If you’ve ever wished for a simple way to elevate your weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, then you are in for a treat with this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe. It’s the kind of gravy that brings warmth to the table, marrying rich butteriness with savory broth in a smooth, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to mashed potatoes, roasted meats, and stuffing. Whether you’re working with pan drippings or opting for a straightforward broth base, this recipe promises comfort in every spoonful and can be whipped up in under 15 minutes without any fuss. Let me show you just how rewarding making your own gravy from scratch can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients that many cooks already have on hand. Each one plays a critical role: the butter creates that velvety richness, the flour thickens with just the right texture, and the broth builds deep, savory flavor. Optional seasonings like garlic and onion powders add an inviting aroma and delicious complexity while pan drippings deepen the taste if you have them.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for a creamy base and helps achieve a beautiful golden roux without added saltiness.
- All-purpose flour: Thanks to its thickening power, it transforms simple liquids into a glossy gravy.
- Beef, chicken, or turkey broth (warm): The heart of your gravy’s flavor, choose based on what you’re serving.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste—these seasonings bring balance and highlight every ingredient’s best qualities.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds subtle warmth and depth without overwhelming the base flavor.
- Onion powder (optional): Sprinkles in a mild sweetness and complements garlic beautifully.
- Pan drippings (optional): For an indulgent, rich taste straight from your roasted meat, if you have them.
How to Make Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Create the Roux
Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Keep stirring continuously for about 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes a light golden color and releases a warm, nutty aroma. This roux is the secret foundation of your gravy’s silky texture and helps prevent lumps when you add the broth.
Step 2: Incorporate the Broth
Slowly pour in your warm broth while whisking steadily to combine everything smoothly. This gradual mixing prevents any clumps from forming, giving you that perfect gravy consistency. Warm broth is key here—it helps everything blend without cooling down the roux and causing thickening issues.
Step 3: Season with Love
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings awaken the natural flavors in the gravy. Keep stirring gently as the sauce simmers for about 4 to 6 minutes, allowing it to thicken to a luscious coat-your-spoon texture.
Step 4: Enhance with Pan Drippings (Optional)
If you have pan drippings from roasted meat, stir them in at this stage for an even more robust flavor. The drippings add a wonderful depth and savory complexity that transforms your gravy into something truly special, perfect for holiday dinners or when you want to impress without extra work.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe even more inviting, garnish with fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or thyme leaves. Not only does this add a vibrant pop of green, but it also complements the rich flavors beautifully, giving your gravy a fresh and polished finish.
Side Dishes
This gravy shines best served over classic comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted meats such as turkey or beef, and buttery stuffing. It also works brilliantly drizzled over cooked vegetables or even savory pies, bringing moisture and flavor to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl and try serving this gravy in small warm gravy boats at the table for that elegant touch. Or, elevate individual plates by spooning the hot gravy artistically over your dish’s centerpiece. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact, showing off your culinary care and expertise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover gravy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining its lovely flavors and smooth texture. Before sealing, make sure the gravy has cooled to room temperature to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe by placing it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion. Frozen gravy lasts up to 2 months and is perfect for prepping meals in advance.
Reheating
When ready to serve again, gently reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, add a splash of warm broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain that velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch mixed with cold water (2 tablespoons cornstarch to 2 tablespoons water). Add this slurry into the simmering broth and whisk until thickened for a gluten-free gravy that’s just as delicious.
What type of broth works best for this gravy?
It depends on what you’re serving. Beef broth offers a strong, hearty flavor, chicken broth creates a lighter profile, and turkey broth is classic for Thanksgiving-style meals. Each brings its own character, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
Can I skip the pan drippings?
Yes, pan drippings are an optional boost of flavor but the gravy is delicious and satisfying without them. Using good-quality broth and fresh seasonings will still give you an excellent end result.
How thick should the gravy be?
The ideal consistency is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a little extra warm broth or water. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer, stirring occasionally.
Is it possible to make this gravy ahead for a big meal?
Definitely! This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Just reheat gently before serving, and add a splash of warm broth to refresh its luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
Making gravy from scratch with this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe is such a rewarding experience that you’ll wonder why you ever settled for the canned stuff. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly comforting—the perfect companion to your family meals or special occasions. Give it a try, and I promise it will become your go-to gravy that everyone asks for again and again.
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Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy homemade gravy recipe is a classic and versatile sauce perfect for enhancing the flavor of mashed potatoes, meats, and stuffing. Made with butter, flour, and broth, it features optional seasonings and pan drippings for an extra depth of flavor. The method is simple and quick, ideal for any meal needing a delicious, savory finishing touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef, chicken, or turkey broth (warm)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Pan drippings (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Melting the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquefied.
- Making the Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light golden and emits a slightly nutty aroma, indicating that the raw flour taste has cooked out.
- Add Warm Broth: Slowly pour the warm broth into the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Seasoning: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste, mixing well into the gravy.
- Thickening the Gravy: Continue to cook and whisk constantly for about 4–6 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Incorporate Pan Drippings: If using pan drippings, stir them in after the gravy has thickened to enrich flavor.
- Final Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the gravy and adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot over your favorite dishes.
Notes
- For a richer and more flavorful gravy, use pan drippings from roasted meats instead of or in addition to butter.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour with 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then add this mixture to the simmering broth.
