Ever stood at the stove wondering how Grandma made that rich, flavorful Gravy From Scratch? Good news! You don't need culinary magic or a secret heirloom whisk. Homemade gravy is easier than you think! With a little butter, flour, and broth, you can whip up a smooth, flavorful sauce that turns any meal into comfort food.
Whether you're topping mashed potatoes, turkey, or a Sunday roast, this simple gravy recipe is about to become your new kitchen staple.
Serve this over Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes, yum!
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Homemade gravy from scratch
There's just something about homemade gravy that feels like a warm hug on your plate. This recipe doesn't require fancy ingredients or endless stirring. You'll use everyday pantry staples: butter, flour, and stock to create a silky gravy that's packed with flavor. It's the kind of recipe every home cook should have up their sleeve, and once you try it, you'll never go back to the jarred stuff again!
Whether you're preparing a grand holiday feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this gravy is a perfect match for every dish on the table. Its rich, savory flavor pairs beautifully with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even a warm biscuit. Simple, quick, and undeniably delicious, this gravy is the ultimate finishing touch to your favorite comfort foods!
Ingredients you'll need
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card below.
Homemade Gravy from Scratch
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 whisk
- 1 Gravy Boat
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm chicken stock or pan drippings
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh herbs optional
- 2 to 3 tablespoons half and half or cream
- salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- When completely melted, whisk in the flour. Whisk until the flour and butter turn into a smooth paste and look medium blonde in color; about 2 minutes.
- Add the minced herbs and continue to whisk.
- Slowly pour in stock, whisking the entire time. Continue to whisk until thickened and smooth.
- Bring the gravy to a low bubble. As it simmers, it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from the heat then stir in the cream.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and black pepper.
Notes
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
The secret to a good gravy is to allow your roux to brown slightly before adding your remaining ingredients. The browned roux is where the gravy gets the best flavor.
Cornstarch will give your thanksgiving gravy a glossy shine while flour will give it more body. I like to use flour because I prefer the texture of gravy made with flour.
You can add some additional flavor to this traditional gravy by adding a splash of white wine.
Deb's tips for the perfect gravy
Use turkey drippings from the roasting pan - best gravy ever! Or use meat drippings from pot roast for beef gravy or the drippings from roast chicken for the best chicken gravy!
- If using pan drippings, be sure to strain them before using them to remove any solid bits that were stuck on the bottom of the pan.
- If you want a smooth gravy, be sure to whisk it well as it simmers.
- A fat separator is a must have when you're using pan juices so that you get the beautiful flavor from the thanksgiving turkey.
Creative variations to try
- Prefer vegetarian gravy? Just use vegetable stock or vegetable broth.
- Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for gluten-free gravy.
- You can also add a little bit of onion powder, bay leaf, and garlic powder to increase the flavor of this easy gravy recipe.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
Homemade gravy makes everything taste better! It's the finishing touch that brings a meal together-rich, savory, and full of flavor!
Spoon it generously over Roast Turkey for a classic holiday feast, or pour it over Crockpot Turkey and Stuffing or Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin for an easy weeknight dinner that feels extra special. And don't forget about Prime Rib-a drizzle of this silky gravy takes that tender, juicy beef to the next level of delicious.
Wrapping it up
Making gravy from scratch doesn't have to be complicated, just classic, cozy, and full of flavor! Once you try this recipe, you'll see why homemade gravy has been passed down through generations.
Every spoonful feels like a little kitchen victory and maybe even a nod to Grandma!
Nancy says
Can beef broth be substituted for chicken broth?
Bowl Me Over says
Great question, absolutely Nancy!