Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe

Gravy is a versatile and essential dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or vegetables, a rich and flavorful gravy adds a comforting, savory touch to your plate. This Easy Homemade Gravy recipe is simple, quick, and made with just a few pantry staples. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Made with butter, flour, and your choice of beef or chicken broth, this homemade gravy is smooth, flavorful, and customizable to your taste. Whether you prefer it thick or on the lighter side, this recipe is a great foundation that you can adjust according to your needs. It’s the perfect companion for roasted turkey, meatloaf, or a plate of mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand—no need for fancy or hard-to-find items!

2. Quick to Make

In just 15 minutes, you can prepare a delicious, homemade gravy from scratch that tastes far better than store-bought alternatives.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the consistency and flavor by adding more broth or seasoning it with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder.

4. Versatile

This gravy can be used for a variety of dishes, including mashed potatoes, roast meats, and vegetables, making it a perfect all-around sauce.

5. No Pre-Packaged Mixes Needed

Skip the processed gravies that often come in powdered or canned forms. This recipe offers a wholesome alternative with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Herb-Infused Gravy: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to infuse the gravy with a savory flavor.
• Creamy Gravy: Add a splash of heavy cream or milk for a rich, creamy gravy.
• Mushroom Gravy: Sauté some chopped mushrooms with the butter before adding the flour for a delicious mushroom gravy.
• Garlic Gravy: Stir in minced garlic or garlic powder for an added layer of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let it burn.

Step 2: Whisk in the Flour

Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is golden brown. This step is called making a roux and it thickens the gravy.

Step 3: Gradually Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the broth while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth.

Step 4: Simmer the Gravy

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a stronger flavor, feel free to add more seasoning or herbs.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the gravy hot over your favorite dishes such as mashed potatoes, roast chicken, or meatloaf.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Lumps: To ensure a smooth gravy, whisk constantly as you add the broth, and make sure the roux (butter and flour mixture) is properly cooked before adding the liquid.
• Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, simply add more broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional seasonings like onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, or even a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.

How to Serve

This homemade gravy is perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, roast turkey, grilled steak, or even roasted vegetables. It’s a great addition to any comfort meal and can be served on the side or drizzled over the entire dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover gravy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit more broth if needed to bring it back to the right consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze gravy for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, place the gravy in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally. If it’s too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a little broth to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef?

Yes, vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly gravy.

2. How can I thicken my gravy more?

To thicken your gravy, let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to the gravy.

3. Can I make this gravy in advance?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before serving.

4. Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the gravy gluten-free.

5. Can I add wine to my gravy?

Yes, a splash of red or white wine can add a rich depth of flavor to your gravy.

6. Can I make this without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil, vegetable oil, or even bacon grease for a different flavor.

7. How do I prevent my gravy from being too salty?

Use low-sodium broth and taste your gravy before adding additional salt to ensure it doesn’t become too salty.

8. How long does homemade gravy last in the fridge?

Homemade gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

9. Can I freeze gravy?

Yes, you can freeze gravy for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

10. Can I add other flavorings to the gravy?

Definitely! You can experiment with adding herbs, garlic, or even a little mustard to customize your gravy to your liking.

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Gravy recipe is the perfect addition to any meal, offering a rich, flavorful sauce that complements a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, meats, or vegetables, this quick and simple recipe will add comfort and warmth to your table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your taste, making it a great go-to sauce for all occasions.

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