Giblet gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce traditionally served with turkey during the holiday season. Made from the giblets of the turkey—its heart, gizzard, and liver—this gravy has a deep, savory taste that complements turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing perfectly. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply craving a hearty meal, giblet gravy is a comforting addition to your spread.

Ingredients

Giblets from one turkey (heart, gizzard, liver)
4 cups turkey or chicken broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a saucepan, combine the giblets and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 1 hour.
After simmering, remove the giblets from the broth. Chop them finely and set aside. Be sure to reserve the broth.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux (a thickening mixture).
Gradually whisk in the reserved broth, stirring until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, constantly stirring.
Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chopped giblets and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of turkey or chicken broth, and omit the giblets. You can enhance the flavor with mushrooms or other vegetables.
Herb-Infused Gravy: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage while simmering the giblets for a more aromatic and flavorful gravy.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the gravy.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover giblet gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little broth or water if it becomes too thick.

10 FAQs

Can I use store-bought giblets for this gravy?
- Yes, store-bought giblets work perfectly well. You can find them in most grocery stores, especially around the holidays.
What if I don’t have turkey giblets?
- You can use chicken giblets or just make the gravy with the broth and seasonings.
Can I freeze giblet gravy?
- Yes, giblet gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove with a bit of broth to restore its consistency.
What if my gravy is too thick?
- If your gravy is too thick, simply add more broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make giblet gravy without flour?
- Yes, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy.
Can I skip the giblets entirely?
- You can skip the giblets and make a simple turkey gravy with just the broth, butter, and flour.
How do I know when the gravy is thick enough?
- The gravy should coat the back of a spoon and have a smooth, velvety texture when it’s ready.
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make giblet gravy ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What should I serve giblet gravy with?
- Giblet gravy is traditionally served with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. It also goes well with biscuits or roasted vegetables.
Can I make the gravy spicier?

Yes, you can add more pepper, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.

Conclusion

Giblet gravy is a rich, savory addition to any Thanksgiving meal or festive dinner. The combination of turkey giblets, broth, and a buttery roux creates a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this classic recipe brings a comforting and homemade touch to your holiday spread. Whether you stick with the traditional version or try one of the variations, this giblet gravy will be sure to satisfy your guests and elevate your meal.