thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe

I’ve been making this Thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. There’s something special about the combination of flavors and textures that just makes it feel like home.

The turkey is moist and flavorful, the gravy is rich and savory, and the whole dish just feels like a warm hug on a cold day. I think part of what makes this recipe so special is the way it combines classic flavors with a bit of modern flair.

The use of fresh herbs and spices gives it a bright, lively taste that’s perfect for the holiday season. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good gravy to go along with their turkey?

It’s just one of those things that feels like a necessary part of the meal. My kids love helping me make this recipe, too – they get to learn all about cooking and take part in the fun of making something special for our family.

And of course, there’s the bonus of having a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s really just one of those things that brings us all together, you know?

Classic Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy Recipe

Classic Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy Recipe

4.9 from 1178 votes

A succulent Thanksgiving turkey with rich, velvety gravy. This dish is the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast, ensuring a memorable holiday meal.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time3 hrs 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hrs
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary

For the Gravy

2 cups turkey drippings
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels.
3This helps achieve a crispy skin.
4Place the turkey on a roasting pan, tuck the wings under, and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
5In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
6Rub this mixture evenly over the entire turkey, ensuring it is well coated.
7This will enhance the flavor and create a delicious crust.
8Place the turkey in the preheated oven.
9Roast at 450°F for 30 minutes.
10Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
11Continue roasting until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F.
12This usually takes about 2.
5 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the turkey.
13Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh and the breast.
14Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
15This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.
16Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you prepare the gravy.
17To make the gravy, skim the fat from the turkey drippings in the roasting pan.
18Place the pan over medium heat on the stovetop.
19Add flour to the drippings and stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
20Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
21Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
22Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
23If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
24Carve the turkey into slices, making sure to include both white and dark meat.
25Arrange the slices on a serving platter.
26Pour the gravy into a gravy boat and serve it alongside the turkey.
27This will allow guests to enjoy the rich, velvety gravy with their turkey slices.

🔧Equipment

Roasting pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Basting brush
Cutting board
Kitchen knife
Whisk
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 35g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 55g

📝Notes

Tips: For added moisture, place a mixture of chopped vegetables and onions in the bottom of the roasting pan before adding the turkey. Baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes during roasting to keep it moist and flavorful.

This Thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe is truly one of my favorites – not only is it delicious and satisfying, but it’s also super easy to make and customize to your tastes.

Whether you’re serving it up at your holiday dinner table or just want a tasty meal for everyday eating, this recipe is sure to please.

And as an added bonus, it freezes beautifully – so feel free to make a double batch if you want leftovers for later.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy

What kind of turkey should I use for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen turkey for this recipe, but make sure it’s a whole bird – you want that nice crispy skin to get all browned up in the oven!

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time – just be sure to refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve.

How do I get my gravy to thicken up properly?

There are a few tricks to getting your gravy to thicken up right – first, make sure you’re using enough flour or cornstarch to coat all the bits of meat and vegetable in your pan. Then, whisk constantly as you add your liquid to prevent lumps from forming.

Can I use store-bought gravy instead of making my own?

While store-bought gravy can be convenient, I highly recommend making your own – not only is it easier than you think, but it tastes so much better too!

What if I don’t have any fresh herbs on hand?

You can definitely substitute dried herbs for fresh ones in a pinch – just be sure to use them sparingly and adjust the amount according to how potent they are.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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