Homemade Costco Turkey Gravy Recipe

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When it comes to preparing for the holiday season, there’s one thing we can all agree on: the gravy can make or break your Thanksgiving meal. For years, I’ve struggled to find that perfect combination of rich flavor and silky texture—until I discovered Costco Turkey Gravy.

How to make Costco Turkey Gravy

Costco Turkey Gravy is a ready-made, heat-and-serve turkey gravy sold seasonally at Costco, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ingredients

• 1 cup turkey drippings (or turkey stock, if you don’t have drippings)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup turkey or chicken fat (skimmed from drippings or melted butter as a substitute)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free equivalent like rice flour)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream for richness
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or powdered)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for a zesty kick
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage (finely chopped) for a classic holiday herb flavor
• 1/4 cup diced cooked turkey meat (optional, to add a hearty twist)

Instructions

1. Prepare Turkey Drippings (or Broth): If you’re roasting a turkey, strain the drippings from your roasting pan into a measuring cup. Separate the fat from the drippings by skimming the top layer or using a fat separator. If you aren’t using drippings, substitute with turkey stock and butter.
2. Make the Roux (Gravy Base): Heat the turkey fat (or butter) in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor—this forms the base of all great gravies!
3. Add Liquid Gradually: Slowly pour in the turkey drippings and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Season and Customize: Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. For extra richness and creaminess, stir in the heavy cream. If you’re feeling creative, add Worcestershire sauce, sage, or diced turkey meat for extra depth and texture.
5. Simmer for Perfectly Thickened Gravy: Cook the gravy over medium-low heat, stirring frequently for about 10–12 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. If the gravy feels too thick, stir in extra turkey stock or chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time.
6. Taste and Adjust: Don’t forget to taste your gravy! Adjust the seasoning or add a pinch of herbs to make it perfect.
7. Serve: Transfer your homemade gravy to a serving dish and enjoy it over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or anything your holiday heart desires.

Tips for Perfect Costco Turkey Gravy

• Use High-Quality Stock or Drippings: The flavor of your gravy depends on the base liquid, so opt for high-quality homemade turkey drippings or a rich store-bought stock. For the closest taste to Costco’s version, try blending chicken broth with turkey broth for a balance of flavors.
• Don’t Skip the Roux: Whisking flour into fat to create a roux is the foundation for smooth and velvety gravy. Take your time to cook the flour properly—it prevents grainy textures and adds depth.
• Add Aromatics: Giving your gravy a layer of flavor with garlic, thyme, or sage can elevate its taste to mimic the herbaceous profile of Costco’s gravy.
• Heavy Cream for Richness: While not essential, a splash of heavy cream ensures your gravy has that silky, luxurious consistency.
• Prepare Ahead: You can make your gravy a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water if it feels too thick.
• Batch for Large Gatherings: Scale up the recipe to accommodate a big family feast. Just double or triple the quantities while keeping the ratio consistent.

What to serve with

Costco Turkey Gravy is the ultimate comfort food addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Its rich, savory flavor makes it incredibly versatile, complementing everything from the classic turkey to mashed potatoes and beyond.

1. Classic Roasted Turkey

A turkey dinner is incomplete without gravy, and Costco Turkey Gravy is the perfect companion.

Why it works: The gravy enhances the natural richness of roasted turkey, tying together all its juices and the herbal seasoning from the meat. Whether you’re using Costco’s pre-cooked turkey or roasting your own bird, drizzling this gravy over sliced meat takes it to the next level.

Pro tip: Slather the gravy over the turkey AND stuffing to provide bold flavor and moist texture.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate vessel for turkey gravy.

Why it works: Gravy is practically designed to nestle into fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a rich and satisfying side dish that guests will devour.

Pro tip: Prepare mashed potatoes with butter and heavy cream for extra richness, ensuring they were created to hold onto every ounce of that flavorful gravy.

3. Stuffing (or Dressing)

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, it’s a holiday classic that deserves a generous drizzle of gravy.

Why it works: Stuffing absorbs the gravy well, adding moisture and depth of flavor to the bread cubes and herbs in this dish.

Pro tip: Consider pairing Costco Turkey Gravy with herbaceous stuffing or one filled with sausage, as the rich gravy will enhance the individual ingredients beautifully.

Ingredients Substitutes

Costco Turkey Gravy is known for its rich, savory, and well-balanced flavor. However, you may not always have all the traditional ingredients on hand—or you may have dietary restrictions that require substitutes.

1. Turkey Drippings

Original Ingredient: Turkey drippings are the flavorful liquid that comes from roasted turkey—usually a mix of melted fat and drippings. They form the base for an authentic gravy.

Substitutes:

• Chicken Stock or Turkey Broth: Use store-bought or homemade stock/broth if you don’t have drippings. Look for low-sodium options if you plan to heavily season your gravy.
• Vegetable Stock: For a vegetarian version, use a hearty vegetable broth flavored with onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
• Bouillon Cubes or Paste: Dissolve turkey-flavored or chicken-flavored bouillon cubes/paste in hot water for a concentrated substitute.
• Butter and Water Combination: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter into 1 cup of water for a drippings substitute with mild fat content.

2. Turkey Fat or Butter

Original Ingredient: Turkey fat skimmed from drippings is often used to create the roux, but butter is the most common alternative in homemade versions.

Substitutes:

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy substitute for butter or fat, though it imparts a slightly different flavor.
• Ghee: Clarified butter works beautifully for a richer and nuttier flavor profile.
• Vegetable Shortening: For an equally buttery texture without dairy.
• Plant-Based Butters: Ideal for vegan/vegetarian substitutes, such as Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Vegan Butter.

3. All-Purpose Flour

Original Ingredient: All-purpose flour is essential for thickening gravy via a roux made with fat.

Substitutes:

• Cornstarch: Use 2 teaspoons of cornstarch for every 1 tablespoon of flour. Dissolve it in cold broth or water before adding it to prevent clumps.
• Arrowroot Powder: Ideal for gluten-free diets, arrowroot provides a silky texture without altering the taste.
• Potato Starch: This works similarly to cornstarch and is excellent for gluten-free gravies.
• Rice Flour: A great gluten-free flour alternative; it works perfectly to thicken without compromising consistency.

4. Chicken Broth

Original Ingredient: Chicken broth is commonly added along with turkey drippings to stretch the gravy and deepen its flavor.

Substitutes:

• Turkey Broth: This is ideal for mimicking Costco’s turkey-forward gravy flavor over chicken.
• Vegetable Broth: Perfect for vegetarians or those seeking lighter alternatives. Pick a robust veggie broth that includes onions, garlic, and herbs.
• Beef Broth: While richer and darker, beef broth adds robust depth for a non-traditional twist.
• Bone Broth: Chicken or turkey bone broth naturally adds body and richness due to its collagen content.

5. Heavy Cream

Original Ingredient: Heavy cream gives Costco Turkey Gravy its signature silky texture and rich mouthfeel.

Substitutes:

• Whole Milk: Slightly thinner than heavy cream, but still adds creaminess to gravy.
• Half-and-Half: A simple, lighter option without losing much richness.
• Coconut Milk: Perfect for dairy-free or vegan diets; choose unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk.
• Cashew Cream: Soaked and blended cashews with water mimic cream beautifully for vegan adaptations.
• Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for tangy creaminess; thin it slightly with water before adding.

Final Thoughts

Costco Turkey Gravy is versatile enough to go with traditional Thanksgiving classics, healthier vegetable sides, or even global twists like poutine and noodle dishes.

More Costco Recipes:

• Homemade Costco Cranberry Sauce Recipe
• Copycat Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Copycat Costco Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe