Try This Simple Keto Turkey Gravy Recipe Everyone Will Love This Season
What Do I Need to Make Keto Turkey Gravy?
🧑🍳 To make keto turkey gravy, you’ll need turkey drippings or broth, a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum, and butter or cream for richness. These ingredients help create a smooth, flavorful gravy without using flour or cornstarch. It’s the perfect way to keep your holiday meal keto-friendly and satisfying.
Did you think rich, thick gravy was off-limits on a low-carb diet? Think again! Our keto turkey gravy is here to make your holiday menu complete. This recipe is flavorful, incredibly tasty, and the perfect addition to your roasted turkey, chicken, or mashed cauliflower.
This keto turkey gravy is a holiday essential, offering a delicious low-carb option for your Thanksgiving dinner. Made with flavorful turkey drippings, it delivers a rich, savory taste without the use of flour or cornstarch, utilizing xanthan gum as a thickener instead.
With only 1.7g net carbs per serving, it seamlessly fits into a keto lifestyle and can be prepared with or without pan drippings. Naturally gluten-free and incredibly simple to make, this easy gravy recipe is perfect for your festive feast.
Now you can join in on the fun without missing out! This easy, guilt-free gravy recipe lets everyone enjoy that classic comfort, all while keeping the carbs in check. Dig in and savor the flavor together!
Table of Contents
- Essential Ingredients for Keto Turkey Gravy
- How to Make Keto Turkey Gravy
- Cooking Tips for the Perfect Keto Turkey Gravy
- Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Side Dishes for Your Keto Thanksgiving
- Preparing Keto Turkey Gravy Ahead of Time
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Essential Ingredients for Keto Turkey Gravy
To create the best homemade keto turkey gravy, you only need a few simple ingredients. The foundation of this gravy recipe is the flavorful pan drippings from your roasted turkey. These drippings capture all the savory goodness from the bird and the roasted vegetables.
You will also need turkey or chicken broth, a dry red or white wine for depth, and seasonings like salt and black pepper. To thicken it all without carbs, this recipe relies on a special keto-friendly ingredient, not traditional almond flour.
Keto-Friendly Thickeners and Alternatives to Flour
Making a great keto turkey gravy without using flour is easier than you think. Traditional thickeners like flour and cornstarch are high in carbs and not suitable for a keto diet. The secret to a thick, smooth low-carb gravy is choosing the right thickening agent.
Your best options are xanthan gum or unflavored gelatin powder. Xanthan gum is a popular food additive that dissolves quickly in liquid, creating a stable, viscous solution. A very small amount is all you need to achieve that perfect gravy consistency. Gelatin also works well, creating a rich texture as the gravy cools.
While some recipes might suggest other low-carb flours, it’s best to avoid them for gravy. Xanthan gum is a powerful thickener; use a small amount, such as 1/2 teaspoon, since a little goes a long way. Unflavored gelatin powder is a natural thickener that adds body and richness.
Ground chia seeds are another alternative that helps thicken the gravy. However, you should avoid almond flour and coconut flour, as they will not dissolve properly and can make your gravy grainy.
How to Make Keto Turkey Gravy
Making this keto gravy is easy. Combine drippings, veggies, and turkey broth in a saucepan over medium heat, and simmer to concentrate flavors. Whisk in your thickener and blend until smooth.
Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients you will need:
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup turkey broth or pan drippings
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey broth and whisk until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, or liquid seasoning as desired.
Sprinkle in xanthan gum and whisk until blended. Simmer until the gravy thickens, then remove from the heat and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Keto Turkey Gravy
To create a truly exceptional keto gravy, attention to both ingredients and technique is essential. Start by utilizing the pan drippings from your roasted meat—these contain concentrated flavors and healthy fats that are ideal for a low-carb diet.
If you’re roasting vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, and garlic alongside your turkey or chicken, incorporate them into your gravy base. Their caramelization brings out natural sweetness and complexity without added sugars.
Start your gravy by deglazing the roasting pan with broth or water, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Pour this mixture into a saucepan, adding more broth if needed. Simmer over medium heat to reduce and blend the flavors.
To thicken keto gravy, skip flour and cornstarch. Use low-carb options like xanthan gum or glucomannan powder, adding a small pinch at a time while whisking to prevent clumps. Keto gravies thicken as they cool, so make the sauce slightly thinner when hot.
For more depth of flavor, consider finishing your gravy with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos (for gluten-free options), which add savory notes without extra carbs. Stirring in cold butter at the end not only enriches the mouthfeel but also lends a glossy sheen to your sauce.
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage can infuse an aromatic layer during simmering, but remove woody stems before serving. If you haven’t used fresh vegetables in your roast, enhance the gravy with garlic powder and onion powder for an instant boost.
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning; salt and pepper are essential for balanced flavor. With these tips, you’ll create a rich keto gravy—ideal for roasted meats or low-carb sides.
How to Prepare the Gravy Without Drippings
What if you want to make this gravy but don’t have any turkey drippings? No problem! It is absolutely possible to make a delicious keto turkey gravy without drippings. The key is to use a high-quality, flavorful liquid base.
Use rich bone broth instead of drippings—chicken or turkey stock offers more flavor and better texture than regular broth. These keto recipes rely on the broth’s depth to compensate for missing drippings.
The process remains simple. You’ll simmer the bone broth with your chosen seasonings, then thicken it as the recipe directs. Use chicken or turkey bone broth for the best flavor.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this free gravy recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment like a true keto chef! If you don’t have turkey broth, chicken or beef broth will work just as well, each adding a slightly different but delicious flavor profile. This makes the gravy a perfect companion for a beef or pork roast, too.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or some cream cheese at the end. These make the gravy more decadent. The base recipe is sugar-free, but you can customize it to your taste. Next, we’ll explore keeping your gravy both sugar-free and gluten-free.
Sugar-Free and Gluten-Free Options for Low-Carb Gravy
This recipe is designed to be a naturally sugar-free and gluten-free low-carb gravy. Unlike store-bought gravy mixes or traditional recipes, you won’t find any hidden sugars or flour here. This ensures your gravy is perfectly keto-friendly and safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
The key is to use a proper thickener. Xanthan gum is an excellent gluten-free choice that mimics the texture of flour-based gravies without the carbs. It’s important to avoid thickeners like almond flour, which can create a gritty texture instead of the smooth consistency you want in a good gravy.
To ensure your gravy is always keto-approved, always use a zero-carb thickener like xanthan gum or gelatin. Avoid store-bought broths with added sugars or starches, and stick to natural seasonings instead of pre-made mixes. Double-check labels on ingredients to make sure you are using a sugar-free version.
Side Dishes for Your Keto Thanksgiving
No keto Thanksgiving dinner is complete without an array of delicious side dishes to accompany your turkey and gravy. This gravy is the perfect finishing touch for a protein source like turkey, but it also elevates your favorite low-carb sides. Imagine pouring it over a fluffy pile of mashed cauliflower or a savory slice of keto stuffing.
From classics like green bean casserole to a tangy, sugar-free cranberry sauce, your holiday table can be full of flavor without the carbs. Here are some fantastic keto-friendly dishes that pair wonderfully with this turkey gravy.
Mashed cauliflower is a creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that’s perfect for soaking up gravy. Keto stuffing offers a savory, grain-free option made with keto bread or vegetables.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy and flavorful, making them a great match for the richness of the gravy. Green bean casserole, a classic holiday dish, can be made keto with a homemade creamy mushroom sauce. Lastly, sugar-free cranberry sauce provides a bright, tangy contrast to the savory turkey and gravy.
Preparing Keto Turkey Gravy Ahead of Time
Want to make your holiday cooking less stressful? You can prepare this keto turkey gravy recipe ahead of time. Making it a day or two before the big meal frees up valuable time and stovetop space when you need it most.
Simply prepare the gravy as directed, allow it to cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator. When it’s cold, the gravy will thicken and may even gel, but don’t worry. It will return to a perfect, pourable consistency once reheated.
Storing, Reheating, and Shelf Life Tips
Store cooled keto gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to five days, perfect for enjoying turkey dinner leftovers.
For long-term storage, this gravy freezes well. Freeze it in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This lets you use single portions as needed. The gravy keeps for up to three months.
To reheat refrigerated gravy, warm it on the stove over low-medium heat, whisking until smooth. For frozen gravy, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat on the stove. If too thick, add broth or water. Use an immersion blender for extra smoothness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Thickener Works Best for Keto Turkey Gravy?
For a smooth and rich keto gravy, the best thickening agent is either xanthan gum or unflavored gelatin powder. Start with a tiny amount and adjust as needed. It’s best to avoid using almond flour or coconut flour as a thickener, as they don’t dissolve well and can leave your gravy with a gritty texture.
How long can Keto Turkey Gravy be Stored in the Fridge?
When it comes to storing your low-carb keto gravy, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Its shelf life is similar to that of traditional gravy. For longer storage, you can also freeze it for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
Making keto turkey gravy is simple and enhances your Thanksgiving meal. With a few ingredients, you can prepare a creamy, flavorful sauce that fits your low-carb lifestyle. Try different thickeners to suit your diet.
For keto turkey gravy, use pan drippings and thicken with xanthan gum or coconut flour instead of flour or cornstarch to keep it low-carb. Add heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk for creaminess, and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for extra flavor and aroma.
Keto turkey gravy is easily adapted for guests with dietary needs, such as gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Homemade keto gravy not only enhances the main course but also pairs well with sides. Making it from scratch lets you control quality and nutrition while delivering comforting, festive flavor.
Perfecting your keto turkey gravy each year transforms it into a beloved holiday tradition. Enjoy delicious food and time with loved ones!