Stop buying these at the store. 6 popular gravies to make at home instead
McKayla Davis
Contributing Writer
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Gravies are a staple in many cuisines, adding depth and richness to a variety of dishes. While store-bought options offer convenience, they often fall short in flavor and can contain preservatives and artificial ingredients. Making gravies at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize flavors to suit your palate. Whether you’re enhancing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, homemade gravies can transform your meals into something extraordinary.
Benefits of Making Gravies at Home
Homemade gravies offer numerous benefits over their store-bought counterparts. First, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use fresh, high-quality components without preservatives or artificial flavors. This not only enhances the taste but also ensures a healthier option for you and your family. Additionally, making gravy from scratch allows you to adjust the seasoning and consistency to your liking, ensuring a perfect match for your dish. Lastly, the process of making gravy can be a rewarding culinary experience, allowing you to experiment with flavors and techniques.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Gravies
To create a delicious homemade gravy, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. A good quality stock or broth serves as the base, providing depth and richness. Flour or cornstarch is typically used as a thickening agent, while butter or oil adds a smooth texture. Aromatics such as onions, garlic, and herbs can enhance the flavor profile, and seasoning with salt, pepper, and other spices will bring everything together. Depending on the type of gravy, additional ingredients like cream, wine, or mushrooms may be used to add complexity.
1. Classic White Gravy Recipe
White gravy, also known as country gravy, is a Southern staple often served with biscuits or fried chicken.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, until golden.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Continue stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Serve hot.
2. Rich Beef Gravy Recipe
A rich beef gravy can elevate any roast or steak dinner.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons beef drippings or unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock (preferably warm)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium heat, add beef drippings.
Whisk in flour and cook for 2–3 minutes to make a roux.
Slowly add the beef stock while whisking, scraping up browned bits.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.
3. Savory Chicken Gravy Recipe
Chicken gravy is a versatile sauce that complements many dishes.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons chicken drippings or butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat drippings in a pan over medium heat.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually add chicken stock, whisking constantly.
Add garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Flavorful Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Mushroom gravy is a vegetarian-friendly option that’s full of umami flavor.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable or mushroom stock
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
In a pan, melt butter and sauté mushrooms over medium heat until golden, about 8–10 minutes.
Add flour and stir to form a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly pour in the stock, whisking until smooth.
Stir in soy sauce, thyme, and pepper.
Simmer until thickened, about 7–10 minutes. Serve hot.
5. Traditional Turkey Gravy Recipe
Turkey gravy is a must-have for holiday dinners.
