Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe Without Drippings
Simple, delicious, and no meat drippings required! This easy homemade gravy will streamline Thanksgiving or any holiday meal prep.
Servings: 8
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
Prep Tips
- Use frozen or pre-chopped onions to save time on prep.
- Choose your broth based on what you're serving. Beef broth works well with beef dinners, while chicken broth is a good choice for turkey or chicken.
- Whisk the flour thoroughly into the butter and onions to help prevent lumps when you add the broth.
- Keep in mind that the gravy will thicken more as it stands, so avoid cooking it down too much if you plan to let it sit before serving.
- If you prefer smooth gravy, strain out the onion pieces just before serving.
- This recipe makes about 1 cup of gravy, including the onions, so keep that in mind when planning portions.
Variations
- Add fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or sage for an earthy, savory flavor.
- Stir in sauteed mushrooms along with the onions for a heartier gravy.
- Add minced garlic with the onions for extra depth of flavor.
- For a creamier gravy, increase the half and half to 2 to 3 tablespoons.
- Substitute heavy cream for the half and half for a richer texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pour over mashed potatoes for a classic, comforting side dish.
- Serve with roasted turkey, chicken, or beef to add flavor and moisture.
- Spoon over freshly baked biscuits for a cozy breakfast or side dish.
- Drizzle over roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans for extra flavor.
- Great to serve alongside your favorite holiday sides for an easy gravy option when you don't have meat drippings.
Storage
- Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the gravy has thickened too much, whisk in a small amount of broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Nutrition
Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 304mg | Potassium: 45mg | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 3.1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.2mg
