If you’ve ever wished for a smooth, flavorful gravy without the hassle of roasting meat to get drippings, you are absolutely going to love this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe. It’s a quick, comforting sauce that brings all the rich, savory goodness straight from simple pantry ingredients, perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite roasted veggies. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or adding a cozy touch to your holiday spread, this gravy will feel like a warm hug on your plate without any complicated steps involved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting great gravy starts with a handful of everyday ingredients that work together beautifully to create a luscious texture and deep flavor. Each component plays an important role, from the buttery richness to the flavorful broth that forms the base.
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation and helps develop the roux for thickening.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives gravy its perfect silky consistency.
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth): The flavorful liquid base that adds depth and brightness; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the gravy.
- Onion powder (optional): Enhances the savory profile with gentle sweetness and complexity.
- Dried thyme (optional): Infuses earthy, herbal notes that elevate the taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and brighten the final gravy.
How to Make Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. It should bubble gently but not brown, allowing it to provide a smooth base for your gravy without burning.
Step 2: Whisk in the Flour
Next, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously. This creates a roux—a thickener—that cooks out the raw flour taste and begins to turn a lovely golden color in about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Slowly Add Broth
Gradually pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. This slow addition ensures the mixture stays silky smooth as it begins to thicken.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme if using. Let the gravy simmer gently for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your liking. Finish with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves can instantly brighten up the rich gravy, adding both color and a hint of freshness that pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This gravy shines alongside classic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, or even poured over creamy polenta. Its versatility means you can use it to complement many of your farm-to-table or comfort food favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this gravy in a beautiful gravy boat for a touch of elegance at the table, or drizzle it generously over homemade biscuits for a cozy brunch twist. You can even use it as a sauce topping warm, toasted sandwiches or over roasted mushrooms for an earthy bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating to restore its smooth texture.
Freezing
If you want to make it ahead for busy days, this gravy freezes well. Pour it into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat while stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use this gravy recipe for vegetarian meals?
Absolutely! Just substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing any flavor complexity.
What if I want a thicker gravy?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk in an additional teaspoon of flour at the melting butter stage or simmer the gravy a little longer to reduce and thicken more.
Is it possible to make this gravy gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry for a gluten-free version that still delivers great texture.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried herbs in the recipe?
Definitely! Fresh thyme or parsley works beautifully—just use about one teaspoon of fresh herbs to replace the dried amount, adding them towards the end of cooking to keep their vibrant flavor.
How long does it take to make this gravy?
This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe takes about 10 minutes total, making it a speedy but delicious way to upgrade any meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe is your new best friend when you crave that rich, classic gravy flavor without the fuss of drippings. It’s quick, dependable, and packed with flavor from simple ingredients anyone can have on hand. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
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Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (4-6 servings)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and easy homemade gravy recipe that requires no drippings, perfect for enhancing any meal with a rich, savory sauce. Made with a basic roux of butter and flour combined with chicken or vegetable broth and flavored with optional seasonings, this gravy can be prepared in just minutes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
Optional Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it begins to bubble but doesn’t brown.
- Add Flour: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly to form a roux. Continue cooking and whisking for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, which removes the raw flour taste.
- Pour Broth: Slowly add 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Season: Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Once thickened, remove from heat and serve warm over your favorite dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or vegetables.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little extra broth until desired consistency is reached.
- To avoid lumps, add the broth gradually while whisking constantly.
- Adjust salt and seasoning at the end according to taste.
