Looking for an Easy Homemade Gravy to serve with your holiday feast? This recipe doesn't require turkey drippings and only takes a few minutes to prep for a fantastic addition to any meal.
Thick and creamy, this flavorful gravy will have your guests raving! Gone are the days of store bought gravy - you can make your own without much fuss at all.
Jump to:
- 🩵 About This Recipe
- What readers are saying...
- 🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- 🔪 Let's Make Easy Homemade Gravy!
- 💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- ❔ FAQs
- 📝 Substitutions and Variations
- 🥡 Storage and Reheating
- ⏳ Make Ahead Instructions
- 🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
- 😋 More Dinner Recipes You'll Love
- 📋 Recipe Card
- 💬 Reviews and Comments
🩵 About This Recipe
If you're in search of an easy gravy recipe that's both mouthwateringly delicious and incredibly simple to prepare, you're about to discover your new favorite.
This homemade gravy recipe requires no meat drippings and can be ready in just 25 minutes with only five essential ingredients. It's the perfect choice if you're looking to create a rich, flavorful gravy without the need for complicated cooking techniques or an extensive list of ingredients.
The absence of turkey drippings or beef drippings means it's not only practical but also flexible, allowing you to enjoy mouthwatering gravy any time, even if you aren't cooking a turkey or a roast.
The blend of savory flavors from the broth, the silky texture from butter, and the hearty richness of the flour combine harmoniously to create a gravy that's is rich and flavorful.
This easy homemade gravy is super-convenient because it requires no pan drippings, so you can make it ahead of time and have one less thing to worry about when you are preparing the meal!
What readers are saying...
MY FAVORITE GO-TO RECIPE FOR GRAVY! Super easy, quick and delicious!!! I like to add poultry seasoning if I'm pouring over turkey or chicken. I used this at least 4 times this Thanksgiving. 10 out of 10!
- Dee
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- butter - adds the fat needed for the rich flavor that you would normally get from the beef drippings.
- onion - adds flavor and breaks down into a soft, almost creamy consistency, lending a pleasing texture to the gravy.
- all purpose flour - helps to thicken the gravy and create a smooth, consistent texture.
- chicken broth or beef broth - provides a strong base for the gravy, infusing it with a meaty undertone.
- half and half - adds a subtle sweetness, creaminess, and richness to the gravy.
- salt and pepper - helps balance the flavors in your gravy. The black pepper adds a subtle spiciness that can cut through the richness of the sauce, preventing it from becoming overly heavy.
🔪 Let's Make Easy Homemade Gravy!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Melt Butter
Over medium heat, melt the butter in a saucepan.
Add Onion
Mix in the chopped onion and cook until softened.
Add Flour and Broth
Stir the flour into the butter mixture and cook for about a minute. Then stir in the broth and cook for 10 minutes, or until thickened.
Add Seasonings
Give the gravy a taste, then add salt and pepper to taste as well as the half and half.
Combine and Serve
Mix until everything is well combined, then serve hot!
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- You can change up the flavor for your meal by changing up the broth. Use beef stock or broth to go along with beef dinners, and chicken stock or broth, or turkey stock to go along with turkey or chicken.
- Watch the heat to avoid burning.
- Make sure you whisk continuously as you add the broth to avoid lumps.
- Feeding a crowd? Just go ahead and double the recipe!
- Looking to spruce up your table? Check out this list of Fabulous Finds for your Thanksgiving Table!
❔ FAQs
To avoid lumpy gravy, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to create a smooth paste before adding it to the hot liquid. Gradually whisk in the paste, ensuring it's well incorporated and no lumps form.
Yes, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Mix it with cold water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to your simmering broth while stirring constantly. Cornstarch will yield a slightly glossy and lighter gravy compared to flour.
Butter adds richness and flavor that you expect in a good gravy. It's used to sauté aromatics like onions, which is then used to create a good roux (a mixture of butter and flour) that thickens the gravy.
If your gravy is too thick, simply add more broth or water in small increments until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, create a slurry with a little bit of flour or cornstarch and cold water, then whisk it into the gravy and simmer until it thickens.
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Add fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary for additional depth of flavor, or a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
- If you don't have half and half on hand, you can use heavy cream instead.
- Add a small amount of onion powder or garlic powder. Or sprinkle in some poultry seasoning to give the gravy a more meaty flavor.
- Use vegetable broth or mushroom broth for a vegetarian gravy.
- Substitute shallots, leeks, or garlic for the onion to create a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk instead of half and half and use dairy-free butter or olive oil for sautéing the onion.
Kristin's Kitchen Tip
All you need is a few pantry staples to make the perfect gravy. This means you can whip up a batch of delicious gravy any time without a lot of planning or running to the store for special ingredients!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
Homemade gravy can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
To freeze leftover gravy, allow it to cool to room temperature before freezing. Divide the gravy into portions that make sense for your needs. You can use ice cube trays, small containers, or freezer-safe resealable bags. Make sure to leave some room since the gravy will expand while freezing.
When you're ready to use the frozen gravy, move it to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. You can also thaw it in the microwave (in an appropriate container) or on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat while stirring frequently. Reheat the gravy to your desired serving temperature.
⏳ Make Ahead Instructions
To make this easy homemade gravy recipe ahead of time, follow the directions and then allow the gravy to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator.
When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Keep It Handy
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🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
We love this Easy Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Bread. There's no kneading required, and it won't take up precious oven space. There's nothing like serving fresh-baked, homemade bread with your meal.
If you like stuffing, you need to try this easy stuffing recipe. So simple and yet so delicious!
Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts is another great side dish to include. Brussels sprouts get a bad rap sometimes, but I have had a lot of success with this recipe. They come out tender and tasty, and I have received a number of slightly surprised compliments on them!
For something a little more unique, you can check out Quinoa with Artichokes and Chickpeas, which is a delicious combination of flavors and textures, sure to impress your guests.
And of course you may be looking at this recipe as part of your planning for your holiday meal. If you are cooking a turkey, you'll want to check out this article on How To Thaw A Turkey, which explains 3 easy ways you can thaw your turkey and how much time it will take, so that you can have the most stress-free holiday meal possible!
😋 More Dinner Recipes You'll Love
- Roasted Potato Medley - Your family will love the combination of sweet potatoes, white potatoes, red potatoes, and red onions roasted in garlic with olive oil and tossed with dried cranberries and pecans.
- Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips - This simple mashed potatoes and parsnips recipe is a perfect way to dress up your holiday dinner!
- Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apples - This is a delicious mix of squash, cranberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It's a fragrant and comforting side dish and pairs well with any holiday meal.
- Turkey White Bean Chili - A perfectly hearty recipe from Jersey Girl Cooks that's ideal for a chilly Sunday night dinner!
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Chicken Gravy Recipe without Drippings
⭐ Did you make this recipe? Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇
📋 Recipe Card
Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe Without Drippings
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon half and half
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add the onion and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes.¾ cup chopped onion
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.2 tablespoons flour
- Add in the broth and whisk until combined. Cook uncovered about 10 minutes over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until thickened.1 cup chicken or beef broth
- Reduce heat to medium, and stir in the half and half and salt and pepper.1 tablespoon half and half, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- Serve hot. Note that the gravy will thicken more upon standing.
Notes
- If you are serving a beef dinner, use beef broth. For turkey or chicken, use chicken broth.
- If desired, you can strain out the onion pieces prior to serving.
- Recipes makes about 1 cup of gravy (including the diced onion).
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 7-8 days.
- You can use frozen or pre-chopped onions to cut down on prep time.
- Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an earthy flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms along with the onions for a heartier gravy.
- For a creamier version, increase the half and half to 2-3 tablespoons, or substitute with heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Add minced garlic with the onions for extra depth of flavor.
Additional Serving Suggestions
- Serve over mashed potatoes for a classic side dish.
- Pour over chicken, turkey, or beef to add flavor and moisture to your main dishes.
- Use it as a topping for freshly baked biscuits for a comforting breakfast or side.
- Use it as a sauce over roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans for extra flavor.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in November 2014, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in November 2024.
If you want to simplify the rest of your holiday meal, check out these make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes for easy sides, desserts, and more. Or these Super Easy Crockpot Side Dishes that taste amazing and will keep your oven free for all your other delicious holiday dinner items!
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Rick Lingle says
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Kristin King says
You are welcome! 🙂
sam says
I added in some fresh herbs a couple minutes after I sautéed the onions (sage, thyme and tarragon) and it came out lovely! TY for the easy recipe!
Kristin King says
So glad you enjoyed this! Fresh herbs really do bring out additional flavor that is so pleasing. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Dee says
MY FAVORITE GO-TO RECIPE FOR GRAVY! Super easy, quick and delicious!!! I like to add poultry seasoning if I’m pouring over turkey or chicken. I used this at least 4 times this Thanksgiving. 10 out of 10!
Kristin says
Yay! So glad to hear that, Dee. Thanks for coming back to let me know! 🙂