Foolproof Turkey Gravy Recipe Using Real Stock

My mama made Turkey Gravy like she was a pro, and I guess she was, having made it since she was a young girl, taking great pride in it, something we were eternally thankful for. Believe or not, gravy can be one of the trickiest things to pull off, and it plays such a pivotal part of the meal. The stock is glorious, but can be difficult to find turkey necks, legs, or parts before Thanksgiving or Christmas, but once you capture them, run home and start cooking, there’s others looking for them and will snare them right from under your nose if you don’t move it, move it.

There is nothing quite like the aroma of real homemade turkey stock for turkey gravy simmering on the stovetop during the holidays. I’ve made it for years but can’t always find turkey necks and such to make the gravy, so I’ve used chicken thighs instead on occasion, and they are terrific too! The whole shebang begins with a deep, rich stock made from turkey necks and turkey legs boiled in a pot of water until the liquid is running over with flavor. As the pot bubbles gently, the steam rises through the kitchen just like it did in your grandma’s house, both comforting and savory, but the best thing of all, it’s full of memories. It’s the kind of smell that makes the house feel lived in, you can literally smell the turkey outside on the front porch-with the door shut! The best and most awesome thing is it feels like the holidays have arrived at last!

As the stock cooks down, it becomes naturally thicker on its own, concentrated with the essence of turkey. No flour, no roux, just pure depth from hours of simmering and patience. And then comes the twist, the secret touch that transforms the broth into the kind of gravy people swoon over. Using three packets of McCormick Turkey Gravy mix, you whisk in an extra punch of rich, roasted turkey flavor, giving the gravy body, smoothness, and a glossy finish. It becomes something familiar yet elevated, blending old-family tradition with your personal creativity. And don’t forget to add that one tablespoon of butter just before she’s added to the gravy boat!

When it’s finally poured over your cornbread, sausage, turkey dressing, the gravy ties everything together like a hand and glove. It sinks into the cornbread, clings to the sausage, and fills every bite with that holiday warmth that only the perfect gravy can bring. This is the kind of gravy that doesn’t just sit on the table, it completes the meal. It feels like grandma’s, only with your own little magic folded in. Well, good gravy!

Let me know what you think of the gravy recipe below!

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Perfect Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe

Recipe By: Karen Hand Allen (www.karenhandallen.com) 

This homemade turkey gravy is rich, savory, and silky, developed from a deeply flavored turkey stock that simmers low and slow. Using McCormick packets as the thickener ensures a smooth, reliable texture without the need for a roux. The finished gravy pours beautifully over turkey, stuffing, and potatoes. It brings together both tradition and convenience for a perfect holiday classic! People fight over the gravy, so watch out, she’ll disappear pronto!

Servings: 10-12

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cooking Time: 1-2 hrs | Rest Time: - | Total Time: About 2 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients:  - 1 turkey neck - 1–2 turkey legs (or thighs) - 8 cups water - 1 onion, quartered (optional) - 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped (optional) - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) - 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning - 3 packets McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix, plus 1Tablespoon butter

Instructions: Place turkey neck and turkey legs in a large pot with 8 cups of water, onion, celery, pepper, salt, and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the liquid reduces and develops a rich golden color. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids, and return it to the pot.  Whisk in the three packets of McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix until smooth. Bring it back to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Add in butter. Serve warm over dressing, turkey, mashed potatoes, or anything that needs holiday magic.

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100189 Artist: http://incompetech.com/