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.
This was inspired by my herb-roasted turkey breast recipe when I didn't have enough pan sauce during testing. I make this easy flourless turkey gravy so often that it never occurred to me that I didn't share with you any of my gravy recipes.
I am an expert on making gluten-free roux, but never use it when making pan sauces or gravies. There are better methods!
It is as delicious as traditional gravy and better than a powdered gravy mix.
📖Why My Recipe Works
- Making gravy without a roux eliminates the need for butter or flour. Making this recipe both dairy-free and gluten-free.
- 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.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- 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. 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.
- 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
💭 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: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream BEFORE adding your potato starch. You may need less of the starch slurry. This variation is not dairy-free.
⏲️ How to Make Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy
This rich, savory gravy comes together in about 10 minutes using turkey drippings and stock.
Gather the Drippings
Pour the drippings from your roasting pan into a glass measuring cup or fat separator. Let them sit until the fat rises to the top, then skim it off with a spoon or pour from the separator. If you don't have enough drippings, top off with turkey stock to make 2 cups total.
Reduce the Stock
Transfer the drippings and stock to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle boil and reduce by about 25% (around 5 minutes), then lower to a simmer.
Thicken with a Slurry
Mix ¼ cup of the warm stock with potato starch to make a smooth slurry. Whisk into the simmering gravy and cook 30-60 seconds until thickened. If it's still thin, add more slurry a little at a time.
Season and Strain
Season with salt and pepper. If needed, strain through a fine-mesh sieve into your gravy pitcher for a perfectly smooth finish.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Don't skip the reduction becaue it deepens flavor and ensures the right consistency before thickening.
- Use potato starch instead of cornstarch for a silkier texture that reheats without turning gummy.
- Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and keep the gravy smooth and glossy.
- Taste before serving since drippings can vary in saltiness.
- Reheat gently with a splash of stock if the gravy thickens too much.
- 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.
More Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes
Make Ahead
You can make the gravy up to 2 days in advance using turkey stock, then stir in any pan drippings (skim off fat) after roasting the bird. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring to recombine.
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card
Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy (No Flour or Roux)
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.
Equipment
Nutrition
Common Recipe Questions
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.
Tracy S. says
Thank you for this recipe. I've never had much success making gravy, but I had never seen a recipe using potato starch. I found potato starch at Bulk Barn and gave it a try. My family loved this gravy and insist I make it whenever we have turkey!
Jen Wooster says
Fantastic! I think poato starch is much easier to work with then cornstarch and it leaves a much better texture.
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!