Giblet Gravy Recipe | The Recipe Critic

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Giblet gravy is a labor of love, but the flavor is unmatched! Using the turkey’s neck, gizzard, heart, liver, and drippings, you can make the best gravy you’ve ever had! It will be the perfect complement to your holiday turkey dinner.

Angle shot of giblet gravy in a gravy boat.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Tradition: My grandma used to make giblet gravy, and it seriously had the best flavor. I was so excited to introduce this to my kids and now you!
Flavor: This gravy has a rich, savory depth of flavor that you can only get using the turkey’s giblets.
Versatile: Your next Thanksgiving feast will reach a whole new level when you combine this giblet gravy with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey.

Ingredients Needed for Giblet Gravy

The ingredients list is full of pantry staples, minus the giblets. Your guests will be thanking you when they have the best gravy they’ve ever had! Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Giblets (neck, liver, heart, gizzard): The star of the recipe. Each piece adds a complex depth of flavor and texture that enhances the overall gravy.
Butter: Used to cook the vegetables and adds the best richness to the gravy.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a depth of savory flavor.
Celery: Gives the gravy an aromatic earthiness.
Carrots: Provides a touch of sweetness that helps balance the savory.
Garlic: Enhances the overall savory depth in the recipe.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh sprigs of Rosemary and Thyme elevate the gravy with their natural herbaceous notes.
Chicken Broth: The base for the giblets to simmer in and create an incredible gravy.
Flour: Helps thicken the gravy.
Salt and Black Pepper: To Taste!
Turkey Pan Drippings: This is essential for getting the maximum depth of flavor.

Old Fashioned Giblet Gravy Recipe

Making this gravy is a labor of love, but it is totally worth it in the end. You won’t believe the depth of flavor and richness that gravy from turkey drippings gets when you also add the giblets.

Broth

Brown Giblets: Add the butter to a large pot and melt over medium-high heat. Then add the giblets and sear until brown on all sides.
Sauté: Stir in the onion, celery, and carrot and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes.
Simmer: Add the garlic and sprigs of herbs. Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and let simmer for 2 hours or while the turkey cooks.
Strain and Dice: Strain the broth and remove the giblets. Set the broth aside. Remove the meat from the neck and finely dice the heart, liver, gizzard, and neck meat. Set the diced giblets aside.

Angle shot of giblets cooking in melted butter in a pan.

Angle shot of celery, carrots and onions in the pot with cooking giblets.

Giblet Gravy

Deglaze the Drippings: Remove the turkey from your roasting pan. Place the roasting pan over medium-high heat and allow the drippings to deglaze.
Whisk: Add the flour and whisk into the drippings until lumps have dissolved. If needed, whisk in 1 cup of reserved giblet broth.
Combine: Stir in the diced giblet pieces and continue to whisk for another minute.
Heat: Pour in the remaining giblet broth, skimming off any large pieces of fat. Whisk and heat the gravy until you reach the desired gravy consistency.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey dinner!

Overhead shot of deglazing the drippings from the turkey pan.

Angle shot of someone whisking flour into the drippings.

Giblet Gravy Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips to ensure your gravy turns out. Be patient. You’ve got this!

Plan Ahead: I recommend making the giblet broth at least 1 day in advance! Once your turkey is thawed, remove the giblets and neck so you can start on the broth. Store the broth and diced giblets in the fridge so you can quickly make the gravy as soon as the turkey drippings are ready!
Flour Substitute: Use cornstarch in place of the flour if you prefer.
Smooth Gravy: For a smoother gravy consistency without giblet pieces, use a regular blender or an emulsion blender to reach the desired consistency.

Side shot of someone pouring giblet gravy onto sliced turkey breast on a plate.

Storing Leftover Gravy

Giblet gravy is a labor of love, so you’ll want to devour every last drop! It can easily be stored and enjoyed later with all the Thanksgiving leftovers.

In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat over the stove on medium heat when ready to serve. Or pop individual servings in the microwave and rewarm in 30-second increments until heated.
In the Freezer: Transfer this to a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you reheat it.

Overhead shot of plated turkey with giblet gravy poured over the top.

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Giblet Broth

Add the butter to a large pot and melt over medium-high heat. Then add the giblets and sear until brown on all sides.
Stir in the onion, celery, and carrot and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic and sprigs of herbs. Pour the broth over the vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and let simmer for 2 hours or while the turkey cooks.
Strain the broth and remove the giblets. Set the broth aside. Remove the meat from the neck and finely dice the heart, liver, gizzard, and neck meat. Set the diced giblets aside.

Make the Gravy

Remove the turkey from your roasting pan. Place the roasting pan over medium-high heat and allow the drippings to deglaze.
Add the flour and whisk it into the drippings until any lumps have dissolved. Whisk in 1 cup of reserved giblet broth if needed.
Stir in the diced giblet pieces and continue to whisk for another minute.
Whisk in the remaining giblet broth, skimming off any large pieces of fat. Whisk and heat the gravy until you reach the desired gravy consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm over your Thanksgiving turkey dinner!

Calories: 59kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 579mgPotassium: 96mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1475IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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