If you love the comforting warmth of gravy but don’t always have drippings on hand, this Creamy Homemade Basic Gravy Without Drippings Recipe is a true kitchen lifesaver. It’s smooth, velvety, and packed with rich flavor, proving that you don’t need fancy extras to create a gravy that elevates every meal. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, this recipe brings simple ingredients together with love and care to make a delicious sauce that’s genuinely satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four stages of making a creamy sauce in a stainless steel pan on a white marbled surface. The first stage shows melted butter with white flour on top and a silver whisk with a black handle resting in the pan. The second stage shows the mixture bubbly and light cream in color, with the whisk inside. The third stage displays a smooth, light beige sauce with no lumps, and the whisk is resting on the surface. The last stage shows the sauce thickening with visible bubbling, giving a shiny, golden cream look, and the whisk remains inside the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s so wonderful about the ingredients for this recipe is how straightforward yet essential each one is. They create a perfect balance of buttery richness, delicate thickness, and savory depth that turns simple broth into a luscious gravy.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky base for the gravy’s texture.
All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent, creating that smooth, creamy consistency.
Broth (chicken, turkey, or vegetable): Provides flavor and moisture that brings the gravy to life.
Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor—always adjust to your taste.
Optional minced onion and garlic: These deepen the flavor if you’re aiming for that classic Thanksgiving taste.
Poultry seasoning (optional): Perfect for a festive touch and aromatic flair.

How to Make Creamy Homemade Basic Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by gently melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. It’s important to let it melt slowly without browning so you maintain that lovely golden color essential for light, creamy gravy.

Step 2: Whisk in the Flour

Once the butter is melted, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the butter and whisk constantly. This step is your roux and the secret to thickening the gravy. Cook the mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes a smooth paste and loses the raw flour taste, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Gradually Add Broth

Slowly pour in your choice of broth—chicken, turkey, or vegetable—while whisking vigorously. Adding the broth bit by bit ensures a velvety finish without lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken and comes to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Sprinkle in the pepper and salt, adjusting as you go to find the perfect balance. Taste frequently to customize the seasoning—it’s all about what delights your palate.

Step 5: Optional Flavor Boost

If you want that classic Thanksgiving vibe, toss in the minced onion and garlic now, along with the poultry seasoning. Cook for a few minutes more, letting the flavors marry beautifully and the onions soften to melt into the gravy.

How to Serve Creamy Homemade Basic Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

A white gravy boat filled with smooth light brown gravy that has tiny dark specks throughout, sitting on a white marbled surface with a metal whisk with a black handle nearby, and a white cloth with soft folds in the top right background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves can add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the gravy’s comforting richness. These simple garnishes make the presentation inviting and charming.

Side Dishes

This gravy is a universal companion! Pour it over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, biscuits, or even use it as a sauce for meatloaf or turkey. Its creamy texture and savory flavor elevate everyday favorites effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Try serving the gravy in individual ramekins for self-serve dipping or drizzle it artistically over a plate of roasted root vegetables. You can even swirl it into creamy polenta or risotto to add an extra layer of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have gravy left over, store it in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy your Creamy Homemade Basic Gravy Without Drippings Recipe without any fuss the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, this gravy freezes well. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Remember, the texture might change slightly upon thawing but reheating with a little extra broth can restore its silky smoothness.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Whisk in a splash of broth or water if the gravy thickens too much. This keeps it creamy and fresh-tasting, just like when it was first made.

FAQs

Can I use broth alternatives for this gravy?

Absolutely! While chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth are classics, you can use beef broth or even mushroom broth to tailor the flavor to your dish. Just keep in mind that the color and richness may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this gravy gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with cold broth before adding it to prevent lumps. The texture will still be smooth and delicious.

Why does my gravy get lumpy?

Lumps usually form if the flour is not cooked properly, or broth is added too quickly without whisking. To avoid this, cook the roux until it’s fragrant and smooth, then add broth gradually while whisking constantly.

Can I make this gravy vegan?

Definitely! Use vegan butter or oil instead of unsalted butter and vegetable broth for the liquid. This will keep the gravy flavorful and creamy without any animal products.

How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

If your gravy is too thin, whisk in a little extra flour cooked into butter separately and then combine. For thinner gravy, simply add more broth or water slowly until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a gravy that comes together with simple ingredients but delivers such a creamy, luscious result. I encourage you to try this Creamy Homemade Basic Gravy Without Drippings Recipe next time you want a quick yet impressive sauce that feels like a warm hug on your plate. It’s easy, adaptable, and bound to become one of your go-to recipes for any meal.