An easy turkey gravy made without flour or butter is the perfect complement to your roasted turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes. This gluten-free turkey gravy recipe can be made with pan drippings or without. Either way, it is a delicious gravy and is ready in under 10 minutes.
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Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or you are celiac and have to bring your own turkey gravy to the next holiday gathering, this is the only gravy recipe you need. My homemade turkey gravy is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
This was inspired by my herb-roasted turkey breast recipe when I didn't have enough pan sauce during testing. I make this easy gluten-free turkey gravy so often that it never occurred to me that I didn't share with you any of my gravy recipes.
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📖Why This Recipe Works
Making gravy without a roux eliminates the need for butter or flour. Making this recipe suitable for both a dairy-free and gluten-free diet.
This recipe can be made with or without pan drippings. This is ideal if you deep fry or smoke your turkey.
This recipe can be made in advance and reheated on Thanksgiving Day.
It is as delicious as traditional gravy and better than a powdered gravy mix.
🧾 Ingredients
Turkey Broth- You can use stock or pan drippings or a mix but you need at least 2 cups in total to make this gravy.
Potato Starch- You can substitute arrowroot starch or cornstarch for the potato starch. I prefer potato starch because the texture is smoother than cornstarch and it is easier to find than arrowroot starch.
Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper
Lemon- Optional but recommended if you optional
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
🦃 The Best Turkey Stock for Gravy
Every year I make homemade turkey broth from my turkey carcass and deep freeze it for the following year.
However, there are two store-bought turkey stocks I recommend. Both are gluten-free and available year-round.
- Kitchen Basics Original Turkey Stock, which is owned by McCormicks.
- Pacific Foods Organic Turkey Stock (note: link is for a 12 pack, you can find it in single quantities at Whole Foods and other stores).
If you can't find turkey stock you can try chicken stock or chicken broth. The gravy won't be as rich but it will still be tasty.
⏲️ How to Make Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy
This recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes. First, we need to get two cups of total stock and or drippings.
Step 1- Gather Turkey Drippings
Pour drippings from the bottom of the pan into a glass measuring cup or fat separator. I don't bother straining at this point because we are going to strain when transferring to a gravy pitcher.
Allow the drippings to cool a bit so that the fat rises to the top and starts to solidify. Use a spoon to remove the fat if using a glass measuring cup.
Otherwise, pour from your separator into a measuring cup. If you don’t have enough pan juices to equal 2 cups for your turkey gravy recipe, add enough turkey stock until you have 2 cups of drippings.
Step 2- Reduce Stock
Pour your two cups of stock/ drippings into a small saucepan. Cook on medium-high heat until it bubbles. Reduce the stock by 25%. About 5 minutes.
Turn down the heat on the saucepan until your homemade gravy is simmering. You don't want a rolling boil, just a few nice bubbles.
Step 3- Make a Slurry
In a small bowl mix together a ¼ cup of the warm stock and the potato starch. Stir until smooth and dissolved.
Whisk potato starch mixture into the pan, and continue to whisk for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until thickened.
If your gravy is too thin you can make another round of slurry and add a little at a time until thickened.
Step 4- Season to Taste
Add salt and black pepper to taste. If you have any lumps pour the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer and into your gravy pitcher.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tip
When using plain turkey stock without pan drippings I like to add a splash of acid. Either lemon or cider vinegar will give the gravy a boost of flavor.
💭 Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy Variations
Herb Turkey Gravy
Add one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs. I recommend any combination of thyme, parsley, and sage. Use a smaller quantity if using dried herbs as they are stronger. Especially dry-rubbed sage.
Mushroom Gravy
Saute 2 tablespoons of shallots in olive oil over medium heat until soft. Add 12 ounces of thinly sliced cremini mushrooms. Saute to release the liquid, once the liquid is almost evaporated add your turkey stock.
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.
Creamy Turkey Gravy
tir in ¼ cup heavy cream BEFORE adding your potato starch. You may need less of the starch slurry. This variation is not dairy-free.
🌡️Storing Leftovers
Leftover gluten-free gravy should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. It will be good for 3 to 5 days.
Reheat leftover gravy in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to incorporate the fat.
You can reheat it in the microwave but be sure to cover it with a pepper towel to prevent splatters.
More Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes
💬Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional gravies are made with roux, butter and wheat flour mixture, which contains gluten.
Potato starch is the preferred thickener for gluten-free gravies because it clumps less than cornstarch resulting in a silky smooth texture. You can also use arrowroot starch which is a bit harder to find.
The fastest way to fix lumpy gravy is to run it through a blender or use an immersion blender for about 30 seconds. Then strain it through a sieve. Voila! You have a smooth gravy.
However, I have never had that happen with this flourless gravy recipe.
📖 Recipe
Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups turkey stock or drippings from turkey 's roasting pan
- 2 teaspoons potato starch
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- lemon
Instructions
With Turkey Drippings
- Pour drippings into a glass measuring cup, then allow the drippings to cool a bit so that the fat rises to the top and starts to solidify. Use a spoon to remove the fat. If you don’t have enough drippings to equal 2 cups, add enough chicken or turkey stock until you have 2 cups of drippings.2 cups turkey stock
Without Turkey Drippings
- Use 2 cups chicken broth or turkey stock.2 cups turkey stock
Turkey Gravy
- Pour your two cups of stock/ drippings into a small saucepan. Cook on medium-high heat until it bubbles. Reduce by 25%.
- In a small bowl mix together a ¼ cup of the warm stock and the potato starch. Stir until smooth and dissolved.2 teaspoons potato starch
- Reduce the heat to a simmer. Whisk potato starch mixture into the pan, continue to whisk for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until thickened.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. If you have any lumps pour the gravy through a fine mesh strainer and into your gravy pitcher.kosher salt, ground black pepper
Notes
- Cornstarch can be substituted for potato starch. Leave the pan over low heat when whisking in the cornstarch. It may take up to 5 minutes of whisking and cooking on low for the gravy to completely thicken.
- When just using turkey stock and no pan juices, add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to brighten up the flavor.
- The gravy should taste slightly saltier than a typical sauce. When serving over foods like turkey and mashed potatoes, a heavy hand on seasoning is welcome.
saif says
Gravy that doesn't have butter or flour? Now that's what I am looking for. I am glad I found this delicious gravy recipe.
Jen says
Thanks so much fo reviewing!
Cyndy says
What a great variation. I have several gluten free friends coming for Thanksgiving so I just gave this an early test run and it was fantastic. I love how low the calorie count is on this gravy!
Jen says
Perfect!
Michele says
I always made gravy the traditional way. However, this was delicious and it was healthier. I didn't miss the butter.
Jen says
Thanks for the review!
Wanda says
I love trying new to me variations of gravy. This one looks so good, adding to the list!
Alina says
I love that you skipped butter and flour. A healthier holiday side.
Jen says
Glad you enjoyed it!