Are you ready to elevate your home-cooked meals with the perfect gravy from scratch? Whether you've just roasted a turkey, pot roast, or made pork chops, this easy gravy recipe will be your secret weapon!
With the magic of pan drippings, a bit of all-purpose flour, and a touch of butter, you can whip up a gravy from scratch... Homemade gravy that's bursting with flavor!
The best part is, you can use this recipe for a variety of dishes, from savory mashed potatoes to crispy fried chicken. No more lumpy or bland gravy – this is the best way to create a smooth, flavorful sauce every time. If you're a home cook looking for the perfect gravy, you've come to the right place.
So, grab your wooden spoon and a small bowl because we're about to show you the easy way to make homemade gravy, whether you're making rich brown gravy or creamy white gravy.
It's an easy recipe that's perfect for the holiday table, family dinners, or everyday comfort food. Let's get started on your journey to delicious homemade gravy!
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Recipe Card
- Easy Gravy From Scratch Recipe
- Troubleshooting
- Roast Recipes
Ingredients
Simple ingredients make gravy from scratch!
Pan Drippings:Pan drippings are the flavorful juices and fat left at the bottom of a roasting pan after cooking meat, such as turkey, beef, or pork. They are the heart of homemade gravy, providing a rich, meaty essence that infuses your gravy with a deep, savory flavor.
All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch (for Gluten-Free):Flour or cornstarch serves as a thickening agent in the gravy. It helps create the desired consistency, whether you prefer a thicker or thinner gravy. Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Butter:Butter adds a luscious, creamy texture to the gravy. It also helps to create a roux when combined with flour, which not only thickens the gravy but also contributes to its flavor.
Broth or Stock (Poultry, Beef, Pork, or Vegetable):Broth or stock provides the liquid base for the gravy. It can be made from various sources like poultry, beef, pork, or vegetables, and it imparts essential moisture and richness to the gravy.
Mushroom Powder (Optional):Adding mushroom powder is optional but highly recommended. It infuses the gravy with a rich umami flavor that enhances its overall depth and complexity.
Sage or Thyme (Fresh or Dried):Sage and thyme are aromatic herbs that contribute to the gravy's fragrance and taste. Their earthy, herby notes complement the meaty flavors of the pan drippings.
Cream (Optional):Cream is an optional ingredient that can be added to make the gravy even creamier and indulgent. It gives the gravy a silky texture and a hint of richness.
Salt and Pepper:These seasonings are essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor of the gravy. Salt adds savory depth, while black pepper provides a touch of warmth and spice.
Instructions
Making homemade gravy from scratch is a simple and satisfying process that elevates any meal to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Warm a Medium Pot to Medium Heat and Melt Butter.
- Start by melting butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Butter adds richness and flavor to your gravy. Melting it at a moderate heat prevents it from burning and enhances the overall taste.
While Butter Is Bubbling, Whisk Flour into It Till a Smooth Paste Forms.
- Whisking flour into the bubbling butter creates a roux. The roux is essential for thickening the gravy and ensuring a smooth texture. It also helps in eliminating the raw flour taste.
Let Butter and Flour Mixture Bubble for a Minute Till a Medium Blonde Color Develops; to Eliminate the Raw Flour Taste.
- Allowing the roux to turn a medium blonde color is crucial because it cooks out the raw taste of the flour. This step is vital for the overall flavor of the gravy.
Whisk in Broth, Stock, or Pan Drippings Till Smooth. Keep Whisking to Eliminate Lumps. No One Likes Lumpy Gravy!
- Adding your choice of broth, stock, or pan drippings introduces the liquid base and flavor to your gravy. Whisking vigorously ensures a smooth and lump-free texture, which is key to making your gravy perfect.
Simmer Gravy
Step 5: Bring to a Low Simmer.... Gravy Thickens as It Simmers, and Gets Glossy and Smooth Gravy.
- Simmering the mixture at a low heat is important because it allows the gravy to thicken. Simmering also enhances the glossy and smooth consistency of the gravy, making it more visually appealing.
Stir Fresh or Dried Sage or Thyme Into Gravy (Optional).
- The addition of sage or thyme (fresh or dried) is optional but adds aromatic flavors that complement the richness of the gravy. This step is about personal preference and flavor enhancement.
Add Mushroom Powder and Simmer for a Minute (Optional).
- Including mushroom powder (optional) infuses your gravy with an umami depth of flavor. It's a fantastic addition for those who want to take their gravy to the next level.
Remove Gravy from Stove, and Mix in Cream Right Before Serving (Optional).
- Mixing in cream just before serving (optional) adds a luxurious creaminess to your gravy. It's a final touch for those who desire extra richness.
Taste for Seasoning and Adjust with Salt and Black Pepper.
- Tasting and seasoning are crucial for the final touch. Salt and black pepper help balance and enhance the flavor of your gravy. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Recipe Card
If you try this recipe and love it, I’d love if you give it 5 stars and let me know how it turned out in the comments or review!Tag me on Instagram@farmhouse_harvestwith your delicious creation!
Easy Gravy From Scratch Recipe
Yield: 4 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
the very best, most flavorful homemade gravy from scratch recipe,,, With or without pan drippings!
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (Use a tablespoon more flour if you like extra thick gravy.) (Use cornstarch, instead of flour, for gluten free gravy!)
- 3 cups warm broth, stock or pan drippings, or a combo of them (any type of broth: poultry, beef, pork or vegetable stock) or use pan drippings!!!
- ½ teaspoon mushroom powder, optional
- ½ tablespoon chopped sage or thyme (or)
- ¼ tablespoon dried sage or thyme.
- 4 - 6 tablespoons cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!
Instructions
- Warm a medium pot to medium heat and melt butter.
- While butter is bubbling, Whisk flour into it till flour and butter become a smooth paste.
- Let butter and flour mixture bubble for a minute till medium blonde color develops; to eliminate the raw flour taste
- Whisk in broth, stock, or pan drippings till smooth. Keep whisking to eliminate lumps. No one likes lumpy gravy!
- Bring to a low simmer.... Gravy thickens as it simmers, and gets glossy and smooth gravy.
- Stir fresh or dry sage or thyme into gravy. (Optional)
- Add mushroom powder and simmer for a minute. (Optional)
- Remove Gravy from stove, and mix in cream right before serving (optional).
- Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size ⅓ cup
Amount Per ServingCalories 80Total Fat 6gCarbohydrates 5gProtein 2g
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Troubleshooting
Problems & solutions when making gravy from scratch:
Lumpy Gravy: You find unsightly lumps in your gravy. Solution: To salvage your gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or employ an immersion blender. This will smooth out the lumps and restore your gravy to a silky consistency.
Thin or Watery Gravy (too thin, not thickening): Your gravy is thinner than expected and won't thicken. Solution: Create a slurry by combining equal parts cold water and flour (or cornstarch for those opting for gluten-free gravy). Gradually whisk this slurry into your thin gravy and allow it to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
Overly Thick Gravy: Your gravy has thickened excessively. Solution: While simmering, gradually introduce more broth, stock, or pan drippings to thin out your gravy. If you prefer a creamy consistency, consider adding milk or cream as an alternative.
Bland-Tasting Gravy: Your gravy lacks flavor and falls flat. Solution: Boost the seasoning by incorporating more salt, pepper, herbs, or flavor-enhancing ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder. This will revitalize your gravy's taste profile.
Gravy Separation: Your gravy has separated into distinct layers. Solution: To rescue separated gravy, gently reheat it and vigorously whisk to emulsify it back into a harmonious mixture. If needed, introduce a small quantity of additional liquid to aid in the emulsification process.
Burnt Roux: Accidentally overcooking the roux has resulted in a burnt taste. Solution: You can't fix a burn roux... Discard it and start with a fresh combination of butter and flour. Be diligent this time, ensuring you don't overcook the roux, and watch it closely to prevent burning.
Roast Recipes
Prime Rib Roast
Sirloin Tip Roast
Rump Roast Recipe
Boston Butt Roast Recipe
Pot Roast Dinner
Top Round Roast Recipe
Oven roasted Tip Tip
Perfect Picnic Roast
Smoked Pork Loin
Fresh Ham Roast
What is the secret ingredient for good gravy?
If you're making gravy to accompany a roast or meat dish, the pan drippings are often the secret ingredient. These are the flavorful juices and bits of caramelized meat and fat that accumulate in the roasting pan. They add depth and richness to your gravy.
Is homemade gravy better with cornstarch or flour?
If you're looking for a gluten-free, clear, and quick-thickening option, cornstarch is a good choice. If you want a richer, heartier flavor and don't have dietary restrictions, flour might be your preference.
How do I make my gravy thick?
The key to achieving the right thickness is to add the thickening agent gradually and adjust as needed to reach your desired consistency. Stirring constantly during the process will help prevent lumps and ensure a smooth gravy.
