Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) is made entirely from scratch, without needing drippings from roasted meat. It’s the ideal solution for making smooth, flavorful gravy to enhance your Thanksgiving dinner, Sunday roast, or a weeknight meal. Whether poured over mashed potatoes, turkey, or your favorite side dish, this gravy is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like butter, flour, and broth.
Quick to Prepare: Takes just 10-15 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable: Adjust the flavors and thickness to suit your taste.
Perfect Anytime: No need for drippings, making it ideal for vegetarian dishes or any occasion.
Delicious Results: Smooth, rich, and packed with flavor every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Make a Roux:
I start by melting the butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Once it’s melted, I whisk in the flour, creating a smooth paste called a roux. Cooking this for 1-2 minutes removes the raw flour taste and gives the gravy a richer flavor.
Add the Broth:
Next, I slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. It takes about 3-5 minutes of whisking for the mixture to thicken to the perfect consistency.
Season the Gravy:
Once the gravy starts to thicken, I stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Cooking it for another 2-3 minutes ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
Adjust Consistency:
If the gravy feels too thick, I simply add a bit more broth or water to thin it out. For a thicker texture, I let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
Serve:
Before serving, I taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once it’s ready, I pour it over mashed potatoes, turkey, or any dish I’m serving. It’s always a hit!
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes about 2 cups of gravy, enough for 4-6 servings.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for an earthy flavor.
Rich Flavor: Substitute chicken broth with beef broth for a deeper, savory taste.
Pan Drippings: If drippings are available, replace butter with the drippings for enhanced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, I pour the cooled gravy into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheating is simple: I warm it over low heat on the stovetop, whisking occasionally, and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. For freezing, I recommend portioning it into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
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FAQs
How do I make the gravy lump-free?
Whisking constantly while adding the broth and cooking the roux ensures a smooth gravy. If lumps appear, I strain the gravy before serving.
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes, this gravy can be made a day or two in advance and reheated. I just add a little broth or water when reheating to maintain the consistency.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can use margarine, ghee, or even pan drippings from cooked meat for the fat base.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly.
How do I fix gravy that’s too salty?
If it’s too salty, I stir in a bit of unsalted broth or water to dilute the flavor. Adding a small peeled potato to the gravy while cooking can also absorb excess salt.
Conclusion
This easy homemade gravy recipe is a game-changer for those times when drippings aren’t available. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a simple weeknight dinner, this gravy always delivers. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings)
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (4-6 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whip up smooth, flavorful gravy from scratch without needing drippings! Perfect for Thanksgiving, Sunday roasts, or weeknight meals, this easy recipe is made with simple pantry staples and ready in just 12 minutes. Adjust it to your taste and enjoy rich, delicious gravy every time.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make a Roux
Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes. - Add the Broth
Gradually pour in broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened. - Season the Gravy
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes. - Adjust Consistency
Add more broth or water for thinner gravy; simmer longer for a thicker texture. - Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving over mashed potatoes, turkey, or other dishes.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with added broth or water as needed.
Customizations: Use vegetable broth for vegetarian gravy or pan drippings for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 cups (4-6 servings)
