Sauce

Homemade Gravy From Scratch Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Name: Homemade Gravy From Scratch Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cube beef flavor bouillon; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 1/4 cups hot boiling water; 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 cube chicken broth concentrate; Pinch of salt, only if needed; 4 tablespoons all-purpose; 1/2 teaspoon onion granules; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Susan Roberts August 12, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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In my adventures in the kitchen, I’ve discovered that there’s hardly a meal that doesn’t benefit from a rich, flavorful gravy. Whether it’s draped over roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or a savory meatloaf, gravy has a way of elevating a dish from good to unforgettable.

I must admit, there’s something magical about homemade gravy, especially when prepared from scratch. It wraps around your food like a warm hug, instantly making any plate more inviting.

What is Homemade Gravy from Scratch?

Homemade gravy is a luscious sauce made from scratch, using pan drippings or broth, thickened with flour. It captures the essence of the main dish, offering a delightful complement.

While pre-packaged varieties exist, nothing tastes quite like the real deal made in your own kitchen. The beauty of making gravy from scratch lies in the ability to control flavors and ingredients, crafting a sauce that’s truly your own.

The Ingredients

Creating a delectable gravy requires only a handful of ingredients, and most are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic homemade gravy:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cube beef flavor bouillon
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1/4 cups hot boiling water
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1 cube chicken broth concentrate (or bouillon cube)
Pinch of salt, only if needed
4 tablespoons all-purpose (plain) flour
1/2 teaspoon onion granules
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Homemade Gravy from Scratch

Making homemade gravy is a straightforward process. It requires attentive steps to ensure your consistency and flavors turn out just right, transforming those basic ingredients into something special.

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Gently swirl it around until it’s completely liquid and begins to foam. This is your base for the gravy. The smell of butter alone is enough to entice anyone into the kitchen.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Once your butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Keep stirring! This forms a roux, which is vital for thickening your gravy.

You want the roux to be a light golden color, which usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Don’t rush this step! The longer you whisk, the more flavor develops.

Step 3: Incorporate the Broth

Gradually mix in your boiling water. As you add it, continue to whisk vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. The combination of roux and hot liquid is where the magic begins. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; you’ll start to notice it thickening up.

Step 4: Season It Right

Now come the flavor boosters. Add in the beef bouillon, chicken broth concentrate, garlic powder, onion granules, and black pepper. These ingredients will meld beautifully, creating a savory profile. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Taste your gravy! You might want a pinch of salt depending on your preference and the saltiness of your broth. Once you’re happy with the flavor and consistency, your gravy is ready to serve!

How to make Homemade Gravy From Scratch Recipe

Notes: Useful Tips

Use the drippings from your roasted meat for an extra depth of flavor. They’re gold for gravy!
Whisk constantly when adding liquid to avoid lumps. It’s essential to get that smooth texture.
Trial and error is okay! If your gravy turns out too thick, add a bit more hot water, or if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken up.
Experiment with flavors! Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to give your gravy a personalized twist.
Storage is crucial; if it thickens too much in the fridge, whisk in a little hot water to restore the consistency.

Storage Tips

Homemade gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage—up to three months.

Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a few splashes of water to loosen it up if needed.

Nutrition Information

Homemade Gravy From Scratch Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Looking for ideas to pour that delicious gravy over? Here are five tasty options to consider:

1. Mashed Potatoes:
Imagine buttery mashed potatoes saturated with rich gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

2. Roasted Chicken:
A succulent piece of roasted chicken topped with homemade gravy. The flavors harmonize beautifully, making each bite a celebration of flavor.

3. Meatloaf:
Slice up your homemade meatloaf and ladle that savory gravy over the top. It transforms a simple dish into a hearty meal.

4. Biscuits:
Warm, flaky biscuits smothered in gravy have a way of making breakfast feel like a special occasion. You won’t regret starting your day this way.

5. Shepherd’s Pie:
Top your shepherd’s pie with a generous drizzle of gravy. It adds a deep flavor that complements the meat and veggies perfectly.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Homemade Gravy from Scratch?

If you find yourself missing some of the specific ingredients or want to try different flavors, here are substitutions to consider:

1. Vegetable Broth:
Swap out beef or chicken broth for vegetable broth. This keeps it vegetarian-friendly while still delivering a full-bodied flavor.

2. Cornstarch:
Instead of flour, cornstarch can act as a thickener. Use about 2 tablespoons mixed with cold water before adding it to the gravy.

3. Coconut Aminos:
For a soy-free version, try coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. It offers a slightly sweeter flavor while still adding depth.

4. Gluten-Free Flour:
If you need a gluten-free option, any gluten-free flour blend can replace regular flour in your roux.

5. Cream or Half-and-Half:
For a creamy gravy, consider adding a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end. It creates a richer version that’s delightful over anything.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting homemade gravy from scratch. It’s an art as much as it is a science, a comforting practice that fills your kitchen with a welcoming aroma.

With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a sauce that pays homage to every dish you serve.

Whether it’s a family meal or a festive gathering, homemade gravy is more than an accessory; it’s the cherry on top that pulls the meal together. So roll up your sleeves, grab your whisk, and dive into the delicious world of homemade gravy. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Print Recipe

Homemade Gravy From Scratch Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Author: Susan Roberts Cuisine: European Courses: Sauce

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 89

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Homemade gravy is a luscious sauce made from scratch, using pan drippings or broth, thickened with flour. It captures the essence of the main dish, offering a delightful complement.