Nothing brings Thanksgiving dinner together like a rich, homemade turkey gravy. This Apple Cider Turkey Gravy combines savory pan drippings with the sweetness of apple cider for a perfectly balanced finish to your holiday meal.
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For me, gravy is the heart of any Thanksgiving dinner. It's perfect drizzled over juicy turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy stuffing.
I especially love making homemade gravy from pan drippings. This recipe combines the essence of the roasted turkey, with a hint of sweetness from the apple cider. It's my go-to for Thanksgiving along with my Maple Oven Roasted Turkey.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or an intimate dinner, this Apple Cider Gravy is guaranteed to steal the show!
🍎 Ingredients to Make a Turkey Pan Gravy with Apple Cider
- Roux - A good gravy starts with a roux - a combination of equal parts fat and flour. I use unsalted butter and flour for this. Salted butter can be used, but unsalted butter allows you to control the overall seasoning in the gravy. Opt for flour, instead of cornstarch, to develop a richer flavor. Cornstarch can be used, but it’s added at the end and doesn’t develop as much flavor.
- Drippings - I use the flavorful pan drippings from the roasted turkey because it’s packed with rich, savory notes. If you prefer not to use drippings, chicken or turkey stock is an excellent substitute.
- Apple Cider - Apple cider adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. If apple cider isn’t available, apple juice can be used as a substitute.
📕 Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
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🦃 How to Make an Easy Turkey Gravy from Scratch
- Make the Roux - Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once fully melted, sprinkle the flour evenly over the butter and stir until the mixture is smooth and the flour is absorbed. Let the roux cook for a minute or two, to develop a rich, nutty flavor.
- Add the Liquid - Deglaze the pan by gradually pouring the warm drippings and apple cider in while whisking constantly. Adding warm liquid ensures it blends smoothly with the roux, helping you avoid lumps. Make sure to scrape off the stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pan so they incorporate extra flavor into the gravy.
- Thicken and Season - Next, bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
⭐ Chef's Secret
The secret to the most flavorful homemade turkey gravy is to use the same roasting pan the turkey was cooked in. The fond—those caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—adds incredible flavor.
💭 Frequently Asked Questions
When planning your gravy, allow for about ⅓ to ½ cup per person to cover turkey, potatoes, and leftovers.
As a time saver, gravy can be prepared in advance using stock or broth instead of pan drippings. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
If your gravy is too thin, you can create a slurry to thicken it. Whisk together 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 Tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then whisk this into the gravy and simmer it until thickened. If your gravy is too thick, add additional drippings, broth, or stock until you get to the desired consistency.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Apple Cider Turkey Gravy from Drippings
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey drippings
- ½ cup apple cider
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Drain the drippings from the roasting pan and set them aside.
- Melt the butter in the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the butter and cook, while whisking, for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the pan drippings and the apple cider, scraping any stuck-on bits off the bottom of the pan.
- Continue whisking while the gravy thickens for 3-4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Yield - This recipe makes approximately 3 cups of gravy. Plan for ⅓ to ½ cup per person for turkey, potatoes, and leftovers.
- Make Ahead - Use turkey stock or broth instead of pan drippings.
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