Gravy is the one sauce everybody reaches for at Thanksgiving. This no-added-sugar turkey gravy is silky, savory and flour-free: soft golden onions are blended right into turkey stock, and a tiny pinch of xanthan gum gives it a pourable, glossy body.
There is no flour, no cornstarch and no added sugar. Each ¼-cup serving has about 26 calories and just 1g net carbs.
It takes about 30 minutes and does not need pan drippings, so you can make it ahead of the big day.
Why You’ll Love This No-Added-Sugar Turkey Gravy
- Flour-free. Blended onions and a pinch of xanthan thicken it.
- No added sugar. Just check that the turkey stock has no honey or sugar.
- No drippings needed. Make it before the turkey is even in the oven.
- 26 calories per ¼ cup. With 1g net carbs.
Ingredient Notes
Turkey stock. Two cups of Kitchen Basics Original Turkey Stock. Some stocks contain honey or sugar, so read the label before you buy.
Onion and garlic. A third of a cup of finely diced onion cooked slowly in butter until golden, plus 2 garlic cloves. Blending the onion is what gives this no-added-sugar turkey gravy its body without flour.
Butter, cream and thyme. A tablespoon of Land O Lakes butter, a tablespoon of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme and black pepper round out the flavor.
Xanthan gum. Just ¼ teaspoon of Bob’s Red Mill xanthan gum, mixed into melted butter first so it disperses without lumps. Measure carefully; too much makes gravy gummy.
If you want to check the nutrition of staples like onions and butter yourself, you can look them up on USDA FoodData Central. The nutrition is estimated from ingredient labels.
How to Make No-Added-Sugar Turkey Gravy
You need a 2-quart saucepan, an immersion blender, a whisk, a heatproof measuring jug, a small bowl and a 2-cup gravy boat. Prep takes about 10 minutes and the gravy cooks for 20 to 25 minutes. The recipe makes 2 cups, eight ¼-cup servings.
Cook the onions
Step 1. Reserve 3g of butter for the xanthan. Melt the remaining 11g of butter in the saucepan over medium-low heat.
Step 2. Add the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until soft and golden, stirring frequently.
Step 3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Simmer and blend
Step 4. Pour in the turkey stock, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, until the onion is very soft.
Step 5. Remove from the heat and blend with an immersion blender, keeping the head submerged, until completely smooth.
Step 6. Stir in the cream, thyme and pepper. Measure the volume and add hot water to reach 2 cups, or simmer briefly if above 2 cups.
Thicken
Step 7. Melt the reserved 3g of butter and gradually mix in the xanthan until dispersed. Immediately drizzle it into the warm gravy while whisking continuously.
Step 8. Cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, then rest for 3 minutes until silky, lightly thickened and pourable.
Step 9. Transfer the no-added-sugar turkey gravy to a gravy boat and serve in eight ¼-cup portions.
Success Tips for No-Added-Sugar Turkey Gravy
Check the stock label. Choose a stock with no honey, sugar or added sweeteners.
Brown the onions slowly. Golden onions add natural depth and color.
Disperse the xanthan in butter. Sprinkling it straight into liquid makes lumps.
Adjust to exactly 2 cups. This keeps the thickness and the nutrition per serving accurate.
Serving Ideas
Pour it over roast turkey or chicken, cauliflower mash or meatballs. It is a must on the Thanksgiving and Christmas table next to your favorite sides.
More No-Added-Sugar Holiday Sides
Serve it with my no-added-sugar green bean casserole and the no-added-sugar sweet potato pecan casserole.
And for a cozy dinner, it is delicious with the no-added-sugar meatballs.
Storage
Refrigerate the no-added-sugar turkey gravy covered for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking, and add a splash of hot water if it thickens.
No-Added-Sugar Turkey Gravy FAQ
Does store-bought stock have added sugar?
Some do. Many turkey and chicken stocks contain honey, sugar or dextrose, so always read the ingredients.
Can I use pan drippings?
Yes. Replace part of the butter with skimmed turkey drippings for even richer flavor.
Can I make it without xanthan gum?
Yes. The blended onions thicken it a little on their own; simmer it a few minutes longer to reduce.
How many servings does this no-added-sugar turkey gravy make?
The recipe makes 2 cups, or eight ¼-cup servings of about 26 calories each.
Is this gravy gluten-free?
It uses no flour. Check that your turkey stock is labeled gluten-free if that matters to you.
Silky, savory and ready in 30 minutes, this no-added-sugar turkey gravy makes every holiday plate better.
No-Added-Sugar Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Reserve 3g butter for xanthan. Melt remaining 11g butter in saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add onion. Cook 6–8 minutes until soft and golden, stirring frequently.
- Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
- Pour in turkey stock, scraping up browned bits. Simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes until onion is very soft.
- Remove from heat. Blend with immersion blender, keeping the head submerged, until completely smooth.
- Stir in cream, thyme, and pepper. Measure volume; add hot water to reach 2 cups, or simmer briefly if above 2 cups.
- Melt reserved 3g butter. Gradually mix in xanthan until dispersed. Immediately drizzle into warm gravy while whisking continuously.
- Cook over low heat 1–2 minutes. Rest 3 minutes until silky, lightly thickened, and pourable.
- Transfer to gravy boat. Serve eight ¼-cup portions.
Notes
- Check stock ingredients for honey or added sugar.
- Blend onions for naturally smooth gravy.
- Measure xanthan carefully to avoid gumminess.
- Adjust final yield to exactly 2 cups.
- Refrigerate covered up to 3 days; reheat gently.