This super easy smoked turkey gravy will make the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday feast. It is rich, flavorful, and easy to make with just a few ingredients.
We know you’re super busy preparing for the big day, and this is why we created this simple gravy solution! Instead of going through all the hassle of smoking a turkey wings solely for the purpose of making gravy, we use a store-bought smoked turkey leg (drumstick) instead. No need to collect turkey drippings from the pan!
Where to find smoked turkey legs
You can find smoked turkey legs at most grocery stores in the United States. Usually there stored in the refrigerated meat section near the ham hocks and other smoked items. If you cannot find them there, check with the meat counter or local butcher. If neither produce results, you can purchase them through an online meat purveyor.
The smokiness of the drumstick infuses the gravy with a fantastic savory flavor that will bring out the best in your smoked turkey and mashed potatoes. Our easy gravy recipe yields a velvety, smooth gravy that your guests will rave about!
Ingredients
- 1 smoked turkey drumstick (pre-made, store-bought)
- Unsalted chicken or turkey broth
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Dry chardonnay (or apple juice)
- Dried parsley
- Dried rosemary (sub with dried thyme, basil, sage, or oregano)
- White pepper (use more if preferred)
- Salt to taste
Steps to Make a Smoked Turkey Gravy
- In a medium saucepan, combine the smoked turkey drumstick, chicken or turkey broth, and dried rosemary. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the broth. Remove the drumstick and set aside.
- Strain the broth to remove herbs and pieces of turkey meat or skin that might have come loose. Set the infused broth aside.
Making the Roux and Gravy
- Wipe the saucepan clean and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the roux or until it turns a light golden brown.
- Slowly whisk the broth to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the chardonnay, dried parsley, white pepper, and salt to taste. Allow the gravy to simmer for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Pour it into a gravy boat and serve it at the table with your turkey and all the trimmings.
- Keep the smoked turkey drumstick intact or carve it into larger pieces. You can use it in your favorite vegetable dishes or use it in leftover soups and other recipes.
Storing Leftovers
Store your smoked turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop. Add a little water or broth to thin it out as needed. This gravy makes a great addition to soup, turkey pot pie, or casseroles.
Tips
Feel free to make this easy smoked turkey gravy your personal creation. Add savories like garlic or onion powder to the broth, or add a few dashes of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning to take it up a notch. Experiment and let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below. As always, don’t wait until the day of your event to try something new. Test it out first and see if it is the right fit!
More Recipe Inspiration
Easy Smoked Tukey Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 smoked turkey drumstick pre-made, store-bought
- 4 cups unsalted chicken or turkey broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons dry chardonnay or apple juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary sub with dried thyme, basil, sage, or oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper add more if preferred
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the smoked turkey drumstick, chicken or turkey broth, and dried rosemary. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the broth. Remove the drumstick and set aside.
- Strain the broth to remove herbs and pieces of turkey meat or skin that might have come loose. Set the infused broth aside.
- Wipe the saucepan clean and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the roux or until it turns a light golden brown.
- Slowly whisk the broth to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the chardonnay, dried parsley, white pepper, and salt to taste. Allow the gravy to simmer for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Pour it into a gravy boat and serve it at the table with your turkey and all the trimmings.
- Keep the smoked turkey drumstick intact or carve it into larger pieces. You can use it in your favorite vegetable dishes or use it in leftover soups and other recipes.
- Store your smoked turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop. Add a little water or broth to thin it out as needed. This gravy makes a great addition to soup, turkey pot pie, or casseroles.
