This gravy is quite simple to do in that it is made the same way you make traditional turkey gravy. One extra step is added when making the turkey that sets this amazing gravy recipe apart!

I will show you in detail how to make a Bacon Turkey here, and just in case you like gravy over Skins-On Mashed Potatoes, I’ve got that recipe for you too!

Turkey covered in Bacon preparing for bacon turkey gravy
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What is Bacon Turkey Gravy?

Simply put it is preparing a turkey with a bacon lattice over top and then roasting the turkey as you normally would. (Full recipe here) What happens while that turkey is roasting is a magical thing. Not only do all the beautiful turkey juices find their way to the bottom of the pan, but the bacon juices do too! The combination of bacon fat + turkey fat is one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to gravy. One friend tried this recipe at a Friendsgiving and proclaimed that it was the only way she would ever make turkey again!

How to Make Bacon Turkey Gravy

Once you have made the turkey with the bacon lattice on top, preparing the actual gravy is quite easy. You will use the juices from the pan in the same way you would prepare the traditional gravy.

Pouring Bacon Turkey Gravy

To Make the Gravy

While the turkey is resting, remove the juices from the bottom of the pan and set aside.

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and melt.

To the butter add the flour and whisk well, creating a roux, or paste.

Gradually pour the bacon turkey drippings into the roux and whisk vigorously. Add in the salt and pepper, whisk again, and then simmer over medium-low to medium heat until the gravy is thickened.

Spoonful of Bacon Turkey Gravy

Quick Method for Bacon Turkey Gravy

โžก๏ธ One way to get this amazing flavor is to use bacon fat to baste the turkey!

We often save bacon fat after baking (I bake my bacon on a sheet pan lined with foil and when it is done remove the bacon and pour the drippings into a mason jar. Seal and store until ready to use!) so this is an easy option for us. If you want to baste your turkey with bacon fat you can prepare 1-2 pounds of bacon beforehand and just save the fat. Store until you are ready to make the turkey, then baste with the bacon fat every 30 minutes until the turkey is done. Easy!

Bacon Turkey Gravy Poured on Turkey

How to Thicken Gravy Without Flour (Gluten-Free Gravy)

Just in case you want to make a gluten-free gravy, here is an option. Cornstarch! When using cornstarch just remember this simple ratio: 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per 1 cup of liquid. We had approximately 2 cups of liquid from the bacon turkey so I used 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk it with the butter just as you normally would and voila, you have the perfect gluten-free bacon gravy!

This bacon turkey gravy goes amazing on turkey, mashed potatoes, and vegetables… I even like to dip my Easy Dinner Rolls into it. If you make this bacon gravy, folks will be begging you for the recipe! 

How to Store Gravy

Transfer the gravy to a freezer-safe container. Seal the container tightly, but make sure there is enough space for the gravy to expand. Label the container with the date and place it in the freezer. You can also place it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Gravy can be stored in the freezer for up to four months.
To thaw, move the gravy into the refrigerator overnight. Serve the gravy as a sauce, a dip, or however the recipe calls for it.

5 from 1 vote

Bacon Gravy

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Saving the drippings from a bacon covered turkey is a fantastic way to make gravy! You can always baste the turkey with bacon fat for a quicker option! ๐Ÿ™‚

Ingredients

  • 2 cups bacon and turkey drippings, fat strained out (add turkey stock if more is needed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in flour to create a paste, cook 1 additional minute.
  • Gradually pour in bacon turkey drippings.
  • Whisk in salt and pepper.
  • Simmer over medium heat until gravy is thickened. Serve hot.

Notes

See above for the “QUICK” method.

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion โ€“ With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Reader Comments

  1. I may have to do that the next time my bacon-hating hubby is out of town. I bet you could do that with roast chicken too! Oh man!

  2. Oh mama! That sounds so delicious! I know my husband would just be in heaven if I did that!!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family!

    xo

  3. My mom always did that, and ours was always the finest gravy on the block. There isn’t too much that isn’t improved with a bit of bacon fat! Brava!

  4. Yum, yum, yum! We keep a mason jar of bacon grease in the fridge. It’s so much easier to fry bacon if you have some grease to start it in.

  5. My mother-in-law always covered the turkey in bacon and then removed the bacon when it was cooked to allow the bird to get golden. The drippings from the turkey contained bacon grease and were used to make up the gravy – sherry was added to the gravy and to the cook. LOL delicious and everyone wanted a piece of the turkey basted bacon too – yum!!!

  6. I’ve combined chicken and bacon before but would love to try turkey and chicken. Sounds like a great combo.

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