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Turkey Neck Gravy Recipe – How to Make Classic Gravy

Make your own turkey neck gravy with this easy how-to guide and recipe. You’ll be set for Thanksgiving!

Have you ever had turkey neck gravy? I bet you have, even if you didn’t realize it. A turkey neck gravy recipe utilizes the giblets of the turkey (neck, heart, liver, and gizzards) that are often stored inside the cavity of the bird to create a rich, flavorful topping for your meat, potatoes, stuffing, and more.


This is not only a great way to make use of the entire bird — save money and the planet! — but also a simple way to craft a memorable gravy that your Thanksgiving guests are will love.

(MentalArt via iStock Photo)


My father is a lifelong hunter and always made sure to use whatever parts of the animal he could to provide in whatever way possible, so I was raised with a great appreciation for leaving little waste behind when it comes to animals. Homemade turkey neck gravy makes the most of all flavorful parts of the turkey that may otherwise be discarded.


It goes without saying that turkey is one of the staples of Thanksgiving dinner, and therefore, a flavorful, high-quality turkey neck gravy is essential to rounding out your offerings to guests for the best meal possible!


What Are Giblets?


Giblets are turkey parts often stored in the cavity, including the neck, heart, liver, and gizzards.

Giblets are:

  • Used to flavor sauces and gravy
  • Simmered and eaten with potatoes and vegetables
  • Used in stuffing


You always want to remove the giblets from the cavity of the bird before cooking even if you do not intend to use them.


If you’re looking to make giblet gravy, ensure that your poultry packaging clearly states that your giblets are included inside. Some turkeys are packaged without giblets, which makes for easier handling for those who do not intend to use them.

(VeselovaElena via iStock Photo)


What Are Drippings?


Turkey drippings are the fat, meat, and other products that melt away from the turkey during the roasting process.


Drippings are found at the bottom of the roasting pan and are a flavorful base for gravy. The best part about using drippings for your turkey gravy is that the pan drippings already closely mirror the taste of your roasted turkey — the spices, herbs, and seasonings will all be part of the drippings and will result in the perfect match!

Sous Vide Turkey Breast Photo
(VeselovaElena via iStock Photo)


How to Make Turkey Neck Gravy Using Giblets and Drippings

Follow these easy steps to make the best gravy with as much flavor as possible!

  1. Remove your turkey giblets from the cavity of your turkey and rinse them with cold water. Store in a bag in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
  2. When it’s time to make your gravy, place the heart, neck, liver, and gizzards in a sauce pan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for one hour, adding more water if necessary to keep them covered.
  3. After an hour, use a slotted spoon to remove the giblets from the water and set them aside. Discard the water, or save a small amount to thin the gravy later.
  4. Once the giblets have cooled, remove and discard the livers — the strong flavor often overpowers the gravy. Use your fingers to pull meat away from the turkey neck and then toss the rest. Dice all remaining giblets into small pieces and reserve them for the gravy.
  5. When it’s time to remove the turkey from the oven, carefully pour the drippings from the bottom of the pan into a heat-safe bowl. Let the excess fat separate, then skim it from the top using a wooden spoon or ladle.
  6. Add one cup of drippings to a large saucepan. Whisk ½ cup flour and make a roux by allowing it to turn to a golden brown color using medium heat.
  7. Add turkey broth and more drippings, stirring until thickened, and then add the giblet meat.
  8. Season the gravy with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.

Did you know: It is NOT safe for dogs to eat gravy and some other Thanksgiving foods.

You can use store-bought stock or make your own stock. Chicken broth will do perfectly fine too and still give you a delicious gravy with a strong turkey flavor — thanks to the giblets and roast turkey drippings.

Roasted Turkey Photo
(Stock Image)

Turkey Neck Gravy Without Drippings

Some people prefer making gravy without drippings. Gravy, like most foods, is a matter of preference, and if this is your ideal, we can walk you through a simple recipe that shows how to make turkey neck gravy with no drippings.


The benefit of making this turkey neck gravy recipe without turkey drippings is that you can make the gravy ahead of time, saving you time on the big day. We all know there’s a lot of juggling going on in the kitchen during Thanksgiving, and you can spare yourself the trouble of adding freshly made gravy into the mix by preparing this recipe ahead of time!


You will need:

  • 8 Tbsp butter
  • 1 minced shallot
  • 1 turkey neck
  • 8 Cups chicken broth
  • ½ Cup, plus 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp vegemite or marmite
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Stove Top Stuffing Recipe Photo
(bhofack2 via iStock Photo)

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced shallot and cook for a minute, whisking once or twice. Place turkey neck into pot and continue cooking, turning occasionally, until lightly browned.
  3. Add the flour and cook while whisking for one minute.
  4. Pour in stock and whisk well. Whisk in soy sauce, marmite or vegemite, and a small dash of pepper.
  5. Bring the stock to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat and simmer for an hour. Cover the pot for part of the cooking time to alter thickness of the developing gravy.
  7. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired. Remove turkey neck before serving.
Two people cheersing wine at a Thanksgiving table filled with food.
(SeventyFour via iStock Photo)

Can You Make Turkey Neck Gravy in an Instant Pot?


You can very easily make turkey neck gravy in your Instant Pot! Follow these basic steps.

  1. Load 3 large peeled carrots, 1 Tbsp sage, 1 Tbsp herbs of your choice into the Instant Pot.
  2. Add turkey giblets and turkey neck.
  3. Pour in 2 cups stock or broth.
  4. Place the lid on the pressure cooker, seal, and cook for 45 minutes on manual/pressure cook.
  5. Strain using a fine mesh strainer into a clean container to remove the bones from the liquid. Pick out carrots and add back into the liquid. Remove the meat from the turkey parts and add to the juices as well.
  6. Using a blender, blend the stock, carrots, and meat until fully combined. Add small amounts of mashed potatoes to thicken!
  7. Pour into a gravy boat and serve.
Thanksgiving table with roasted turkey, sliced ham and side dishes
(VeselovaElena via iStock Photo)

Now you have multiple ways to make the best turkey gravy possible this holiday season! If it doesn’t come out perfect, consider adding a little black pepper, kosher salt, or other seasoning ingredients.

If it doesn’t come out with the right consistency, you may need to play around with options to thicken or thin your rich gravy, such as adding a bit of flour or a little water left over from cooking the giblets I mentioned above.