Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe
Imagine a thick, velvety gravy so luscious and flavorful, you’d swear it simmered all day with a roast, yet it comes together in minutes without a single pan of meat juices! This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) is a kitchen hero—smooth, deeply savory, and ready to lavish on mashed potatoes, roast veggies, biscuits, or any dish longing for a cozy, golden-brown hug. Trust me, whether it’s a regular weeknight or a bustling holiday, you’ll want to keep this no-fuss gravy recipe tucked in your back pocket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Who knew that soul-satisfying gravy could come from such a handful of pantry staples? Each of these simple ingredients brings something wonderful—richness from butter, body from flour, and depth from broth and seasonings—ensuring the finished gravy is anything but ordinary.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The base for a rich and silky roux, butter adds both flavor and creaminess.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Flour thickens the gravy, giving it that irresistible body and helping it cling perfectly to your food.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (2 cups): Broth is the backbone—use chicken for a classic, savory taste, or veggie to keep things vegetarian.
- Whole milk or cream (½ cup): For a luxurious finish, milk or cream softens flavors and adds an extra layer of richness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon or to taste): Just enough to wake up all the other flavors—start with a little and adjust at the end.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A gentle background warmth; feel free to add more if you like things peppery.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle savory notes and a lovely complexity to every bite.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): For the faintest hint of sweet onion that rounds out the gravy’s flavor.
- Poultry seasoning (½ teaspoon, optional): This classic blend amps up the holiday vibe and brings a fragrant touch—especially nice for turkey or chicken dishes.
How to Make Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings)
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by placing a medium saucepan over medium heat. Drop in your butter and watch it melt into a puddle of golden goodness. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt level, but if you only have salted, just go easy on the additional seasoning later. Let the butter gently sizzle—not brown—as it’s the foundation of your gravy’s silky texture.
Step 2: Whisk in the Flour to Make a Roux
Add your flour to the bubbling butter, and immediately whisk, whisk, whisk! This mixture, called a roux, should cook for about 1–2 minutes—just long enough to lose that raw-flour taste but not to brown too much (unless you want a deeper, nuttier gravy). Keep stirring; this is where your gravy earns its smooth consistency.
Step 3: Add the Broth Gradually
Here’s the magic: slowly pour in the broth, a little at a time, while constantly whisking to avoid lumps. You’ll see the mixture go from paste to creamy sauce right before your eyes. If you’re aiming for vegetarian gravy, vegetable broth works beautifully—otherwise, chicken broth is classic. For more depth, try half chicken and half beef broth as a savory twist.
Step 4: Stir In the Milk or Cream
Once your mixture is nice and smooth, pour in the milk or cream. This not only brings the gravy together but also adds a silken finish that makes every spoonful irresistible. Stick with whole milk for a lighter touch, or indulge with heavy cream for extra richness. Whisk continuously until everything is beautifully blended.
Step 5: Season and Thicken
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning (if you’re using it). Continue whisking as the Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) thickens and the flavors meld—this takes about 4–6 minutes. Taste as you go and adjust the salt or pepper to suit your liking. When you reach that luscious, pourable texture, your gravy is ready!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings)
Garnishes
Give your gravy a final flourish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a pinch of chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme, or chives), or a dab of butter on top for a lovely glossy finish. Even a swirl of cream can make it look extra inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) is born to smother mashed potatoes, but don’t stop there! It also plays beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, pork chops, steak tips, stuffing, and stacks of fluffy biscuits. Spoon it over grilled or roasted vegetables for an instant upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your gravy in a classic gravy boat or a mini pitcher for easy pouring. For a rustic vibe, offer it in a small cast-iron skillet alongside your main. Hosting a buffet? Keep it warm in a small slow cooker with a ladle so guests can help themselves throughout the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover gravy (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to four days without losing its signature smoothness or savory punch.
Freezing
This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) freezes like a dream! Pour cooled gravy into a freezer-safe container (leave a little space for expansion) or even ice cube trays for single-serve portions. It’ll keep its quality for up to three months—perfect for last-minute meals or holiday prep.
Reheating
Rewarm your gravy gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a little thick, just whisk in a splash of milk or broth until it returns to the perfect consistency. For microwave reheating, cover and stir every 30 seconds to avoid hotspots.
FAQs
Can I make this gravy gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Keep an eye on the sauce as it thickens, since you may need a bit more or less depending on the blend’s starchiness.
What if my gravy turns out lumpy?
No worries! Simply whisk vigorously while it’s hot, or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. Blending it with an immersion blender can also make quick work of stubborn lumps.
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes! The Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) is an excellent make-ahead option. Prepare it up to three days in advance and store in the fridge. Gently reheat and whisk before serving to restore perfect smoothness.
How do I make the gravy darker in color?
The key to a deeper color is letting the butter and flour cook a bit longer for a browner roux—just keep a close eye to avoid burning. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of kitchen bouquet for more color and complexity.
What’s the best broth to use for this recipe?
Chicken broth is the most versatile and gives a mild, savory profile, while vegetable broth keeps things vegetarian and light. For an even richer gravy, try mixing in a bit of beef broth along with chicken—it’s a flavor bomb!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) and see just how simple and delicious scratch-made gravy can be. It’s the finishing touch your favorite comfort foods deserve, all without a roasting pan in sight. Gather up your ingredients and give it a go—you just might discover your new signature gravy!
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Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings). Perfect for holidays or any day you crave that comforting touch. This simple yet flavorful gravy is a surefire hit over mashed potatoes, meat, or veggies!
Ingredients
Buttery Roux:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Liquid & Seasonings:
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup whole milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter & Form Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Whisk in Broth & Milk: Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth. Add the milk or cream and continue whisking until the gravy thickens, about 4–6 minutes.
- Season & Serve: Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, meat, or vegetables.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use half chicken broth and half beef broth.
- If you prefer a darker gravy, cook the roux a little longer until golden brown before adding the liquid.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
