Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy

This Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy is easy to throw together and made with leftovers seasoned with nothing more than sea salt and pepper! Tips are included for how to create a clump-free consistency, along with creative ways to enjoy your leftovers (if you have any)! {Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free}

Will you need the stars to align in order to make your own clump-free Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy? I don’t think so. Cooled pan drippings, and broth, if needed, will do the trick. Instead, you can spend your time being utterly wowed by your ability to roast a turkey, for example, and then use the leftover pan drippings to make this recipe. Because you ARE economical, Spiriteds, and you WILL get the most bang for your turkey buck.

Like, maybe you shop around for the best value on a turkey. But the price is still fairly fixed. So to get your money’s worth AND reduce food waste, you go ahead and USE UP EVERY LAST BIT OF THAT TURKEY. Okay, fine. That’s what I did. 

Spiriteds, I doubt Caroline Ingalls would be much wowed by me. I’m guessing she’d point out this was her everyday life, stars and moons aside, and all without electricity. It has been AGES since I read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, but I suspect little went to waste in the Ingalls kitchen. 

In present day, little will go to waste in this recipe, and I will be proud of myself. And I hope you are proud of yourselves, too. Because from one Herb-Roasted Turkey (or Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast for smaller gatherings), we have a boatload of everlasting meals. And they are just too good not to share. These discoveries are nothing if not satisfying.

Grab an apron and let’s simmer some Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy together!

Helpful equipment to make clump-free gravy

It’s always helpful if the stars and moons align in the solar system. Whether they contribute to the most delectable gravy recipes, I can’t say for sure. But I have found the following equipment useful for making my own Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy. And the kids haven’t rejected it yet, so that feels like a win, all galaxies aside. To keep nearby:

• Whisk
• Fork
• Saucepan (you might also be able to use a skillet. But keep a close eye on the gravy to make sure it doesn’t burn)
• Airtight container for leftovers

Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy ingredients

Below are the ingredients I use. Brand mentions aren’t paid mentions. Just a glimpse into our virtual pantry, as it were.

• Cooled pan drippings from a turkey, such as Herb-Roasted Turkey or Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast.
• Gluten-free flour. I like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour.
• Allergen-friendly butter. I’m partial to Earth Balance Soy-Free Buttery Spread (in the red tub). But other allergen-friendly butters should also work, too. Some made with olive oil or avocado oil might run soft. If so, start with a little less and add more as desired.
• Sea salt and pepper. Both to taste. 

Side note: Because we used pan drippings from our Herb-Roasted Turkey, that contained a mixture of water and oil, we didn’t need extra broth. Our gravy is on the thicker side, though, which is our preference. If you’d like yours to be a little thinner, then plan to have about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup broth or water on hand to thin your gravy. Alternatively, you can reduce the simmering time so the gravy has less time to thicken.

How to make Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy

1. In a saucepan combine the cooled pan drippings, flour, butter, sea salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, whisking regularly to prevent burning. Then reduce the heat to MEDIUM, continuing to whisk until the desired consistency is reached. If the gravy is too thick, then stream in turkey stock to thin it.
2. Remove from heat and let cool enough so that the gravy is safe to handle.
3. Store leftover gravy in an airtight container and consume within about one to two days. Gravy will thicken as it stands.

Side note: If you do need to step away from the saucepan, make sure you aren’t gone too long. Your gravy runs the risk of going from runny to scorched in a matter of minutes.

How to make clump-free gravy

The key to making clump-free gravy is to make sure the liquids, including pan drippings, are cooled before you add the flour. If the liquids are still hot or you add more flour after you’ve started making the gravy, the heat tends to congeal the flour, making it clump. And it’s a nightmare to break apart. So much so, I wonder whether a properly aligned solar system could even fix it. I also wonder what Caroline Ingalls would say.

If you do get clumps in your gravy, whisking quickly will help break up smaller clumps. For larger clumps, try pressing them against the saucepan with the back of a fork. Once the clumps disintegrate, then whisk them quickly to immerse the flour in the liquids. If you end up with clumps that refuse to dissolve, either run with it (the flavor will still likely be delightful) or remove them, if there aren’t that many.

What to serve with your Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy

There’s the rather obvious “drizzled over Herb-Roasted Turkey.” But there’s also “slathered over vegetables,” “meshed with rice,” “thrown together with cauliflower rice,” and “paired with a spoon.” Because this gravy confidently stands on its own, if our tastebuds want it to. 

I actually like it combined with leftover turkey, rice, and vegetables; just everything gently stirred together on one plate or in one bowl. It’s a happy little meal, indeed. And if you run out of turkey before you run out of gravy (It’s been known to happen), then find other foods to go with it. Proteins (even of the non-turkey variety), vegetables (prepared in countless forms), and grains will readily match up.

More Thanksgiving and holiday recipes!

Set a feast at your table with these toothsome treats!

• Herb-Roasted Turkey (for large gatherings and ample leftovers)
• Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast (for smaller gatherings and maybe a few leftovers)
• Easy Paleo Quick-Steamed Vegetables
• Seasoned Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
• Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole

Spiriteds, happy holidays to you. May you stay well and stay wild. I’m glad you’re here. 🩷

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