Gravy is a rich, silky sauce that transforms everyday meals into comfort-food classics. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roast meats, or vegetables, a good gravy starts with a simple base and can be adapted into many delicious styles. Below is an easy gravy base recipe followed by versatile variations including brown, mushroom, pepper, onion, turkey, chicken, and red wine gravy.
Gravy Base Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour / wheat flour / cornstarch
- 2 cups broth (vegetable, chicken, beef) or water + bouillon
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Method
- Melt butter in a pan, add flour, and whisk for 1–2 minutes until light golden.
- Slowly pour in the broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thick and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Gravy Variations
1. Brown Gravy
Add to Base
- 1 tsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder
Best With: Mashed potatoes, fried chicken, meatloaf
2. Mushroom Gravy
Add to Base
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed first
- 1 tsp garlic
- Optional: ¼ cup cream
Best With: Steak, pasta, rice, mashed potato
3. Black Pepper Gravy
Add to Base
- 1–2 tsp freshly crushed black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ cup milk or cream
Best With: Grilled chicken, beef steak, roasted veggies
4. Onion Gravy
Add to Base
- 1 large onion, thin sliced & caramelized
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or ½ tsp sugar
Best With: Sausages, roast chicken, sandwiches, fries
5. Turkey Gravy
Add to Base
- Replace broth with turkey broth
- Add 1–2 cups turkey drippings from roasting
- ½ tsp thyme + ½ tsp sage
- Optional: 2 tbsp cream or butter
Tip: Remove excess fat from drippings before using.
Best With: Roast turkey, stuffing, biscuits, pot pie
6. Chicken Gravy
Add to Base
- Replace broth with chicken stock
- Optional: ½–1 cup roasted chicken drippings
- 1 tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder
- Optional: splash of milk or cream
Best With: Roast chicken, mashed potato, rice bowls
7. Red Wine Gravy
Add to Base
- ½ cup red wine
- 1½ cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- Finish: 1 tbsp butter
Method Tip: Simmer wine 2–3 minutes before adding broth to reduce alcohol.
Best With: Steak, roast beef, lamb, gourmet platings
Flavor Boosters & Professional Tips
- Herbs: rosemary, thyme, parsley
- Umami: mustard, miso, soy sauce, Worcestershire
- Color: caramelized onion paste or dark broth
- Thicker: extra cornstarch slurry
- Shinier finish: whisk in cold butter at the end
Pairing Summary Table
| Type | Best With |
|---|---|
| Brown | Mashed potato, fried chicken, meatloaf |
| Mushroom | Steak, pasta, rice |
| Pepper | Grilled chicken, steak |
| Onion | Sausages, sandwiches, fries |
| Turkey | Roast turkey, stuffing |
| Chicken | Roast chicken, rice bowls |
| Red Wine | Steak, lamb, beef roast |