When it comes to elevating a meal from good to great, few ingredients have as much impact as a rich and savory gravy. Whether you’re serving up a hearty roast dinner, comforting plate of mashed potatoes, or juicy burger, a well-crafted gravy can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouthwatering gravy master recipes that will take your cooking to the next level. From classic beef gravies with pan drippings to creamy mushroom gravies infused with thyme, and from spicy Cajun giblet gravies to tangy buttermilk gravies with black pepper, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these recipes are sure to become staples in your culinary repertoire.
Classic Beef Gravy with Pan Drippings
Classic Beef Gravy with Pan Drippings: Elevate your roast beef or mashed potato dishes with this rich and savory gravy.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups pan drippings (from cooking roast beef or other browned meat)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour and a splash of the pan drippings until smooth.
2. Gradually add the remaining pan drippings, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.
4. Add the beef broth, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined.
5. Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes or until thickened to your liking.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Thyme
A savory and aromatic gravy that complements roasted meats or vegetables perfectly, this creamy mushroom mixture is infused with the warmth of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
5. Stir in dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Southern-Style Sawmill Gravy
Rich and savory, this classic Southern gravy is a staple of comfort food. Perfect for serving over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or as a dip for fried chicken or pork chops.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add the beef broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened to your liking.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Herb-Infused Turkey Gravy
Elevate your turkey dinner with this flavorful and aromatic herb-infused gravy, perfectly balancing the savory flavors of roasted turkey.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups turkey pan drippings
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add the turkey pan drippings, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.
5. Stir in the thyme, sage, and black pepper.
6. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
7. Simmer the gravy for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Onion and Garlic Red Wine Gravy
Elevate your meals with a rich and savory Onion and Garlic Red Wine Gravy, perfect for serving over roasted meats or as a dipping sauce. This flavorful condiment is made with caramelized onions, garlic, and red wine, resulting in a deep and satisfying flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the red wine, butter, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the gravy has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Cajun Giblet Gravy
Add a kick to your holiday turkey with this spicy Cajun giblet gravy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups turkey giblets, chopped
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped giblets and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder over giblets; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rich Brown Butter Gravy
Elevate your meals with this rich and creamy gravy, made with the deep flavors of browned butter and a hint of saltiness. This versatile sauce is perfect for serving over roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or as a dip for crusty bread.
Ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in flour to create a smooth paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually pour in the heavy cream or whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook until the gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vegan Mushroom and Miso Gravy
Vegan Mushroom and Miso Gravy Recipe: A savory and umami-rich sauce that elevates any dish. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the depth of miso paste, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the miso paste, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and thyme.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Slow-Cooked Pork Gravy with Sage
Slow-Cooked Pork Gravy with Sage Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of slow-cooked pork and sage in this comforting gravy, perfect for accompanying roasted meats or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork shoulder, boneless and skinless
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add the pork shoulder and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the onion, garlic, chicken broth, brown sugar, butter, and sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven or slow cooker. Cook for 2-3 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (oven) or 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
Golden Chicken Gravy with Rosemary
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this aromatic gravy infused with the savory flavor of rosemary. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the gravy cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Bacon and Onion Gravy for Biscuits
Bacon and Onion Gravy for Biscuits: Elevate your breakfast game with this rich and savory gravy that’s perfect for serving over flaky biscuits.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Leave the grease from the bacon in the pan, then add the thinly sliced onion. Cook until the onion is translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cooked bacon back into the gravy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramelized Shallot and Red Wine Gravy
Elevate your favorite dishes with this rich and flavorful gravy, perfect for pairing with roasted meats or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 large shallots, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced shallots and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the red wine and beef broth to the saucepan, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Pepper Gravy
Elevate your dishes with a rich and smoky chipotle pepper gravy that adds depth and heat to any meal. Perfect for serving over roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together flour and 1/2 cup chicken broth until smooth.
2. Add milk, butter, chopped chipotle peppers, and smoked paprika. Whisk until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tangy Buttermilk Gravy with Black Pepper
Add a rich and tangy twist to your favorite dishes with this simple yet flavorful gravy recipe. Perfect for serving over breakfast favorites, biscuits, or as a topping for roasted meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, whisk together buttermilk and flour until smooth.
2. Add paprika, salt, and black pepper; whisk until well combined.
3. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture comes to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes or until gravy thickens slightly.
5. Stir in butter until melted and fully incorporated.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Silky Smooth Giblet Gravy
Elevate your roasted turkey dinner with this rich and velvety giblet gravy, made from the savory juices of the bird.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups turkey giblets (neck, gizzards, and liver)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
6. Strain gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan, discarding solids.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Serve: Warm Silky Smooth Giblet Gravy alongside your roasted turkey and sides.
Sweet and Spicy Maple Gravy
Elevate your holiday meals with this unique and flavorful gravy that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chicken or turkey drippings
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1-2 dashes hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1 cup beef broth until smooth.
2. Add the mixture to the drippings in a medium saucepan, whisking constantly.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.
4. Stir in maple syrup, mustard, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. If desired, add hot sauce to taste.
6. Simmer an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Parmesan White Gravy
Elevate your pasta dishes with this decadent garlic parmesan white gravy, perfect for coating fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite noodle. This flavorful sauce combines the pungency of garlic with the nuttiness of parmesan cheese and a touch of cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Homemade Vegetarian Brown Gravy
Elevate your vegetarian meals with a rich and savory homemade brown gravy that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup mushroom broth (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a smooth paste (roux).
3. Gradually add the vegetable broth, mushroom broth, and thyme. Whisk until smooth, then bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the gravy thickens to your liking.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Discover the art of making rich and savory gravies with these 18 master recipes. From classic beef to vegan mushroom and miso, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Learn how to make creamy mushroom gravy with thyme, southern-style sawmill gravy, herb-infused turkey gravy, and many more. Whether you’re looking for a bold and spicy flavor or a smooth and silky texture, these recipes will guide you in creating deliciously rich gravies that will elevate your meals to the next level.
