Smoked Turkey Gravy

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This smoked Turkey Gravy is so incredibly easy to make, kicked up with a touch of cayenne pepper and brandy, and just so darn tasty....you NEED this gravy for your Thanksgiving meal.

I am in love with this easy turkey gravy guys. It's so rich and delicious, but so easy to make. And it goes amazing with these other holiday favorites:

• Sous Vide Turkey Thighs
• Roasted Turkey Thighs
• Sous Vide Turkey Breast
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Cornbread
• Air Fryer Biscuits
• Cajun Cornbread Dressing

Every year, Thanksgiving is a giant bird grilled/smoked over an open fire pit. The it has to rest for what seems like an eternity - time well spent using the pan drippings and giblets to make this smoked turkey gravy.

And you all know how often people smother their Thanksgiving meal in gravy....so lets' make that gravy AWESOME.

Cracked black pepper, brandy, cream, a touch of cayenne and let's not forget those turkey drippings...this has all the making of an amazing gravy and we are in love.

Plus, you can even make this ahead if you'd like - just buy pre-smoked turkey legs/wings from the store and follow the instructions below.

If you'd like a white gravy to complement this turkey gravy, try this ultra delicious bacon gravy.

The Ingredients

One of the main ingredients is going to be turkey drippings and turkey stock.

You can use store bought turkey stock, homemade turkey broth or just use chicken stock. I LOVE the intense flavor of fresh made turkey stock, so I use my Instant Pot turkey bone broth.

The full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Pour the drippings in a small glass bowl and set aside until ready to use.

**Note: If you don't have enough turkey drippings or you want to make this in advance, you can use turkey wings and/or giblets and roast them in a pan with 1-2 cups of stock in a 425F degree oven until the stock is reduced significantly, mimicking dripping (takes about 30 minutes).

STEP 2: Add the butter to the turkey drippings in a skillet and heat to medium heat.

STEP 3: Add the flour and stir to combine until a paste forms. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.

STEP 4: Add the minced onions and cook for 1 minute.

STEP 5: Add the brandy, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Slowly stir in the broth, ½ cup at a time until a gravy forms.

STEP 6: Stir in the cream and salt. Add additional salt to taste if desired.

**NOTE: If gravy is too thick, add additional turkey broth until desired consistency is reached.

Store this make ahead turkey gravy in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for future use (see below).

How to Make Turkey Broth (Optional)

STEP 1: Combine the roasted turkey pieces (wings and giblets and any bones), chopped vegetable scraps and bay leaves in the slow cooker.

STEP 2: Cover with water and cook on high for 6 hours.

STEP 3: Strain and let cool to room temperature. Reserve 4-5 cups for the gravy recipe.

**NOTE: the vegetables and turkey can be used a second time to make another batch of broth. Use the same instructions.

Any remaining turkey broth can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 6 months.

To freeze, pour broth into ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to freezer safe bags for storage.

To freeze the gravy using a vacuum sealer: First, pull the bag out just a little bit (you should be able to see about ½") and hit the seal button. Then pull about 15-18 inches of the bag out. Use the cutter to cut it off.

Pour the gravy in a sealed bag. You can freeze all the gravy in one bag, or divide it into serving sizes.

Place the bag in the vacuum sealer and select the "moist" setting (if available). Use the vac/seal button to seal the bag.

Always label your bag because I guarantee you will forget what it is. Trust me.

Expert Tips

1. If you don't have enough turkey drippings, you can use turkey wings and/or giblets and roast them in a pan with 1-2 cups of stock in a 425F degree oven until the stock is reduced significantly, mimicking dripping (takes about 30 minutes).
2. You can make this ahead by purchasing smoked turkey pieces and following the steps in #1 above.
3. For an extra peppery flavor, add in an additional ½ teaspoon black pepper.
4. Add ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for an even smokier flavor.
5. Substitute white wine or sherry for the brandy. You can also just use more stock.
6. Note if you use store bought broth, taste the gravy before adding any salt.
7. If gravy is too thick, add additional turkey broth until desired consistency is reached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you make this recipe? Rate it and leave me a comment below to let me know how it turned out!