There’s something incredibly comforting about a good gravy — rich, silky, and the perfect finishing touch to a hearty meal. This Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe is a simple, reliable way to enjoy that same classic flavor without worrying about gluten. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how gravy could ever be this easy and delicious.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this gluten-free gravy recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s wonderfully straightforward and comes together so quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or those special holiday meals when you want something that just works.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to whip this up, so no last-minute grocery runs.
- Velvety Texture: The sweet rice flour creates a smooth, luscious gravy without any grainy bits.
- Versatile Flavor: It’s a blank canvas, letting you customize with your favorite herbs or spices.
- Perfect for Everyone: It’s safe for gluten-sensitive and celiac-friendly diets without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this gluten-free gravy recipe plays a part in building flavor and texture. You’ll find it’s smart to use warm broth and the right type of rice flour for the best results. Let me break it down for you.
- Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil: Butter adds a rich, creamy base, but olive oil works beautifully for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Sweet Rice Flour or White Rice Flour: Sweet rice flour thickens the gravy smoothly without clumps; white rice flour works in a pinch but might be a bit less silky.
- Warm Broth (Turkey, Chicken, Beef, or Vegetable): Using warm broth helps the gravy blend better without lumps and adds that delicious savory backbone.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Adds subtle umami and depth; be sure to double-check it’s labeled gluten-free.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Dried Thyme: These dried herbs and spices gently enhance without overpowering the natural broth flavors.
Make It Your Way
I love that this gluten-free gravy recipe lets you play around with the seasonings. I often add a splash of white wine or a pinch of fresh sage, depending on the meal. You might like it richer or more herbaceous, and that's totally fine — this gravy can take it all!
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh rosemary or sage right at the end gives it an earthy aroma that fills your kitchen beautifully.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Using olive oil instead of butter is a simple swap if you're avoiding dairy.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne can add a surprising but delicious twist I’ve gotten hooked on.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Melt and Mix
Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium-high heat in a small pot. I like to watch closely so it melts smoothly without browning. If you’re using olive oil, heat it just until it shimmers — a hot but not smoking pan is key here. Then, whisk in the sweet rice flour. It immediately turns into a thick paste, and this is where that magic begins.
Step 2: Toast the Flour Paste
Keep whisking for about 3 minutes until the paste takes on a light beige color. This toasty step boosts flavor and prevents any raw flour taste. I usually set a timer here because it’s easy to get distracted, but you’ll see and smell when it’s ready — kind of nutty and warm.
Step 3: Add Broth Slowly
Now, the important part: add the warm broth a little at a time in a slow and steady stream while whisking constantly. This helps avoid lumps, so don’t rush it. I usually pour in about half first, get it smooth, then add the rest. When it starts to bubble and thicken, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer and Season
Let the gravy cook gently for 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to keep it silky and lump-free. Toward the end, stir in your garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and gluten-free soy sauce. Taste and then adjust salt and pepper to your liking. This is where you really make it your own.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while it’s glossy and thick. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, and I’ll share how I reheat those down below.
Top Tip
After making this gluten-free gravy recipe multiple times, a few tricks really helped me nail the texture and flavor, so I’m excited to share them. These saved me from lumpy gravy disasters and bland sauces!
- Use Warm Broth: Adding room temperature or warm broth makes it easier to whisk smoothly and prevents clumps.
- Whisk Constantly: Patience is key during the simmer to avoid sticking and lumps—steady whisking makes all the difference.
- Don’t Skip Toasting: Those few extra minutes cooking the flour paste develop a rich, nutty flavor and keep it from tasting “floury.”
- Season Last: Salt and pepper can be adjusted at the end. It’s better to start small and add more after tasting.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves right on top for a pop of color and fresh aroma. If I’m feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of truffle oil makes it super special.
Side Dishes
This gravy is ace over classic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a gluten-free stuffing. I’ve also poured it onto grilled chicken breasts or baked turkey—it just elevates everything on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I like to serve this gravy right in a cute gravy boat with a fresh herb sprig tucked into the handle. Sometimes I even swirl in a little caramelized onion or mushroom mixture for a rustic twist that guests rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover gluten-free gravy in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, so you can make it ahead and not worry about rushing.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this gravy successfully in freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low heat, whisking regularly to restore that smooth silky texture. Adding a little warm broth while stirring helps it regain its beautiful consistency without breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While sweet rice flour gives the best silky texture, you can try white rice flour or cornstarch as substitutes. Just note that the texture might be slightly different—white rice flour can be paste-like and cornstarch thickens quickly but doesn't provide as much body.
You can make it dairy-free by swapping butter with olive oil. Both work well, but butter does lend a richer flavor. Just be sure to use gluten-free stock and soy sauce to keep the whole recipe gluten- and dairy-free.
The key is to add warm broth slowly while whisking constantly and to whisk the flour paste well before adding any liquid. Also, toasting the flour paste before adding broth helps create a smoother finish.
Absolutely! You can make the gravy up to four days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking in a bit of broth if it thickens too much. This makes holiday prep much easier!
Final Thoughts
This gluten-free gravy recipe is pure kitchen comfort and so versatile it quickly became one of my go-to sauces. It’s easy, fast, and forgiving—perfect for cooks of all levels. I can’t wait for you to make it at home and add that rich, savory touch to your meals with zero gluten worries. Here’s to many cozy dinners drizzled in gravy love!
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Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This gluten-free gravy recipe is a simple and delicious sauce perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal. Made with just a few ingredients, it offers a smooth, flavorful gravy using gluten-free flours and broth, suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients
Base
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil (1½ ounces; 42 grams)
- 3 tablespoons sweet rice flour or white rice flour (¾ ounce; 21 grams)
- 2 cups warm turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable broth (16 ounces; 453 grams)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter or Heat Oil: In a small pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat or heat the olive oil until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Add Flour and Whisk: Add the sweet rice flour and whisk continuously until a paste forms. Keep whisking for about 3 minutes until the paste turns light beige.
- Incorporate Broth: Slowly whisk in the warm broth in a steady stream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook and Thicken: Continue cooking and whisking until the gravy thickens and begins to bubble. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Adjust Taste: Stir in the gluten-free soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Store: Serve the gravy warm. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Notes
- This gravy is naturally gluten-free and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Sweet rice flour or white rice flour works best for thickening; other gluten-free flours might alter texture.
- Use warm broth to ensure smooth incorporation with the flour paste.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference; optional herbs can be added for extra flavor.
- Store refrigerated gravy in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 65 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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