Gluten-Free Gravy
This gluten-free gravy is ultra smooth and oh, so flavorful. Trust me when I say that it’s the best turkey gravy and no one will even notice it’s gluten-free. So don’t toss away the pan drippings after roasting your Thanksgiving turkey – use them in this luscious sauce!
Aside from cranberry sauce, gravy is a Thanksgiving essential that ties everything together. It brings the turkey to life, makes mashed potatoes extra creamy, and adds a rich touch to roasted vegetables.
But for those who need to eat gluten-free during the holidays – you’re in for a treat. This turkey gravy is so easy to make and is just as good as any other gravy made from scratch.
Gluten-Free Gravy Ingredients
- Turkey Drippings: The ultra flavorful drippings add layers of flavor to this recipe. If you don’t have turkey drippings, just use turkey broth! You could also use chicken drippings and chicken broth.
- Arrowroot Powder: Replaces wheat flour as a thickener.
- Butter or Ghee: Add that buttery richness to the gravy, but if you’re dairy-free you can use water. No problem!
- Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch is all you need.
How To Make The Best Gluten-Free Gravy
Once you try this gravy, you won’t believe that it’s gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30 friendly. It’s just as rich, layered, and flavorful as any classic recipe.
First, strain the drippings. When the turkey is done roasting, strain the pan drippings through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup. Use a spatula to to scrape off any remaining bits as well for extra flavoring.
Second, skim the fat. As the drippings sit, the fat will separate and rise to the top. Once it does, skim off most of the fat and keep the broth below. Then pour everything into a pot and bring it to a boil.
Third, create a slurry. Whisk together the melted butter and arrowroot powder in a small bowl. If you’re dairy-free, you can use water here.
Lastly, stir in the slurry. Once the broth boils, turn the heat off and slowly whisk in the slurry until it starts to thicken. Then, season with salt and pepper. The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools.
A Few Questions Answered
- What if I’m not roasting a turkey? You can use turkey broth instead.
- Can I make chicken gravy instead of turkey gravy? Absolutely! If you’re making a roast chicken, you can use the drippings from that. Or you can use chicken broth as well.
- What if my gravy isn’t thickening up? You can add a little more arrowroot powder mixed with an equal amount of liquid (butter or water). But just be careful, as it can quickly go from watery to gel-like.
- What other flours can you use? You can also use tapioca flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
Make This Gluten-Free Gravy Ahead Of Time
If you’re looking to save yourself from a kitchen frenzy on Thanksgiving day – make this one day in advance. But instead of using turkey drippings, you’ll use turkey broth. Then, on Thanksgiving day (if you’ve made a turkey), you can add in a little bit of your turkey drippings for added flavor.
Storing And Reheating
Having leftover gravy is almost like liquid gold. But the downside is that it doesn’t last too long in the fridge. Here’s a tip below to get around that.
- To store: Pour the gravy into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To Freeze: If you’re looking to keep this for longer, it will keep in the freezer for 4 months. You can store it in freezer safe containers, bags, or ice cube trays.
- To reheat: Pour the gravy into a small pot then turn the heat to a low. Stir the gravy as it reheats so that it’s evenly cooked. You can also microwave it until warmed through.
Ways To Use Leftover Gravy
- Use as a dipping sauce for fennel pork meatballs.
- Make your breakfast ultra cozy by lightly drizzling over your fried eggs and breakfast potatoes.
- Drizzle over your next batch of shepherd’s pie or chicken pot pies.
- Pour it over mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
Complete Your Thanksgiving Menu
Hosting Thanksgiving can always be a bit nerve wracking. But as long as you plan ahead, figure out what dishes you’re making, and what ingredients you’ll need, it’ll be a breeze. Here’s a few easy Thanksgiving side dishes to add to your menu this season.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole
- Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe Video
While this recipe is easy to make, it always helps to watch a quick video. Click play below!
If you’ve recently made this gluten-free gravy recipe, let me know how it turned out in a comment below! Your reviews greatly help this community.
Gluten-Free Gravy
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups turkey drippings, or low-sodium chicken/turkey broth
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or tapioca flour or cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee (or water for dairy-free)
- teaspoon salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Once the turkey is done roasting, remove the turkey from the pan and strain the pan drippings through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup.
- Let the drippings sit for a few minutes until the fat separates and rises to the top. Skim off most of the fat, so just 1-2 tablespoons remain, but keep the broth below.
- Transfer the turkey broth to a pot and bring to a boil. Note – If you weren't able to get 2 cups worth through your turkey drippings, you can supplement with turkey or chicken broth.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter and arrowroot powder to create a slurry.
- Once the broth is boiling, turn off the heat, and gradually whisk the slurry into the broth until it begins to thicken. If you'd like the gravy thicker, you can add another tablespoon of arrowroot powder mixed with a tablespoon water.
- Season with salt and pepper, then pour into a gravy boat. The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools.
Lisa’s Tips
- If using all broth and no drippings (which contain more fat), I’d recommend starting with less arrowroot powder, as it can turn gel-like quickly.
- Need a new gravy boat? This is the gravy boat that I’m using.
Nutrition
Recipe originally posted November 2020, but updated to include new information.
My gravy never turned out.
This was perfection.
Glad this recipe worked out perfectly Lynda!
I just made your roast chicken recipe and decided to whip up this gravy with the chicken drippings (I made this recipe last year for Thanksgiving with turkey drippings). And it’s so good on chicken as well! This definitely needs to be a year-round recipe, not just a holiday one.
So glad you enjoyed the gravy on your chicken as well as your turkey! It really is a versatile gluten-free gravy that can add a little panache to so many recipes.
Such a delicious recipe! I have one question-How ahead or how many days ahead, can I make this?
Thank you Lisa, for such a delicious and simple recipe!
This can be made a day in advance if using turkey broth instead of the pan drippings. Then, on Thanksgiving day (if you’ve made a turkey), you can add in a little bit of your turkey drippings for added flavor.
Can I use the oil that I skim from the drippings in place of the ghee?
Yes, you can do that.
This is the best gravy recipe! I have made it twice now. After Thanksgiving I make stock with the turkey carcass. I freeze the stock for the following year or when I want to make gravy. I tried this recipe for 2020 with stock from 2019 and it came out great! My first time making gravy from scratch. I just made it again tonight to use with chicken and roasted potatoes from my garden. This time I used my frozen 2020 stock. We BBQ our turkeys so the gravy has a slightly smokey flavor. Thanks Lisa B! From Lisa D!
Happy to hear this gravy recipe was a success Lisa! Now you can have one to always come back to :)
I didn’t even realize making turkey gravy was this easy! Great recipe!
It sure is! Glad you enjoyed this turkey gravy :)
I made this for thanksgiving and it was delicious! It was really easy to make. It was perfect! I will definitely be making this again.
Wonderful! Happy to hear everyone loved this gravy recipe.
Hands down the best gravy I’ve ever had. This was really easy to make and it reheated perfectly. My husband does not live gravy but I think he ate more of this than I did!
Amazing! Happy to hear this turkey gravy was a success Jordan :)
This was delicious. Easy to do and not a lot of fancy equipment! Thank you!!
Always looking to simplify recipes :) Glad you loved this one!
Thank you so much for this super easy, delicious turkey gravy recipe and the tips. I had to add chicken broth to my drippings to make the 2 cups of broth and therefore reduced the salt to 1/4 Teaspoon.
Glad this recipe was a winner Carol!
Hello, can I use buckwheat flour? That is all i have. Thanks.
Hi Aaron – yes, that should work just fine.
can i use cornstartch instead? Arrowroot always turns into slime for some reason for me and its not my fav
Hi Christa – yes, you can use cornstarch as well. :)
Such an easy way to make turkey gravy! I made this to go with our turkey breast and will make it again on Thanksgiving. Thanks
Wonderful! I’m happy you loved this recipe, Sharon!
I love gravy!! My mom used to make the best gravy, but never really had a recipe for it. She just said “I feel the recipe” haha. Wasn’t helpful for me because I wanted to make it now that I moved to the US. This one is so similar to hers, so thank you for writing it out as a recipe! This is definitely a keeper :)
Now you can have an official list on how to make the best gravy! Hope you all enjoy this one over the holidays :)
So simple and such great flavors, loved it! Making again for thanksgiving
This one will sure be a hit over Thanksgiving!
This looks so delicious and yummy! Perfect for my family! I can’t wait to make this!
Hope everyone enjoys this one Beth! :)
This is a perfect gravy for my family. Will definitely be making this one from now on.
Wonderful! This one will be a must for Thanksgiving :)
I am so excited about this recipe. My family has been eating low carb and this will be perfect for Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing!
Can’t wait for your whole family to make this gravy recipe over Thanksgiving!