Good Gravy

Classic Gravy

An easy version of the giblet gravy Grandma used to make, this cornstarch-thickened favorite is made by using turkey necks, giblets, carrots, celery, and onions to enhance store-bought chicken stock. Giblets can be strained out of the stock or chopped up into the finished gravy.

Recipe: Classic Gravy

Anytime Turkey Gravy

Not cooking a whole turkey but still want homemade turkey gravy? Here's a quick alternative. Sauté turkey wings and necks with some veggies and then simmer the mixture with canned chicken broth. Finish it off with poultry seasoning, sage, chopped parsley and a little bit of flour.

Recipe: Anytime Turkey Gravy

Sunset's Best Easy Gravy

Take the turkey drippings, add some stock, thicken with flour and cornstarch, and then season with salt and pepper. It's just your basic gravy with few ingredients, minimal fuss, and a big, rich turkey flavor.

Recipe: Sunset's Best Easy Gravy

Classic Roast Turkey with Make-Ahead Gravy

If holiday meal preparations have you stressed to the max, try this strategy for making the gravy ahead of time. On the big day, you'll just need to add drippings from the fresh cooked turkey to lend another layer of rich turkey flavor to your gravy.

Recipe: Classic Roast Turkey with Make-Ahead Gravy

Pork Chops with Country Gravy

The country-style gravy that tops the chops is easily adapted to any meal for the holidays. For a different version of this same gravy, cook turkey thighs instead of pork, and dredge them in the dried herb-flour mixture. Using milk as the liquid instead of broth adds a creamy color and flavor to the thick gravy.

Recipe: Pork Chops with Country Gravy

Sausage Gravy

A classic breakfast splurge for the holidays or any special occasion, this sausage gravy is foolproof. Five ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen make a thick milk-based sauce that's a perfect topping for homemade biscuits or toast.

Recipe: Sausage Gravy

Pan Gravy

For leaner turkey gravy, use just some of the fat from the turkey pan drippings and discard the rest. Combine defatted drippings with canned stock, flour, salt and pepper for a thick, rich gravy with a little less fat than usual.

Recipe: Pan Gravy

Pine Nut Gravy

Crushed pine nuts and a homemade stock made with the turkey neck and bay leaves help add an unusual but fun twist to traditional turkey gravy. The extra step of browning the flour makes for rich, mahogany colored gravy.

Recipe: Pine Nut Gravy

Secrets from the Test Kitchen

For more hints and tips, check out our how-to videos with easy step-by-step instructions for making gravy and deglazing a pan. Pick up secrets from the Test Kitchens that are sure to make your dinner preparations go smoothly.

More Holiday Side Dishes

Update your menu of holiday favorites with a few fresh dishes from our holiday table.

• On-the-Go Holiday Sides featuring Greens with Roasted Corn and Pepper Salad (left)
• Dress Up Your Stuffing
• Crazy for Cranberries
• Heartwarming Breads
• Cozy Holiday Casseroles