Gravy is more than just a sauce, it’s the finishing touch that ties an entire meal together. Whether it’s poured over mashed potatoes, drizzled on turkey, or soaked into stuffing, gravy adds depth, richness, and comfort. It’s that warm, savory element that turns a good plate of food into something memorable.
What makes gravy so beloved is its ability to enhance flavor while bringing everything on the plate into harmony. It usually starts with the flavorful drippings from roasted meat, combined with stock and thickened with flour or cornstarch. But from that basic foundation, there are endless variations. Some prefer a classic brown gravy made from beef or turkey drippings, while others lean toward creamy versions made with milk or cream. Even vegetarian and vegan gravies have found a place at the modern table, using mushrooms, onions, or soy sauce to mimic that deep umami profile.
Gravy carries with it a sense of tradition. It’s a staple at holiday meals and Sunday dinners, a nostalgic link to family gatherings and home-cooked feasts. The smell alone can bring back memories, the sizzle of a roast in the oven, the bubbling pot on the stove, and the moment everyone quiets down to eat.
Making gravy can feel a little intimidating, especially when you’re trying to avoid lumps or get just the right consistency. But once mastered, it’s one of the most satisfying things to cook. It rewards attention to detail and a bit of patience. Taste as you go, keep stirring, and you’ll end up with something worth savoring.
Gravy also shines when repurposed. Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, poured over rice or noodles, or added to casseroles for extra flavor. It’s one of those ingredients that stretches a meal further and makes everything taste just a bit better.
In the end, gravy is comfort in liquid form. It may not be the centerpiece, but it plays a starring role in making meals feel hearty, homey, and complete.
Overall, while gravy may not be the healthiest option on its own, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and made with nutrient-rich ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups turkey or chicken drippings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the turkey or chicken drippings and chicken broth over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until smooth.
- Gradually whisk the flour mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
- Serve hot with your favorite meal.
I dunno about using all that flour, seemed excessive. My grandma just uses cornstarch!
Cornstarch can work too! But I think the flour gives it a richer taste. Each to their own, right?
Can’t believe how simple this is! Gonna make it for Thanksgiving, everyone loves my gravy now!
That’s awesome! Gravy is a must for Thanksgiving. Bet it’ll be a hit!
This is just broth with flour, right? I don’t get why everyone loves gravy so much.
Gravy? More like slop! This did not taste like what grandma made. Not impressed.
Gravy? More like a science experiment. I tried and it came out lumpy. Shoulda just bought a jar from the store.
Nah, store-bought is not the same! You just gotta practice more. Give it another shot, you’ll get it right!
I get it! Making gravy can be tricky. I’ve had lumpy gravy before too. Maybe try adding the flour mixture slower next time?
I followed the recipe but the gravy ended up too thick and lumpy. Not sure what went wrong.
Great recipe! I didn’t have drippings so I just used broth. Still tasted good! Thanks for sharing!
I made this for Thanksgiving, and everyone loved it! Gravy is life.
Gravy is the best part of any meal! Glad it was a hit for Thanksgiving!
Tried this recipe but it didn’t turn out right. My gravy was too thick and tasted bland.
This gravy was amazing! So easy to make and tasted delicious. Perfect for my roast chicken!
This is the best gravy recipe I’ve ever tried! Super easy and delicious!
I don’t know, the flour made it kinda weird. Tasted more like paste than gravy.
Yum, yum, yum! Gravy is life! Went well with mashed potatoes and turkey!
Gravy is the best! I always make extra so I can pour it on everything! 😍
This gravy was a hit! Perfect with my roast chicken. Will definitely make again!
So glad to hear that! Gravy really makes the meal special! What else did you serve it with?
Did it really come out that good? I tried making gravy once and it was a disaster! Maybe I need your recipe.
Meh, not as good as my grandma’s recipe. I think she used something special and secret. 👵
5 stars for simplicity! I didn’t even have drippings and used broth only, still worked out. Yum!
How much graving do u guys use? just a little or a lot? I like to drown my food in it!
gravy? check. I like it.
Amazing gravy! So easy to make. I used chicken drippings from last night’s roast and it turned out delicious! Will definitely make this again.
I never knew making gravy was this easy! Great recipe, thanks!
Gravy? Really? It’s just a mix of fats and flour, how hard can it be? But I guess if you can’t make it from scratch, this is a good start.
I know right? It’s so simple! I actually made it last week and it turned out perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Yum! Perfect with mashed potatoes! 😋
This gravy was too thick for my liking. I added more broth but still didn’t get it right. Maybe I did something wrong?
I think you might’ve added too much flour or not enough broth. Just a little at a time can help. Don’t worry, we all make mistakes in the kitchen!
Gravy is hard! I usually just buy the packets. Looks easier that way. 🤷♂️
Can you use beef drippings instead? I love beef but this recipe seems chicken-heavy!
Meh. Its just gravy, right? Nothing special, I was expecting more flavor.