Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe

If you crave cozy, classic comfort on the dinner table, look no further than this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have a silky, glossy sauce that effortlessly elevates everything from mashed potatoes to roasted meats. With just a handful of pantry staples and zero stress, you’ll ditch the store-bought jars forever. This foolproof gravy is a personal favorite in my kitchen, and once you taste how savory and rich it is—plus how adaptable—you’ll be recommending it to everyone you know!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gravy might seem like magic, but it all comes down to a few simple ingredients doing beautiful work behind the scenes. Every item plays an important part, whether it’s thickening, adding body, or providing deep, savory undertones that make this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe shine.

• Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup): The creamy base that gives your gravy its irresistible richness.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): The secret to the perfect silky texture, forming a roux with the butter as the base thickener.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (2 cups): Imparts a gentle, savory flavor; swap for beef broth if you want a more robust, hearty gravy.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors—add more or less to taste.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a little goes a long way in adding warmth and depth.
• Optional Garlic Powder or Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle in a dash for subtle aromatic notes.

How to Make Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by placing your medium saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Drop in the unsalted butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan to cover the bottom. You want it fully liquefied but not browned, as this sets the stage for a smooth, velvety base.

Step 2: Whisk in the Flour to Make a Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into your melted butter. Begin whisking immediately and keep going for about 2 to 3 minutes. This mixture, called a roux, should get bubbly and turn a light golden color—this means you’ve cooked out any raw flour taste while building flavor.

Step 3: Add the Broth Gradually

Pour in the chicken (or beef) broth little by little, whisking constantly. This way, lumps don’t stand a chance. The mixture starts out thick, but as you add more broth, it transforms into a smooth, glossy gravy. Don’t rush this step—steady whisking gives you that perfect texture!

Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened

Crank up the heat to bring your gravy to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble softly for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s as thick as you like. Remember, it will thicken a bit more as it cools, so don’t overdo it.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Now comes the fun part—seasoning! Stir in the salt, black pepper, and any optional garlic or onion powder. Taste and adjust, then serve your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe while it’s warm, golden, and ready to drape over everything.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

For a gorgeous finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, rosemary, or even a pinch of cracked black pepper right over the top. Not only does it add a pop of color, it subtly enhances the aroma and flavor of your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe.

Side Dishes

This gravy was made for spooning over cloud-like mashed potatoes or golden roasted turkey, but it’s equally at home with stuffing, biscuits, meatloaf, or even hot sandwiches. It’s a versatile companion that can turn any side dish into the star of the show!

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your gravy into a pretty gravy boat or a heatproof pitcher and serve on a board with roasted veggies and meats for an eye-catching, rustic spread. For a playful twist, drizzle the Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe over fries for homemade poutine, or offer as a dipping sauce with hand pies and savory pastries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator—simple as that! It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prep or second helpings throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep extra on hand for busy weeknights, allow the gravy to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays. It keeps well frozen for up to three months; just thaw and reheat when cravings strike.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or thawed Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking as needed to restore smoothness. If it’s too thick after chilling, just whisk in a splash of broth or water until you reach the perfect consistency again.

FAQs

Can I use pan drippings instead of broth for this gravy?

Absolutely! Swapping some (or all) of the broth for pan drippings from roasted meat will add amazing depth and that signature homemade flavor to your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe. Just be sure to strain out any solids first for a smooth finish.

How can I make this gravy gluten-free?

Simple—use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The method remains the same, and you’ll still get a beautiful, lump-free Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe suitable for everyone at your table.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes! This recipe is very flexible. Double it for a big holiday crowd or halve it for a cozy dinner—it will cook up perfectly as long as you maintain the same flour-to-butter-to-broth ratio.

What can I do if my gravy turns out too thick?

If your gravy feels a bit too thick, simply whisk in a splash of extra broth or water until you’ve thinned it to your liking. Warm it gently so everything comes together smoothly again.

Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Definitely. The Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it a day or two before serving. Just reheat gently and whisk to revive that silky-smooth texture before pouring it over your favorite dishes.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pouring a ladleful of your own Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe over a homemade meal. Whether you’re new to gravy or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a surefire winner that will quickly become a beloved staple. I hope you give it a try—your taste buds (and loved ones) will thank you!

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