Add the ½ cup salted butter to a saucepan and melt over medium-low heat.
Once the butter is melted, stir in 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper with a wooden spoon.
Slowly incorporate the ½ cup all-purpose flour with a whisk and stir continuously. Whisk for about a minute or until the flour and butter are well combined.
Pour the 4 cups pan drippings into the saucepan in small batches as you whisk continuously.
Continue to stir the gravy with a wooden spoon over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches a thick liquid consistency.
Enjoy immediately or cover and cook on low heat until ready to serve.
Notes
Makes 10 (1/2 cup) servings.
It is important to continue to stir the gravy as it cooks to avoid buildup at the bottom of the saucepan.
Stir the gravy until it reaches your desired thickness (stir longer for a thicker consistency or shorter for a thinner consistency).
If using pan drippings, you may pass the drippings through a strainer and into a bowl to discard any giblets.