texture to the sauce.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (21)The Best Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce (with a touch of brandy) from Healthy Slow Cooking

I love that Kathy uses an Instant Pot to make her cranberry sauce – Instant Pots have quickly become a favorite small appliance in many homes. I love her use of apple within her recipe for some added natural sweetness.

Gravy Recipes - From The Ultimate Colleciton of Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Who makes the best Thanksgiving gravy? ›

The Best Premade Gravy, Ranked
  • 4th Place: McCormick Chicken Gravy.
  • 3rd Place: Kinders Bone Broth Gravy Golden Chicken with Sea Salt & Herbs.
  • 2nd Place: Knorr Roasted Turkey Flavored Gravy Mix.
  • 1st Place Packet Winner: Pioneer Roasted Chicken Gravy Mix.
  • Overall Rankings for Premade Gravy and Gravy Mix Packets.
Nov 13, 2023

What is the secret to good gravy? ›

Here are my principles for making great gravy without fear:
  • Make it ahead. This is the most important one. ...
  • Make a really good homemade turkey stock first. Don't skimp on this crucial first step. ...
  • Reinforce the stock's flavor. ...
  • Simmer, simmer, simmer. ...
  • Strain and cool. ...
  • Reduce. ...
  • Hot liquids only.
Nov 5, 2021

Is stock or broth better for turkey gravy? ›

You can use either stock or broth for keeping dressing moist or as a basis for gravy, but a strong flavor will give you better results.

Is turkey gravy better with flour or cornstarch? ›

Browning adds more flavor to the gravy and gets rid of the raw flour taste. You're basically making a roux. We find that a flour-based gravy holds up better and reheats better later, which is why we tend to prefer using flour over cornstarch to make gravy unless we have a guest who is eating gluten-free.

What is the best store-bought gravy for turkey? ›

The Best Store-Bought Gravy: Knorr Roasted Turkey Gravy Mix

Maybe you just want/need to keep things super-simple. If that's the case, this gravy mix is very full-flavored, so you can serve it as is (just follow the instructions) and be perfectly satisfied.

Who makes the best canned turkey gravy? ›

The Best Store-Bought Gravy for Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Everything in Between
  1. Trader Joe's Ready-to-Use Turkey Gravy. ...
  2. Heinz Homestyle Roasted Turkey Gravy. ...
  3. Knorr Au Jus Gravy Mix. ...
  4. Campbell's Turkey Gravy. ...
  5. McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix. ...
  6. Southeastern Mills Classic Brown Gravy Mix. ...
  7. Primal Kitchen No Dairy Mushroom Gravy.
Nov 1, 2022

What can you add to homemade gravy to make it taste better? ›

Bonus: Seasoning for Tasty Gravy

I only season my homemade gravy with salt and pepper, and it's delicious! If you want to add more spices, avoid anything with large pieces (such as dried rosemary) to keep gravy smooth. Thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, and oregano all taste great.

What can I add to my gravy to make it better? ›

Soft, fragrant, sautéed vegetables lend a sweet, earthy, warm flavor to your store-bought gravy. Use any combination of onions, leeks, shallots, celery, carrots, and mushrooms cooked in butter, olive oil, or pan drippings.

What can I add to gravy to make it tastier? ›

If you are reaching for a jar or carton of turkey gravy at the store, here are seven easy ways to give it a boost.
  1. Add in some white wine. ...
  2. Thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. ...
  3. Stir in pan drippings. ...
  4. Simmer with fresh herbs. ...
  5. Add an umami-rich condiment. ...
  6. Sauté some vegetables. ...
  7. Add roasted garlic.

What can I add to turkey gravy to make it taste better? ›

How to darken and increase flavor in turkey gravy without adding more salt?
  1. Chicken stock.
  2. Onions.
  3. Garlic.
  4. A dash of Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Butter.
  6. Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage.
  7. Salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Turkey juices.
Nov 19, 2018

What is the best thickener for turkey gravy? ›

Cornstarch should thicken gravy in less than a minute when at a simmer. If it doesn't thicken enough, it's a sign that you need more cornstarch. Whisk in more cornstarch slurry a little at a time, and let each addition come to a simmer before adding more.

Can you mix turkey and chicken stock together? ›

Also, don't hesitate to use both turkey and chicken bones in one batch. The amount of bones and water will determine how much stock you end up with. Cooked or uncooked – Both.

What does adding flour to gravy do? ›

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

Why won t my turkey gravy thicken? ›

Cooking for too little time: As the gravy cooks, it slowly thickens, so if you don't allow it to cook long enough, it will be too thin. Set the stove on medium heat and bring your gravy to a boil before letting it simmer. Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency, turn off the stove and let the sauce cool.

What happens if you add cornstarch to gravy? ›

Instead, add some cornstarch (again, make sure to make a slurry) and in a moment or two, all that extra liquid will thicken into a flavorful sauce. Cornstarch can also be used to make a quick gravy sauce if your meat dish needs a little sauce. In that case, use chicken stock for your slurry instead of water.

What is the most popular Thanksgiving turkey brand? ›

Some well-known turkey brands in the United States include:
  • Honeysuckle White.
  • Foster Farms.
  • Shady Brook Farms.
  • Perdue.
  • Diestel Turkey Ranch.
  • Norbest.
  • Plainville Farms.
  • Empire Kosher Poultry.
Nov 1, 2023

What's the difference between brown gravy and turkey gravy? ›

Brown gravy is made using meat drippings and stock, along with fat (butter) and a thickening agent (flour or cornstarch). Thus, turkey gravy is a brown gravy. You can also make brown gravy with the drippings from other kinds of meat, such as a roast or chicken.

What brand turkey has the gravy packet? ›

JENNIE-O® Tender & Juicy Young Turkey breast gives you the nutrition and protein you need! Made with all-white meat, this frozen whole turkey breast has 130 calories and 4 grams of fat per serving so you can indulge completely guilt free! Comes pre-seasoned and includes a gravy packet.

What kind of gravy does Cracker Barrel serve? ›

Cracker Barrel Sawmill Gravy is delicious over biscuits and chicken fried steak. White sawmill gravy made with bacon grease and seasoned with black pepper is soul-satisfying southern comfort food.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 6360

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.