Onion Gravy

Homemade Gravy

Roasted turkey, creamy Mashed Potatoes, and rich Sausage Stuffing are some of the best Thanksgiving comfort foods. But none of these delicious dishes are complete without a hefty pour of gravy!

Gravy is traditionally made with meat drippings, and this recipe enhances the rich flavors of your roasted turkey. (That said, you can make gravy without meat drippings — see Substitutions & Variations for alternate recipe steps, below.) And it’s also delicious over Air Fryer Steak (Filet Mignon)!

Onion Gravy Ingredients

Roasted onions and turkey drippings from my Herb Roasted Turkey Breast recipe are the base of this gravy. Flour (as opposed to cornstarch) is whisked in to thicken it.

In a separate pan, butter is added to the onions, which are cooked until they caramelize.

Since you’ll need 2 cups of liquid, the drippings are supplemented with chicken stock until you have the full amount. Fresh thyme and parsley (also used on the turkey) are added, then salt and pepper to taste.

Substitutions & Variations:

• Make Onion Gravy without making Herb Roasted Turkey Breast: Add 4 tablespoons butter and onions to a large skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the desired color is reached on the onions.

It can be ready to go to the next step as soon as the onions are softened and reach a very light golden brown color, 10-15 minutes. For dark golden brown caramelized onions, this can take up to 2 hours because you’ll want to avoid cooking at high heat.

• Sub vegetable broth, chicken broth, beef broth, or beef stock: These can also be used instead of chicken stock, but of course, it will change the flavor.
• Use a different kind of onion: Yellow or red onion works too, although red has a stronger flavor.
• Add red wine: You can add a splash of red wine to contribute to the 2 cups of liquid.
• Add your favorite flavors: Also, feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices and condiments. Some ideas:
  • Fresh rosemary or sage
  • Minced garlic or garlic powder
  • Worcestershire sauce

How To Make Onion Gravy:

1. For this recipe you’ll either be using the onions and drippings leftover from my Roasted Turkey Breast recipe or you can make them without. Both ways are available in the recipe card below, but you’ll want to start with caramelizing the onions.
2. Add butter to the caramelized onions and melt it.

3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Add the stock and /or drippings to the skillet with the onions. Bring to simmer and continue to cook until thickened.

5. Remove from heat and add the herbs and season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately for best results.

What To Serve Gravy With

• Roasted Meat (poultry, beef, etc.)
• Fried chicken
• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Stuffing
• Dinner rolls
• Biscuits
• Hamburgers
• Sandwiches

How To Store Onion Gravy

Store the gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions: Cold onion gravy has a gelatinous texture, and no one wants that! To make it liquid again, warm it on low in a saucepan or skillet, stirring until it simmers.

How do you thicken gravy?

Flour is responsible for its thick texture. If you find your gravy is a bit too thin, slowly whisk in more flour. It’s important to add slowly and blend it well, otherwise you’ll have flour chunks in the gravy.

A bit of cornstarch can also be used as a thickener.

More Thanksgiving Recipes (That Taste Great with Onion Gravy!):

• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes – These are infused with garlic and sage and cook extra fast in an Instant Pot.
• Best Sausage Stuffing – A flavorful, traditional recipe for making stuffing from scratch.
• Southern Cornbread Dressing – Stuffing with a Southern twist!
• Perfect Thanksgiving Roast Turkey Recipe – This makes cooking the perfect turkey seem way less daunting.
• Cheddar Drop Biscuits – An easy side to sop up all that extra gravy with!

Onion Gravy

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