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by Lisa Bryan
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Nov 10, 2023
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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!
![Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (2) Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (2)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/www.downshiftology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Gluten-Free-Turkey-Gravy-2-2.jpg)
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 (like me), you’re in for a treat. Because this turkey gravy is super easy to make and just as good as any other gravy made from scratch. Let me show you how to make it!
![Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (3) Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (3)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/www.downshiftology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Gluten-Free-Turkey-Gravy-Ingredients.jpg)
Gluten-Free Gravy Ingredients
- Turkey Drippings: The flavorful drippings from your roast turkey add layers of flavor to this gravy. If you don’t have turkey drippings, just use turkey broth! You could also use chicken drippings and chicken broth.
- Arrowroot Powder: I prefer arrowroot powder as a gluten-free thickener, though you could also use cornstarch.
- Butter or Ghee: Just a little bit of butter or ghee adds that buttery richness to the gravy, but if you’re dairy-free you can use water to dissolve the flour. No problem!
- Salt & Pepper: A pinch is all you need.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
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.
![Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (4) Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (4)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/www.downshiftology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Turkey-Gravy-Gluten-Free-Paleo-1.jpg)
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.
![Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (5) Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (5)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/www.downshiftology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Turkey-Gravy-Gluten-Free-Paleo-3.jpg)
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.
![Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (6) Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (6)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/www.downshiftology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Turkey-Gravy-Gluten-Free-Paleo-11.jpg)
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.
![Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (7) Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (7)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/www.downshiftology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Turkey-Gravy-Gluten-Free-Paleo-6.jpg)
Common Questions
What if I’m not roasting a turkey and don’t have turkey drippings?
No problem, you can swap in store-bought turkey broth.
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 bit 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.
Make This Gravy Ahead Of Time
If you’re looking to save yourself from a kitchen frenzy on Thanksgiving day, make this gravy 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.
![Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (8) Gluten-Free Gravy - Downshiftology (8)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/www.downshiftology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Gluten-Free-Turkey-Gravy-3.jpg)
Ways To Use Leftover Gravy
- Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken meatballs or fennel pork meatballs.
- Make your breakfast ultra cozy by lightly drizzling the gravy over your fried eggs and breakfast potatoes.
- For dinner, drizzle it over your next serving of shepherd’s pie or chicken pot pies.
- Pour it over mashed potatoes, mashed sweet 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 are a few easy Thanksgiving side dishes to add to your menu this season.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Creamed Corn
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole
- Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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
4.96 from 21 votes
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan
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Description
This gluten-free gravy is ultra-smooth and flavorful. Trust me when I say that it's the best turkey gravy and no one will even notice it's gluten-free. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Video
Equipment
Gravy Boat This is the classic white gravy boat I'm using.
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)
- kosher salt and freshly ground black 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 to 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 28kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 230mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: sauce
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gluten free gravy, gluten free gravy recipe, gluten free turkey gravy
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Recipe originally posted November 2020, but updated to include new information.