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Turkey Neck Gravy is easy to make and packed with flavor. Use your leftover turkey drippings and turkey neck to create gravy everyone will love.

Pouring gravy over sliced turkey on a plate
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Being a mom of 8, there is no way my kids would let me forget the gravy. My favorite is this Turkey Neck Gravy because it is made with chopped veggies, turkey drippings and turkey neck. The combination of these ingredients makes this gravy taste amazing and easy to make.

Gravy completes are holiday meal and is so delicious poured over Slow Cooker Whole Turkey and Cornbread Sausage Stuffing Recipe.

Why This Gravy Works

Turkey Neck Gravy is packed with amazing flavor. The fact that it is made from scratch allows me to adjust the ingredients and add in fresh herbs if we have them.

Prepare your taste buds for this rich and creamy gravy that is sure to impress your entire family.

Ingredients

Turkey neck and backbone, butter, carrots, onion, celery, bay leaves, salt, pepper, chicken broth, flour
  • Uncooked Turkey Neck and Backbone – We used the one from our whole turkey but you can buy separately at the grocery store
  • Carrots, Onion, and Celery – Chop in bite size pieces
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – See Chicken broth substitutes if you are out

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Turkey Neck Gravy

Turkey neck and backbone in a large stockpot

Step 1 – Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan (dutch oven or large saucepan) over medium heat.  Once melted, add in the turkey neck and backbone and brown all sides. 

Chopped carrots, celery and onions in the large pot with the turkey neck and backbone

Step 2 – Add in the onions, carrots and celery.  Sauté until softened (3-5 minutes). 

Seasoning and bay leave topped with chopped carrots, celery, turkey neck and backbone

Step 3 – Season with salt, pepper and bay leaves. 

Broth poured in a large pot with the turkey neck, celery and carrots

Step 4 – Stir in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.  Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the broth is reduced to approximately half of the original amount. 

Hand held strainer over the cooked brown gravy with turkey and chopped veggies

Step 5 – Remove from heat, remove the neck, backbone and vegetables from the mixture and let cook slightly.  

Straining the chopped veggies in a bowl

Step 6 – Strain the remaining mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids and set aside.

Melting butter and flour in a large pot with a whisk

Step 7 – Melt the butter for the gravy in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.  Then whisk in the flour for approximately 1 minute.

Whisking the grave together in a large pot

Step 8 – Gradually whisk in the reserved broth.  Bring the mixture to a boil.  Then reduce the heat and simmer (whisking constantly) until the mixture has thickened (approximately 5-10 minutes).

  • Step 9 – Season with the salt and pepper and serve warm.
  • Step 10 – Pour over your turkey and your favorite sides and enjoy!

Expert Tips

  • Gravy Consistency – The gravy may thicken some as it sits.  Warming the gravy backup will help to thin it out and you can also stir in more drippings or broth if needed.  
  • Combining Ingredients – As the giblet gravy is cooking, we recommend stirring the gravy constantly to prevent the gravy from getting lumps.
Brown gravy poured over sliced turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy in a large white turkey serving dish

Serving Suggestions

This delicious gravy is a must for all of our holiday dinners. Preparing the gravy with the turkey drippings and the turkey neck makes the best gravy and even better drizzled over these Thanksgiving Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Thickener for Turkey Gravy?

Common thickeners for gravy is cornstarch or flour. You can even make a Roux to help change the consistency of the gravy.

What are Turkey Necks?

Turkey necks are loaded with flavor and are dark meat. They are located in the cavity of a whole turkey with the giblets and gizzard. These are removed before the turkey is roasted.

How to Store Leftover Gravy

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Can you Freeze Turkey Gravy?

Yes, you can freeze turkey gravy in a freezer safe container or divide it in ice cube trays. This allows your freeze small portions to easily use for soups or stew recipes.

How to Reheat Turkey Gravy

Reheat the leftover turkey on the stovetop or in the microwave in a microwave safe bow until gravy has been reheated through.

Brown turkey in a white ladle with a side plate of sliced turkey

More Easy Gravy Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Turkey Neck Gravy Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Turkey Neck Gravy

5 from 1 vote
Turkey Neck Gravy is easy to make and packed with flavor. Use your leftover turkey drippings and turkey neck to create gravy everyone will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Sauces
Calories 151

Ingredients

For the Drippings/Broth:

For the Gravy:

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Instructions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan (dutch oven or large saucepan) over medium high heat.  Once melted, add in the turkey neck and backbone and brown all sides.
  • Add in the onions, carrots and celery.  Sauté until softened (3-5 minutes).
  • Season with salt, pepper and bay leaves.
  • Stir in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.  Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the broth is reduced to approximately half of the original amount.
  • Remove from heat, remove the neck, backbone and vegetables from the mixture and let cook slightly.
  • Strain the remaining mixture through a mesh strainer to remove any solids and set aside.
  • Melt the butter for the gravy in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.  Then whisk in the flour for approximately 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in the reserved broth.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil.  Then reduce the heat and simmer (whisking constantly) until the mixture has thickened (approximately 5-10 minutes).
  • Season with the salt and pepper and serve warm.
  • Pour over your turkey and your favorite sides and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

The gravy may thicken some as it sits. 
Warming the gravy backup will help to thin it out and you can also stir in more drippings or broth if needed.  
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 151kcal, Carbohydrates 10g, Protein 2g, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0.5g, Cholesterol 34mg, Sodium 1147mg, Potassium 170mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 5462IU, Vitamin C 3mg, Calcium 27mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 1 vote

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  1. Casey says:

    5 stars
    This is my favorite way to make Turkey Gravy!