If you’ve ever yearned for the perfect finishing touch to your holiday feast or weeknight dinner, look no further than this Homemade Classic Gravy from Scratch Recipe. It’s rich, silky, and packed with comforting flavor that elevates everything from mashed potatoes to roasted meats. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make with just a handful of pantry staples, yet it promises to bring a burst of warmth and nostalgia to your table. Once you master this gravy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the basics is the secret to this gravy’s smooth texture and deep flavor. Every ingredient plays its part, whether it’s the buttery richness, the thickening power of flour, or the hearty taste of broth. Optional herbs bring a subtle depth, but the simplicity is what truly shines.
- Butter: Makes the gravy rich and creates the perfect base to cook the flour without burning.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy while adding a lovely golden color and smooth texture.
- Chicken, beef broth, or turkey drippings: Provides the savory backbone and flavor complexity for your gravy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Optional garlic powder: Introduces a subtle warmth that lifts the gravy’s flavor.
- Optional onion powder: Delivers a hint of sweetness and aromatic layers for extra complexity.
How to Make Homemade Classic Gravy from Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Melt the butter
Start by gently melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This step lays the foundation, creating a luscious, golden base. Melt it slowly to avoid browning, which can affect the gravy’s freshness and light color.
Step 2: Whisk in the flour
Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter and whisk vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes. This is crucial because it cooks out the raw flour taste and begins turning into a smooth, lightly golden paste called a roux, which will be the thickening agent for your gravy.
Step 3: Add the broth gradually
Next, pour in your chosen broth—chicken, beef, or turkey drippings—a little at a time while constantly whisking. This prevents lumps and ensures your gravy is perfectly smooth. The broth adds all the nourishing, savory goodness you want in this homemade classic gravy from scratch recipe.
Step 4: Simmer to thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and keep whisking frequently. As the gravy heats, it will thicken beautifully over the next 3 to 6 minutes. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash more broth until it reaches your ideal consistency.
Step 5: Season to perfection
Finally, season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra layer of flavor, you can whisk in a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. Taste as you go to make sure it’s just right—this step personalizes your homemade classic gravy from scratch recipe.
How to Serve Homemade Classic Gravy from Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or thyme can bring a vibrant burst of color and a fresh, aromatic edge to your gravy. Just a sprinkle on top before serving makes it look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This gravy pairs spectacularly with mashed potatoes, roasted meats, stuffing, and even fluffy biscuits. Its rich texture and deep savory notes complement hearty plates perfectly, turning simple dishes into memorable meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider drizzling the gravy over a savory pot pie, roasted veggies, or even swirled into creamy polenta. You can also serve it as a dipping sauce by pouring some into small warm bowls on the side of your platter. Each way offers a fresh experience with this comforting homemade classic gravy from scratch recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep it fresh and safe.
Freezing
For longer storage, gravy freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat your gravy gently over low heat on the stove, whisking frequently so it warms evenly without separating. If it’s too thick after reheating, stir in a little broth or water to get back that smooth, perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch to keep the gravy thick and smooth, just adjust the amounts slightly as cornstarch thickens faster.
What type of broth is best for homemade gravy?
It really depends on your main dish! Chicken broth offers a lighter flavor, beef broth gives a richer taste, and turkey drippings create a wonderfully savory, holiday-inspired gravy.
How do I avoid lumps in my gravy?
The key is to whisk constantly while slowly adding the broth to the roux. This helps dissolve the flour evenly and prevents clumps from forming.
Can I make this gravy without butter?
You can substitute butter with oil or bacon fat for a different flavor profile, but butter gives the creamiest texture and classic taste everyone loves in a homemade classic gravy from scratch recipe.
Why does my gravy sometimes turn grainy or separate?
This can happen if the heat is too high or if the gravy isn’t whisked enough. Keep your heat on medium or medium-low and stir often to maintain that silky texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making gravy from scratch. This Homemade Classic Gravy from Scratch Recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to your table with flavors you can tailor and trust. It’s easy, comforting, and just plain delicious—perfect for any occasion that deserves a tasty, personal touch. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it transforms your meals into something special.
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Homemade Classic Gravy from Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade gravy recipe is a classic and versatile sauce that can be made quickly with simple ingredients. Perfectly creamy with a rich flavor, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, meats, stuffing, or biscuits. It uses a roux base made from butter and flour combined with your choice of chicken, beef broth, or turkey drippings for a savory, comforting addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3–4 cups chicken broth, beef broth, or turkey drippings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, preparing the base for your roux.
- Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and continue to whisk for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and turns a light golden color, which helps cook out the raw flour taste.
- Create Roux: This step ensures the flour fully integrates with the butter, forming the base that thickens your gravy.
- Pour Broth Slowly: Gradually add the broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Keep whisking the mixture to ensure there are no lumps and the gravy is evenly combined.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to activate thickening.
- Cook to Thickness: Continue cooking and whisking for 3–6 minutes until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
- Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, stir in more broth to thin it out to your preference.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder to taste, stirring well to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Pour the hot gravy over mashed potatoes, meat, stuffing, or biscuits for a delicious meal enhancement.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use turkey drippings or beef broth.
- Whisk continuously to prevent lumps for a smooth gravy texture.
- Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of broth added.
- Add garlic or onion powder to enhance flavor but these are optional.
- Great for holiday meals or everyday comfort food.
