If there’s one secret weapon every home cook should have up their sleeve, it’s this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of hands-on time, you can whip up a gloriously silky, savory sauce that brings roasted meats, mashed potatoes, and stuffing to life. This gravy delivers the kind of cozy, nostalgic comfort that turns a simple meal into something memorable—no special equipment, no fuss, and absolutely no store-bought packets required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: you only need a few everyday ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. From the richness of butter to the flavor-boosting magic of broth and optional drippings, every component helps create a luscious, pourable gravy you’ll want to make again and again.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup): The backbone of your roux, butter brings richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the gravy.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Essential for thickening, flour creates that classic, smooth gravy texture we all crave.
- Beef, Chicken, or Turkey Broth (2 cups, warm): Your choice here determines the flavor direction—pick what complements your meal best.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): These simple seasonings let you fine-tune the savory notes and balance of your gravy.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds subtle warmth and depth—feel free to skip or use more, depending on your taste.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Lends a gentle sweetness and complexity that rounds out the flavors.
- Pan Drippings (optional): If you have them, stir in for a boost of roasted, meaty flavor—it’s the secret to truly unforgettable gravy.
How to Make Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Begin by placing a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan if needed to ensure even melting. The butter should be foamy but not browning yet—this sets the stage for a silky gravy.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and immediately start whisking. Cook this mixture, whisking constantly, for about 1 to 2 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color and a gentle, nutty aroma. This quick toasting step takes away any raw flour taste and gives your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe that signature, toasty depth.
Step 3: Whisk in the Broth
Slowly pour in the warm broth while whisking non-stop—this prevents lumps and helps the roux blend smoothly into the liquid. It’s a great moment to use a flexible whisk if you have one, making sure to get into all the corners of the pan. The mixture should look smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Season and Thicken
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Keep cooking and stirring the gravy over medium heat until it thickens to your liking, usually about 4 to 6 minutes. The Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
Step 5: Stir In Pan Drippings (Optional)
If you have pan drippings from roasted meat, stir them in now for a blast of savory, meaty flavor. Taste the gravy and adjust seasonings as needed—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper is all it takes to perfect the flavor.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs—like parsley, thyme, or chives—adds a burst of color and freshness right before serving. For a rustic twist, a dusting of cracked black pepper or even a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate both the look and taste of your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe.
Side Dishes
This gravy is a classic partner for fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, juicy chicken, or tender beef. It’s equally at home drizzled over stuffing, roasted vegetables, or even a slice of savory meatloaf. Basically, if you can imagine it smothered in gravy, this recipe works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe in a classic gravy boat for a timeless touch, or try small individual pitchers at each setting for an elegant dinner party vibe. For a cozy family meal, ladle it straight from the saucepan at the table—just be ready for requests for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover gravy can be cooled to room temperature, then transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy with meals throughout the week.
Freezing
Gravy freezes surprisingly well! Pour cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the gravy into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently. If the Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe has thickened too much, whisk in a splash of broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use drippings from any roasted meat?
Yes, drippings from roasted beef, chicken, or turkey all bring unique depth and richness to the Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe. Just strain them first to remove any solids for the smoothest texture.
Is it possible to make this gravy gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisk that slurry into simmering broth. You’ll still get that perfect thickness and shine.
What if my gravy turns out lumpy?
Don’t worry—a quick blitz with an immersion blender or a vigorous whisking usually smooths things out. Next time, add the broth slowly and whisk constantly for best results.
Can I make Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the gravy as directed, then cool and store as described above. Just reheat gently and whisk in a bit more broth if it’s thickened up too much.
How do I adjust the flavor if my gravy tastes bland?
A pinch more salt, a dash of black pepper, or a splash of extra pan drippings can work wonders. You can also add a touch more garlic or onion powder to deepen the flavor to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Once you give this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe a try, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for a store-bought version. It’s simple, deeply flavorful, and ready in minutes—perfect for adding a homemade touch to any meal. Gather your ingredients and give it a go; your next dinner deserves that extra spoonful of comfort!
Print
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe offers a simple and versatile way to make flavorful gravy from scratch using basic ingredients like butter, flour, and broth. Perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or stuffing, it can be easily customized with optional garlic and onion powders or enriched with pan drippings for a deeper taste. A gluten-free variation using cornstarch makes it accessible for special diets.
Ingredients
Basic 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
Optional Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Optional Additions
- Pan drippings (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Cook Flour: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes a light golden color and emits a slightly nutty aroma.
- Incorporate Broth Gradually: Slowly pour in the warm broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth gravy base.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper according to your taste preferences for additional depth of flavor.
- Simmer and Thicken: Continue cooking the mixture while stirring constantly for about 4–6 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Enhance with Pan Drippings: If using pan drippings, stir them in after the gravy has thickened to enrich the flavor further.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, meats, or stuffing for a comforting addition to your meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use drippings from roasted meat in place of or in addition to the butter.
- You can use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free version—mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and add it to simmering broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
