How to Make the Perfect Gravy: Regular and Vegan Recipes for Every Occasion

Gravy. Just the word makes us think of cozy dinners, big holiday feasts, and those magical moments when a smooth, rich sauce brings everything together on your plate. Whether you’re spooning it over mashed potatoes, pouring it on roasted vegetables, or drizzling it over a crispy biscuit, the perfect gravy can elevate any meal. But how do you make it just right? It’s all about balancing flavors, textures, and consistency.

If you’re wondering how to make the perfect gravy, whether regular or vegan, you’ve come to the right place! I’m going to show you how to whip up two delicious gravies that will have your guests asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

The Secret to the Perfect Gravy

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about what makes gravy perfect. The best gravies have these qualities:

1. Smooth and Silky Texture: Lumps are a no-no! A great gravy should feel velvety as it coats your food.
2. Rich Flavor: The flavor should be bold and savory, with depth from the drippings, seasonings, and sometimes a little bit of sweetness to balance things out.
3. Consistency: It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not so thick that it’s more like paste.

So now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the recipes!

Classic Regular Gravy Recipe

Ingredients:

• Pan drippings from your roast (whether it’s chicken, turkey, or beef)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or the fat from your roast if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: A splash of cream or milk for extra richness

Instructions:

1. Gather Your Drippings: After roasting your meat, collect those glorious drippings left in the pan. If there’s too much fat, skim off some, but leave enough to add flavor to your gravy. If you’re missing drippings, don’t worry — just use butter as the base and proceed as usual!
2. Create a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt your butter (or leftover fat) over medium heat. Once it’s hot and bubbly, add your flour. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until it forms a thick, golden paste — this is called a roux! Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn.
3. Whisk in the Broth: Slowly pour in the broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This is the magic moment when your gravy starts to take shape. Keep whisking until it comes to a gentle simmer.
4. Season: Add your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like your gravy with a little more kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of soy sauce can add depth.
5. Finish and Serve: Let the gravy simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, you can always thin it out with a bit more broth. When it’s smooth, velvety, and luscious, it’s ready to serve!

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Perfect Vegan Gravy Recipe

Who says you need animal products to make an amazing gravy? This vegan version is just as rich and flavorful, and it’s perfect for your plant-based guests or anyone who loves a little variety at the dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari 
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but so good)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté Your Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, just until fragrant.
2. Create a Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the onions and garlic. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Broth: Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, a little at a time, ensuring everything is well combined. Once it’s smooth, bring it to a simmer.
4. Season: Stir in the soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens up to a luscious consistency.
5. Finish: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer a little longer; for a thinner gravy, add more broth.
6. Serve: Pour your rich, savory vegan gravy over mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or anything else that could use a drizzle of deliciousness!

Must-Have Products for the Perfect Gravy

While you can definitely make a delicious gravy with pantry basics, a few kitchen essentials can take your gravy game to the next level. Here are some of my top recommendations:

1. Saucepan or Skillet: A good, heavy-bottomed saucepan is key to making smooth gravy. A quality pan helps distribute heat evenly, preventing burning or clumping. I love using a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet for gravy-making because it holds heat beautifully!
2. Whisk: A sturdy whisk is your best friend when making gravy, especially when you’re mixing in your broth. A balloon whisk is perfect for achieving smoothness.
3. Vegetable Broth: Whether you’re making a regular or vegan gravy, the quality of your broth matters. Choose a rich, flavorful broth for the best results. I love the Pacific Foods Organic Vegetable Broth, which has a full-bodied flavor without being too salty.
4. Nutritional Yeast: For vegan gravy, nutritional yeast is a game-changer. It adds a cheesy, umami flavor that brings depth to the gravy. Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast Flakes are my go-to for a smooth, savory finish.
5. Soy Sauce or Tamari: These add a salty, umami kick that’s perfect for any gravy, vegan or not. I recommend using a good-quality tamari if you’re gluten-free!

Tips for the Perfect Gravy Every Time

• Make it in advance: Gravy actually holds up pretty well in the fridge. You can make it a day or two ahead, then just reheat it when you’re ready to serve. You might need to add a little extra broth to loosen it up.
• Use a fat separator: If you’re making gravy from drippings, a fat separator can help ensure your gravy is rich without being greasy. Just pour in the drippings and let the fat rise to the top!
• Taste as you go: Gravy is all about balancing flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go! More salt? A little more soy sauce? A dash of hot sauce? Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
• Keep it smooth: No lumps allowed! The trick to smooth gravy is constant whisking, and if you’re worried about lumps, don’t be afraid to strain your gravy at the end of the cooking process.

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Final Thoughts

Two tried-and-true gravy recipes—one for regular, meat-based gravies and one for a rich, comforting vegan version. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, a Sunday roast, or just craving a cozy dinner, these gravies will take your meal to the next level. So, grab that saucepan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some seriously delicious gravy!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy gravy? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make your perfect batch!

As Always, Keep Cooking!