Skip to main content

3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Gravy

This simple dairy-free turkey gravy is the ultimate finishing touch for your festive roast. By reducing a high-quality stock and creating a deep, coppery roux, you can achieve a rich and silky texture without the need for butter or cream. The addition of dry white wine provides a sophisticated acidity that cuts through the savoury notes of the roasted bird and traditional trimmings.

Perfect for a stress-free Christmas or Sunday lunch, this versatile recipe can be prepared up to three days in advance. Making your gravy ahead of time allows you more space in the kitchen on the big day, leaving you to simply reheat and whisk in any extra pan juices for an even deeper depth of flavour.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Gravy

  • 1450ml turkey or chicken stock, preferably homemade

  • 40g plain flour

  • 80ml rendered turkey fat or olive oil

  • 160ml dry white wine

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper

How to make 3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Gravy

Bring stock to a boil in a medium pot; continue to boil until reduced slightly, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook flour and fat in a large skillet over medium heat, whisking constantly, until roux has a coppery brown hue, about 5 minutes. Whisk in wine and bring to a boil; cook, whisking constantly, until mixture no longer smells like alcohol, about 2 minutes. Gradually ladle in hot stock, whisking after each addition. Continue to boil, whisking occasionally, until gravy coats the back of a spoon, 20–25 minutes (if gravy gets too thick, whisk in a bit of water or pan juices until it reaches the desired consistency). Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Gravy can be made 3 days ahead; transfer to an airtight container and chill. Heat in a small pot over medium, whisking constantly and adding warm water or pan juices 1 tablespoon at a time if needed, until smooth.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.