How to Make Gravy from Scratch

Have you ever wondered how to make gravy from scratch like your Grandma used to do? It's not as hard as you think! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious gravy that will impress your friends and family.

Serve this over Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes, yum!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe   
• Ingredients
• Instructions 
• Equipment
• FAQ's
• Things to know
• Variations
• Storage
• Related recipes
• Serve with
• Homemade Gravy from Scratch

Why you'll love this recipe   

✔️ Only takes 15 minutes to make and all of the ingredients are easy to find at the local grocery store.

✔️ Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

✔️ Goes great with any holiday meal or Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

• butter
• all-purpose flour
• warm chicken stock or pan drippings
• dried Italian herbs
• half and half or cream
• salt and fresh ground black pepper

Instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. 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 1 minute.
3. Slowly pour in stock, whisking the entire time. Continue to whisk until thickened and smooth.
4. Bring the gravy to a simmer. As it simmers, it thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Add the herbs and continue to whisk the gravy.
6. Remove from the heat then stir in the cream.
7. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and black pepper.

Equipment

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• large skillet
• whisk
• gravy boat

FAQ's

Things to know

• This gravy can be made with either chicken stock or pan drippings.
• 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.
• You can use any type of milk in this recipe, but I find that half and a half or cream work best.
• Make sure to add the liquid slowly to the roux so that it doesn't clump up.
• I like to use dried Italian herbs in this gravy, but you can really use any type of herb that you like.
• If you want a smooth gravy, be sure to whisk it well as it simmers.
• If you need to thicken this gravy more you can add a cornstarch slurry and simmer it until it reaches the perfect consistency.
• I like to use a fat separator when I am using pan juices so that I get the beautiful flavor from the thanksgiving turkey.
• Don't have stock on hand? You can use bouillon cubes instead if you prefer.

Variations

• If you don't have heavy cream on hand, you can use whole milk or even evaporated milk to make the gravy.
• Prefer vegetarian gravy? Just use vegetable stock or vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
• If you want to make a gluten-free gravy, use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour.
• You can make this gravy into any flavor that you enjoy by changing up your broth or stock. Use beef broth, chicken broth, or turkey broth for the perfect 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.
• Instead of dried herbs, you can also use fresh herbs but you will need less of the fresh herbs.

Storage

Refrigerate - This gravy is best served fresh, however, you can store leftover gravy in an airtight in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheat - I've found it's best to reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often. I like to add some additional broth or water to the gravy while I stir vigorously when reheating to prevent lumpy gravy.

Freezer - I do not recommend freezing this gravy.

Related recipes

• These Steamed Brussel Sprouts are a simple dish to make for Thanksgiving dinner and your friends and family will rave about them.
• Are you looking for an easy recipe to make for a weeknight dinner? If so, you have to try this Salisbury Steak recipe. It's simmered in a brown gravy making it so tender and juicy.
• If you are a fan of chicken gravy, then you will want to try this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe. It's great for busy weeknights!

Serve with

• You can never go wrong with serving this flavorful gravy over the top of these fluffy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
• I love to make this flavorful homemade gravy, and then serve it on top of these Frozen Hamburger Patties in the oven. It's a quicker version of Salisbury steak.
• This 500 Degree Turkey is the best turkey to make holiday meals. And, when serve with turkey gravy made with this recipe, it's even better!

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