My easy gluten-free gravy recipe takes just 5 minutes to make with only three simple ingredients. You can flavor it with any type of broth you like, and you don’t need to use pan drippings if you don’t want to (although I’ve included instructions for that, too!). It’s perfect for any Thanksgiving or holiday meal, and there’s also a dairy-free and vegetarian option. I’m not joking when I say this is the easiest and most delicious gluten-free gravy you’ll ever try!

Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe

I know firsthand how busy the kitchen can get during the holidays. With so many dishes to prepare and kids to keep entertained, I always look for quick and easy recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor. My homemade gluten-free gravy comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients and can easily be made ahead of time! Like regular gravy made with wheat-based flour, I start this recipe with an easy gluten-free roux and mix it with any flavor broth I have to hand. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and thyme (optional), this sauce is loaded with flavor and ready to be poured over your Thanksgiving turkey.

Ingredients

• Butter: Mixes with the gluten-free flour to make a rich and creamy roux to thicken the sauce. I like Smart Balance butter for a dairy-free option.
• Gluten-Free Flour: You only need ¼ cup of gluten-free flour for this recipe. You can also make a cornstarch slurry if you prefer. Please see my recipe tips below.
• Gluten-Free Broth: This is where you can change up the flavor to match your meal. You can use store-bought gluten-free broth or make your own using gluten-free bouillon cubes or gravy granules. Use low sodium options where possible (you can always add more salt to taste). I have used chicken, turkey, and beef broth in this recipe with great success. Turkey drippings are a delicious alternative, and I’ve included instructions for using them below. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
• Salt and Pepper: Use these seasonings to taste.
• Dried Thyme: This seasoning is optional. It’s one of my favorite savory seasonings to add to this recipe.

Tips and Suggestions

• You can use a cornstarch slurry in place of the gluten-free flour to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
• Add any seasonings you like to make a more savory gravy. Some options are dried thyme, dried sage, onion powder, or garlic powder. My family and I love this sauce with a touch of dried thyme.
• I always taste my gluten-free gravy before seasoning it every time I make it. Different broths and bouillon cubes/granules will have different levels of saltiness. I recommend starting with less salt and adding more to taste.
• Be sure to whisk the gravy constantly when adding the broth to prevent lumps from forming. If you do get some lumps, don’t worry! You can strain them out using a fine mesh strainer or use an immersion blender to smooth them out.

How to Use Pan Drippings

If you’ve cooked a whole turkey or a roast, the liquid left in the pan after roasting is full of flavor and a great substitute for broth in this recipe. Here’s how I use it:

1. Let the pan drippings cool before using.
2. Skim off any excess fat that has risen to the top and pour it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any gristle.
3. Taste your pan drippings and add water if the flavor is too intense.
4. Use the pan drippings instead of broth in this recipe, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How Do You Thicken Gravy Without Gluten?

Different gluten-free flours have different absorbency levels and thickening properties. If your gravy isn’t as thick as you like, you might be tempted to pour in more flour. Please don’t do this! Adding gluten-free flour directly into your hot gravy can make it clump up and ruin the texture. Instead, I would mix the flour with some cold water or broth and slowly add it to the gravy, whisking constantly. A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) will also work as a gluten-free thickening agent.

Serving Suggestions

The flavor of this gluten-free gravy complements many main and side dishes. I’ll serve it as part of my gluten-free Thanksgiving spread with roast turkey, gluten-free mashed potatoes, and gluten-free bread stuffing (use turkey broth to make gluten-free turkey gravy). Or, for a midweek dinner option, my family loves it drizzled over gluten-free shepherd’s pie and steamed vegetables. Try also with popovers!

Storage Instructions

This simple gluten-free gravy recipe can be made up to 3-4 days ahead of time. I always make it a day or two before Thanksgiving so I can focus on other dishes the day of. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or microwave before serving. You may need to add a little water or broth when reheating, as it can thicken further as it sits. This recipe also freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 4-6 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes to Try!

• Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
• Gluten-Free Sweet Corn Bread
• Gluten-Free Corn Casserole
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole

How to Make Gluten-Free Gravy Step-by-Step

Add 2 tablespoons butter to a small saucepan over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted add ¼ cup gluten-free flour (or cornstarch slurry made from 3 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water) to the pan and stir until combined to make a roux. Whisk for 2-3 minutes, until the butter turns golden brown and the gluten-free flour is fully dissolved and clump-free.

Add 2 cups gluten-free broth to the roux (butter mixture), stirring constantly with a whisk, and bringing to a boil.

Boil for 1 minute and season with salt, pepper (to taste), and ½ teaspoon thyme (optional). Serve warm and enjoy!