TIPS Homemade Gravy Recipes Better Than Store-Bought

Homemade Gravy Recipes Better Than Store-Bought

by Thelittleshine
by Thelittleshine

Classic comfort sauces you can make in minutes

Nothing beats homemade gravy — rich, fresh, and completely free from preservatives and artificial thickeners. Whether you’re pouring it over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, biscuits, or rice, these easy gravies come together in under 15 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.

Homemade Gravy Recipes Better Than Store-Bought

Below are five classic homemade gravy recipes: Brown, Turkey, Chicken, Creamy White, and Sausage Gravy — each with full instructions and pro tips for perfect results every time.

🟤 Classic Brown Gravy

Perfect for mashed potatoes, steak, meatloaf, and roasted vegetables.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • Butter – 2 tbsp
  • flour – 2 tbsp
  • Beef broth – 2 cups (warm)
  • Worcestershire sauce – 1 tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Method

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden (this removes raw flour taste).
  3. Slowly pour in warm beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  4. Add Worcestershire sauce. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve hot.

Tip: For deeper flavor, let the flour-butter mixture (roux) brown slightly before adding broth.

🦃 Turkey Gravy

Ideal for roast turkey, stuffing, and holiday plates.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • Turkey drippings – 2 tbsp
  • flour – 2 tbsp
  • Turkey broth – 2 cups (warm)
  • Poultry seasoning – ½ tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Method

  1. Heat turkey drippings in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  3. Gradually add warm turkey broth while whisking.
  4. Stir in poultry seasoning.
  5. Simmer 5–8 minutes until smooth and thick.
  6. Adjust salt and pepper.

Tip: If drippings are salty, taste before adding extra salt.

🍗 Chicken Gravy

A simple everyday gravy for rice, chicken cutlets, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • Butter – 2 tbsp
  • flour – 2 tbsp
  • Chicken broth – 2 cups (warm)
  • Garlic powder – ¼ tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Method

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan.
  2. Add flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
  3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth.
  4. Add garlic powder.
  5. Simmer until thick (about 5 minutes).
  6. Season and serve.

Optional upgrade: Add a splash of cream for extra richness.

🤍 Creamy White Gravy

Classic comfort gravy for biscuits, vegetables, or toast.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • Butter – 2 tbsp
  • flour – 2 tbsp
  • Whole milk – 2 cups (warm)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Method

  1. Melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  3. Slowly add warm milk while whisking continuously.
  4. Simmer until creamy and thick, about 5–7 minutes.
  5. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Tip: Fresh cracked pepper gives this gravy its signature flavor.

🌭 Sausage Gravy

Southern-style gravy — perfect over biscuits or toast.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

  • Breakfast sausage – ½ lb
  • flour – 3 tbsp
  • Whole milk – 2½ cups (warm)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Method

  1. Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Do not drain fat.
  2. Sprinkle flour over sausage and stir to coat. Cook 1 minute.
  3. Slowly pour in warm milk while stirring constantly.
  4. Simmer until thick and creamy (5–8 minutes).
  5. Season with salt and lots of black pepper.

Optional: Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for heat.

🌾 Flour & Starch Options (for smooth gravies)

1. Cornstarch / Cornflour
→ Mix 1 tbsp with 2 tbsp cold water, add to simmering gravy (glossy finish, neutral taste).

2. Arrowroot powder (very clean option)
→ Same method as cornstarch; great for clear gravies and gut-friendly.

3. Rice flour
→ Whisk 1 tbsp in water, add slowly (common in Asian gravies; mild taste).

4. Whole wheat flour (atta)
→ Dry-roast 1 tbsp first or sauté in oil → then add liquid (works best for Indian gravies).

5. chickpea flour
→ Roast lightly before adding (adds body + protein; great for curry-style gravies).

6. Oat flour (blend oats)
→ Adds thickness + fiber (slightly creamy texture).

🥔 Natural Thickening (no flour at all)

If you want even cleaner:

• Blended onion + tomato base
• Cashew / almond paste (rich restaurant-style)
• Boiled potato mash
• Pumpkin / carrot puree
• Coconut milk / cream

✅ Gravy Success Tips

  • Always add warm liquid to prevent lumps.
  • Whisk continuously during pouring.
  • If gravy gets too thick, thin with extra broth or milk.
  • If too thin, simmer longer or whisk in a small flour-water slurry.
  • Homemade gravy keeps 3 days refrigerated.