If you’ve ever panicked at the last minute because you’re making mashed potatoes but there are no turkey or roast juices in sight, this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) will be your new sidekick. It’s smooth, full-bodied, and savory, delivering all the cozy flavor of classic gravy without needing any meat drippings at all. This gem of a recipe lets everyone enjoy rich, restaurant-worthy gravy—vegetarians included—whenever you want, using simple kitchen staples. You’ll never need a store-bought packet again!

Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) is all about using everyday ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. Each one plays a crucial role—the butter and flour make the base velvety and rich, broth lends body, and a few pantry spices add just the right depth of flavor and warmth.

Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Gives the gravy its signature richness and a beautiful sheen—opt for unsalted so you can control the salt level.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Essential for thickening; cook it just enough to get that golden, nutty roux flavor.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (2 cups): Forms the flavorful backbone—choose veggie broth for a vegetarian version!
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds that comforting, home-cooked depth minus the chopping or tears.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle warmth and subtle zing without overpowering.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon or to taste): Brightens every other flavor—adjust as needed, especially if your broth already packs salt.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle kick and that classic speckled gravy look.
Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A background boost that delivers umami and savory depth, no one will guess your secret!

How to Make Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings)

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Set a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt slowly, swirling the pan if you like to speed things up and prevent browning. The butter forms the silky foundation for your gravy and gives that mouthwatering aroma as soon as it hits the heat.

Step 2: Whisk in the Flour to Make a Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and immediately start whisking. Keep it moving for 1 to 2 minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks smooth and takes on a slightly golden shade. This quick-brown roux gets rid of any raw flour taste and is the secret to that classic diner-style gravy texture.

Step 3: Slowly Add the Broth

With your whisk in hand, gradually pour in the broth. Don’t rush—go slow, whisk constantly, and watch as the mixture transforms from a thick paste to a glossy sauce. This step ensures your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) stays lump-free and luxuriously smooth every single time.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and your splash of soy or Worcestershire sauce if you’d like an extra layer of savory flavor. Raise the heat just until your gravy starts to bubble, then turn it down and let it gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently, soaking in the incredible aroma, until you spot that perfect pourable thickness.

Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

Before you serve, give your gravy a good taste. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed—maybe a dash more soy or a pinch of extra garlic powder to suit your mood. Serve your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) while it’s warm, silky, and ready to elevate everything it touches.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings)

Garnishes

Give your finished gravy a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper or a flurry of chopped herbs like parsley or chives for color and freshness. If you want to go for a restaurant-style finish, add a swirl of cream or a tiny dot of butter just before bringing it to the table—it melts in and looks gorgeous.

Side Dishes

This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) is destined for classic mashed potatoes, but it’s equally fabulous drizzled over roasted vegetables, homemade biscuits, or even a simple rice pilaf. For holiday feasts, pass it alongside turkey, veggie loaf, or stuffing—there’s really no wrong pairing!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve the gravy in a fun mini pitcher or wide-mouthed mug, so everyone can pour as much as they want. For a family-style touch, let guests spoon their own from a vintage gravy boat or warm ceramic bowl set in the center of the table—let the pouring be part of the ritual!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) has cooled, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. It may thicken as it chills, but a simple reheat will bring back that silky consistency. Label the container so you don’t forget this golden goodness in the back of the fridge!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your gravy in small portions—ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers work wonders. Once solid, transfer any cubes to a zip-top bag and keep them frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results, then reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

To bring leftover gravy back to life, warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of extra broth or water if it seems too thick—it’ll loosen right up. Avoid microwaving in large quantities, as it tends to heat unevenly and can get a bit gloopy, but small microwaved portions can work if you stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend (make sure it’s one meant for thickening) and proceed as usual. The results are nearly identical, and all your gluten-free guests will be thrilled!

What if my gravy gets lumpy?

Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us! Quickly whisking while slowly adding broth helps, but if lumps sneak in, just strain the finished gravy through a fine mesh sieve to rescue the silky-smooth finish.

Can I make Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) ahead of time?

Yes, this gravy is a dream to make in advance. Prepare it up to two days ahead, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently, giving it a stir and adding a splash more broth to bring back that perfect texture.

Is there a way to make this gravy richer?

For a creamier, more decadent sauce, try stirring in a splash of heavy cream at the end or swap a bit of your broth for whole milk. A tiny knob of cold butter whisked in at the finish gives it a glossy, French bistro-style sheen!

Can I double this Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) for a crowd?

Definitely! For a big gathering, simply double or triple the ingredients. Use a larger saucepan and increase the simmering time by a minute or two if needed. No matter the batch size, the technique is just as easy and foolproof.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) is a staple you’ll reach for again and again, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive family meal. It’s fast, flexible, and sure to win rave reviews at your table—give it a try, and you’ll see how effortlessly you can turn simple ingredients into the star of the meal!

Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe (No Drippings) Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 cups 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy homemade gravy recipe is perfect for when you don’t have drippings on hand. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy a flavorful gravy to elevate your meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

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Instructions

Melt Butter and Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the broth while whisking. Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer and Thicken: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened, stirring often.
Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.