Perfect Thick Gravy Recipe Easy Luscious No Lumps Every Time
A quick and easy gravy recipe that yields a thick, smooth, and luscious sauce every time without lumps. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or pan drippings from roasted meat
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend of rice flour and cornstarch)
- 2 cups chicken broth or beef stock (low sodium preferred)
- Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or more as desired
- Optional: pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and measure precisely.
- Melt the butter or heat your pan drippings in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot but not smoking (about 1-2 minutes).
- Whisk in the flour gradually and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a golden roux.
- Slowly add the broth in 1/4 cup increments, whisking constantly until fully combined before adding more to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking occasionally until thickened and silky.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add optional garlic powder or herbs now if using.
- If desired, stir in cream or half-and-half and warm gently without boiling.
- If lumps appear, strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth finish.
- Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or other favorite dishes.
Notes
Whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Add broth gradually. Use medium heat to prevent scorching. Strain if lumps form. If gravy thickens too much, loosen with a splash of broth or water. Roux can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Calories: 7090
- Sodium: 250350
- Fat: 57
- Carbohydrates: 68
- Protein: 12
Keywords: gravy, thick gravy, smooth gravy, no lumps gravy, easy gravy recipe, homemade gravy, gravy for mashed potatoes