Easy Gravy Recipe

Name: Easy Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (to taste); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups unsalted broth (homemade or store-bought, chicken, veggie turkey, or beef broth )

By The Modern Nonna

on Sep 29, 2023

4.79 from 14 votes

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Each year, my homemade gravy disappears in a matter of moments ⏰, even when I make a triple batch. I know how stressful holiday cooking can feel, so let me help you alleviate some of it with this easy gravy recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Gravy Recipe
How to Prepare
Nonna’s Tip 🧊
Variations and Substitutions for Easy Gravy Recipe
Other Thanksgiving Recipes
Common Questions
Easy Gravy Recipe Recipe

If you have yet to venture into the world of homemade gravy, prepare to be pleasantly surprised; the process is surprisingly straightforward, yet yields incredibly flavorful results. Once you’ve experienced the richness of homemade gravy, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever turn back. A piece of advice: Double the recipe; believe me, it’s well worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Gravy Recipe

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a homemade gravy that elevates your Thanksgiving meal to a whole new level. Unlike store-bought versions, this easy gravy recipe is rich, flavorful, and completely customizable. Plus, preparing it in advance saves you precious time and stress 😓 on the big day.

How to Prepare

🍽️ To prepare this gravy, gather the following ingredients: homemade broth (or any unsalted broth of your choice), butter, salt and pepper to taste, and all-purpose flour.

🧂Begin by making your broth on the stove or using the best quality organic broth available. In a saucepan, melt the butter until it shimmers. Season the butter with two pinches of salt and a dash of black pepper, stirring to infuse the flavors for a few seconds.

Easy Gravy Recipe. A white saucepan with a wooden handle contains a yellow liquid, possibly cooking oil, against a plain white background.

Easy Gravy Recipe. A frying pan with a wooden handle contains melted butter with a pat of butter and ground black pepper on top, set against a white background.

🧈Then, add the all-purpose flour to the butter and stir continuously. Continue to stir until the mixture reaches a sauce-like consistency, which should take about 30 seconds. Ensure that any raw flour taste is fully cooked off.

🥄 Gradually add the broth into the mixture, stirring gently. Allow the mixture to thicken over medium-low heat for approximately 6-10 minutes.

A saucepan with a wooden handle contains a creamy brown sauce, and a metal whisk rests inside. The sauce is smooth and evenly mixed, suggesting it might be a homemade gravy or dessert topping. The pot is set against a plain white background.

A saucepan with a wooden handle holds a smooth, creamy yellow sauce with specks, possibly vanilla seeds, inside. The sauce is evenly spread across the bottom of the pan, against a white background.

🌬️Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness, transfer it to a glass Tupperware container. Don’t be concerned if it appears slightly runny; it will continue to thicken as it cools.

🧊Refrigerate the gravy for 3-4 days. On Thanksgiving Day, reheat it and consider adding some of the drippings from the turkey for an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, you can freeze the gravy and defrost it the night before for future use.

Nonna’s Tip 🧊

You can refrigerate the gravy for 3-4 days. On Thanksgiving Day, reheat it and consider adding some of the drippings from the turkey for an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, you can freeze the gravy and defrost it the night before for future use.

My easy gravy recipe featured in a white ceramic gravy pot.

Variations and Substitutions for Easy Gravy Recipe

🐓

Thyme, rosemary, sage 🌿, or even a pinch of paprika can add unique dimensions to your gravy.
Sauté minced garlic or onions in the butter before adding flour.
Sauté sliced mushrooms 🍄‍🟫 in the butter until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Then, proceed with the gravy-making process for a delicious mushroom gravy.
If you need a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Be sure to adjust the amount accordingly as cornstarch is more potent than flour.
You can use various types of broth depending on your preferences. Chicken, beef, vegetable, or turkey broth are all excellent choices.

Other Thanksgiving Recipes

Common Questions

Can I make this gravy in advance?

Yes, you can certainly make this gravy in advance. In fact, it’s recommended to prepare it ahead of time to save time and reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day. You can refrigerate it for 3-4 days or freeze it and defrost it the night before for future use.

What if I don’t have homemade broth?

If you don’t have homemade broth, you can use store-bought unsalted broth of your choice. Just be sure to select a high-quality option for the best flavor.

Can I adjust the consistency of the gravy?

Absolutely. If your gravy is too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simply simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?

Yes, you can make this gravy gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1-1 gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Just be aware that cornstarch is more potent than flour, so adjust the quantity accordingly.

How do I reheat the gravy on Thanksgiving Day?

To reheat the gravy on Thanksgiving Day, simply warm it gently on the stove. You can also incorporate some of the drippings from the turkey to enhance the flavor.

Can I make this gravy ahead and freeze it?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and freeze it. Ensure it’s fully cooled before freezing, and then defrost it in the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it.