Ultimate Guide to Homemade Gravies: 7 Classic Gravy Recipes You Can Make From Scratch

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Gravy is one of those magical kitchen staples that can instantly turn a simple meal into pure comfort food. Whether poured over mashed potatoes, biscuits, chicken, beef, or fried favorites, homemade gravy adds depth, richness, and soul to your plate. In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make seven classic gravies from scratch, all inspired by traditional American comfort cooking.

From creamy White Gravy to bold Cajun Gravy, this article gives you step-by-step instructions, ingredients, pro tips, FAQs, and serving ideas. These recipes are easy, customizable, and perfect for family dinners, holidays, or weeknight meals.

1. Classic White Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup bacon fat
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2½ cups whole milk
  • 2 pinches cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat bacon fat in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly.
  4. Add garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer until thick and creamy, about 5–7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes.

2. Rich Beef Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter (or beef drippings)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly whisk in beef broth.
  4. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer until thick, then stir in heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal for roast beef, steak, meatloaf, or mashed potatoes.

3. Southern Sausage Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2½ cups whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking it apart.
  2. Add butter and flour, stirring to coat sausage.
  3. Slowly pour in milk while stirring.
  4. Add seasonings and simmer until thick.

Serving Suggestions

Best served over warm biscuits or toast.

4. Homemade Chicken Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter or chicken drippings
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of poultry seasoning

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan.
  2. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
  3. Whisk in chicken broth slowly.
  4. Add milk and seasonings.
  5. Simmer until smooth and thick.

Serving Suggestions

Excellent with roasted chicken, turkey, or mashed potatoes.

5. Savory Onion Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and cook onions slowly until caramelized.
  2. Sprinkle sugar and flour over onions.
  3. Stir in beef broth gradually.
  4. Add Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer until thick.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect with mashed potatoes, sausages, or burgers.

6. Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¾ cup milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and oil in a skillet.
  2. Sauté mushrooms and onions until browned.
  3. Add garlic and cook briefly.
  4. Stir in flour.
  5. Slowly add broth and milk.
  6. Simmer until thick and creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Amazing over steak, chicken, pork, or mashed potatoes.

7. Spicy Cajun Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat butter or oil in a saucepan.
  2. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
  3. Slowly add beef broth.
  4. Add all seasonings.
  5. Simmer until thick and spicy.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect with fried chicken, rice, shrimp, or mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Gravy Every Time

  • Always whisk continuously to avoid lumps
  • Warm liquid blends better than cold
  • Adjust thickness by adding broth or simmering longer
  • Taste and season at the end

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make gravy ahead of time?

Yes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.

How do I fix lumpy gravy?

Use a whisk or immersion blender. Straining also works.

Can I freeze gravy?

Yes, most gravies freeze well for up to 2 months.

What’s the best thickener for gravy?

A flour roux is classic, but cornstarch also works for gluten-free versions.

Can I make these gravies vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth and plant-based butter or oil.

Conclusion

Homemade gravy is one of the easiest ways to elevate everyday meals into unforgettable comfort food. With these seven classic gravy recipes, you now have everything you need to create rich, flavorful sauces for any occasion. Whether you crave creamy white gravy, hearty beef gravy, or bold Cajun spice, each recipe is simple, affordable, and packed with flavor.

Add these gravies to your cooking rotation, and your meals will never feel plain again. Bookmark this guide, share it with fellow food lovers, and enjoy the magic of homemade gravy — one spoonful at a time.

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