If you’ve ever found yourself craving that rich, comforting sauce but had no drippings to work with, you’re in the right place. This is the ultimate guide on How to Make Gravy Without Drippings Recipe, a simple yet flavorful solution that proves you don’t need meat juices to make lush, velvety gravy that elevates any meal. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe gives you all the tips and tricks to whip up a perfect, smooth gravy in just 10 minutes. It’s creamy, lightly seasoned, and absolutely soul-soothing, making it a must-know culinary hack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in crafting that classic gravy texture and taste. From the golden butter that brings richness, to the flour that thickens it up just right, every ingredient is simple but essential.
- 2 Tbsp. butter (salted): Adds richness and a silky base that’s the key to a smooth gravy.
- 3 Tbsp. flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 blend): Acts as the thickening agent, creating that perfect gravy consistency.
- 1 cup chicken broth (regular sodium): Gives the gravy its savory depth and helps build flavor without drippings.
- ½ cup milk (regular or plant-based): Brings creaminess and balances the savory notes for a luscious finish.
- ½ tsp. poultry seasoning (optional): Adds a subtle, herbaceous warmth that gently lifts the gravy.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning to perfection, making the flavors pop.
How to Make How to Make Gravy Without Drippings Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Begin by placing 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Let it melt slowly, and if you want a deeper, nuttier flavor, allow it to brown just slightly, but be careful not to burn it. This step lays the flavor foundation for your gravy, giving it warmth and richness you’ll adore.
Step 2: Create a Roux
Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour (a gluten-free blend works perfectly if you need it). Whisk continuously until the mixture turns into a thick paste, known as a roux. This is crucial because it smooths out lumps later and helps thicken your gravy evenly.
Step 3: Add Broth Gradually
Slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth in ¼ cup increments, whisking vigorously between additions. This slow incorporation keeps the gravy silky and lump-free. The broth adds the savory backbone that takes this gravy from simple to sensational, all without any drippings involved!
Step 4: Incorporate Milk for Creaminess
Once the gravy starts to thicken up nicely, slowly add ½ cup of milk in ¼ cup increments, whisking constantly to maintain smoothness. Keep simmering and whisking until you reach your desired thickness. The milk softens the texture and rounds out the flavors for that creamy finish that makes gravy so irresistible.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Finally, season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste and stir in ½ teaspoon of poultry seasoning if you want that subtle herbaceous kick. Adjust these seasonings carefully because they bring out all the nuances in the gravy, making it your own delicious creation.
How to Serve How to Make Gravy Without Drippings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme over your gravy not only provides a fresh contrast but also brightens the aroma. If you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny drizzle of browned butter on top can enhance that nutty flavor, making your gravy visually inviting and deeply flavorful.
Side Dishes
This gravy pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even buttery biscuits. It’s versatile enough to complement a Sunday roast or jazz up simple rice bowls. The creamy texture and rich flavor make even the most basic side dishes feel revitalized.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this gravy in a small gravy boat to keep things elegant at the table, or swirl it over a bowl of creamy polenta for a rustic twist. Pour it over sautéed mushrooms or steamed green beans for an unexpected flavor boost that will wow your guests. Presentation can elevate this simple recipe from everyday to gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating, as it may thicken or separate slightly when chilled.
Freezing
You can freeze this gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Because it has milk, freezing may slightly alter the texture, but a quick whisk during reheating usually restores its creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the gravy gently on the stove over medium-low heat, whisking frequently to prevent lumps. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too—just stir every 30 seconds until hot and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works wonderfully in this recipe and makes the gravy vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to make this gravy dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and a dairy-free butter substitute to keep it creamy and delicious.
What if I want a thicker gravy?
You can simply add a bit more flour at the start when making your roux, but be sure to cook it a little longer so the flour taste cooks out, then proceed with the liquids as usual.
Why should I add the milk in increments?
Adding the milk slowly while whisking prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture by allowing the mixture to blend gradually.
Can I skip the poultry seasoning?
Definitely! Poultry seasoning is optional, but it adds a lovely herbal warmth. You can omit or substitute with your favorite herbs such as sage or thyme.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a wonderfully easy and satisfying answer to How to Make Gravy Without Drippings Recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Whether you’re cooking for company or just treating yourself, this gravy is sure to become a secret weapon in your kitchen arsenal. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever made gravy any other way!
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How to Make Gravy Without Drippings Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and quick recipe for making a smooth, flavorful gravy without the need for drippings. This easy gravy uses butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk to achieve a creamy texture and rich taste, perfect for enhancing your meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter (salted)
- 3 Tbsp. flour (or a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend)
- 1 cup chicken broth (regular sodium)
- ½ cup milk (regular or plant-based)
- ½ tsp. poultry seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Melt the butter: Place butter in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat and wait for it to melt. For a richer flavor, allow the butter to brown slightly.
- Add and whisk flour: Add flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously until a thick paste forms, which is the roux that will thicken your gravy.
- Incorporate chicken broth: Slowly pour the chicken broth in ¼ cup increments, whisking well after each addition to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth mixture.
- Add milk gradually: Once thickened, pour in the milk in ¼ cup increments, whisking between each addition for smoothness. Continue whisking and simmering until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy: Finally, season with salt, pepper, and optional poultry seasoning to taste. Stir well and serve warm.
Notes
- For gluten-free gravy, use a gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend instead of regular flour.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk to make the gravy dairy-free.
- To make a darker, more flavorful gravy, allow the butter to brown slightly before adding flour.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or milk if the gravy is too thick, or letting it simmer longer if too thin.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the saltiness more precisely.
