The Ultimate Roast Dinner Gravy (From Scratch!)

Right then, let's talk gravy. seriously, who doesn't love a good gravy? i mean, it’s basically the best thing about a roast dinner gravy recipe , right? ever wondered how to make homemade gravy that’s actually good? not just some gloopy, bland mess? i got you covered.
This recipe will have your gravy game levelling up big time.
Gravy, Glorious Gravy: A Family Affair
My nan used to make the best gravy. proper homemade gravy recipe , none of that instant stuff. her secret? good ingredients and patience .
It's a family tradition that i love to follow. our gravy, rich in flavour and history, turns every dinner into a celebration.
We're talking about something truly special. this gravy is easy to make, only takes about 30 minutes and makes about 6 servings.
You can have yours with mashed potatoes for extra points.
Why This Gravy is the Bees Knees
Honestly, the biggest benefit is the taste . no comparison to shop bought stuff. and you know exactly what’s going in it.
Perfect for a sunday roast, christmas dinner, or even just to jazz up a midweek meal. this easy gravy recipe from scratch brings something special to the table.
It makes anything taste better. this is also the best gravy for mashed potatoes .
Ready to get started? Let's gather our bits!
Here's What You Need:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Gravy from Pan Drippings .
- 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour.
- 4 cups (950ml) low-sodium chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
- 1 carrot, finely chopped.
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) tomato paste.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.
- Salt to taste.
- 1 tablespoon (15g) cold unsalted butter (optional).
So there you have it. let's get gravy making! i promise this is going to be your new go-to. whether you're aiming for a classic country gravy recipe or a luxurious white gravy recipe , this recipe's got your back.
Trust me, this easy homemade white gravy will make you feel so satisfied. get ready to impress folks.
Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of ingredients and kit for the ultimate roast dinner gravy . forget the bisto, we're doing this proper, innit? we're gonna teach you how to make homemade gravy that'll knock your socks off.
Honestly, once you've tasted gravy made from scratch, you'll never go back. this is going to be an easy homemade gravy recipe even your nan will love.
Ingredients: The Gravy Building Blocks
First things first, let's gather our ammunition. This recipe uses all sorts of goodies, to make a best gravy for mashed potatoes .
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) pan drippings, skimmed. This is gold dust!
- 2 tablespoons (30g) plain flour.
- 4 cups (950ml) low-sodium broth chicken, beef or veg, your call.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
- 1 carrot, finely chopped.
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) tomato paste.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- Salt to taste (go easy!).
- 1 tablespoon (15g) cold unsalted butter (optional, but highly recommended).
Quality Check: Those pan drippings are KEY. They should smell amazing, not burnt. If you haven’t got any, don’t fret! Just use butter or oil.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up a Bit
- Essential spice combo: Thyme and pepper are your friends! But don't be afraid to experiment with rosemary or sage.
- Flavour enhancers: Worcestershire sauce adds a lovely umami depth. A tiny splash of balsamic vinegar works too!
- Quick subs: No thyme? Use mixed herbs. Can't find Worcestershire? A dash of soy sauce will do in a pinch.
Listen up: I remember once, I tried to make a gravy with way too much thyme. It tasted like Christmas potpourri. Learn from my mistakes, yeah?
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid
You don't need fancy gadgets to how to make homemade gravy . Just the basics.
- Large skillet or saucepan. Cast iron is boss if you have one.
- Whisk. A good one!
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Chopping board and sharp knife.
- Ladle. For serving up that liquid gold.
Household hacks: Don’t have a whisk? A fork will do. No skillet? Any saucepan will work. The easy gravy recipe from scratch is all about improvisation, my friend.
This quick homemade gravy is simpler than you think! so roll up your sleeves, get those ingredients prepped, and let's get cooking.
Whether you're making a white gravy recipe or a richer country gravy recipe , the magic starts here. we'll create a roast dinner gravy recipe that will take any roast dinner to the next level!
The Ultimate Roast Dinner Gravy (From Scratch!)
Honestly, who needs shop bought gravy granules? let's ditch that stuff and learn how to make homemade gravy that'll knock your socks off.
This isn't some complicated, chefy thing. it's proper, comforting roast dinner gravy recipe , the kind that makes a sunday roast sing .
This easy gravy recipe from scratch uses the pan drippings from your roast. we're talking chicken, beef, a veggie roast.
Whatever floats your boat. the key is building flavour, layer upon delicious layer, for a gravy so good, folks might just lick their plates.
(don't tell 'em i said that!). it is easy easy gravy recipe from scratch .
Prep Like a Pro
First, get your mise en place sorted. chop one medium yellow onion, one carrot, and one celery stalk finely. mince two cloves of garlic.
Measure out your ingredients. 4 cups low-sodium broth, two tablespoons of plain flour, worcestershire sauce. this saves time later, trust me.
Safety first : Keep those knives sharp and your focus sharp when chopping. No one wants a trip to A&E ruining gravy time.
step-by-step Glory: How to Make Homemade Gravy
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of pan drippings over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until soft and lightly browned, about 5- 7 minutes. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute more. The fond will start sticking on the bottom of the pan.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables and drippings. Cook, stirring constantly , for 1- 2 minutes , until a light golden brown roux forms. Don't rush this. It's crucial for thickening.
- Deglaze and Add Flavour: Slowly whisk in a small amount of broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits. That's where the magic happens! It's Easy Homemade White Gravy , it's not difficult it just needs patience!
- Simmer and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the remaining broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until thickened, stirring to avoid sticking.
- Strain (Optional): For a super smooth gravy, strain it. I never bother, Easy Homemade Country Gravy it's fine with a bit of texture, honestly.
- Finish with Butter (Optional): Stir in 1 tablespoon cold butter until melted. This adds shine and richness.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with your roast.
Pro Tips for Best Gravy for Mashed Potatoes
- Don't rush the roux! Under cooked flour tastes bleh. Quick Homemade Gravy is achievable but it needs good building blocks.
- Skim the pan drippings well. No one wants greasy gravy.
- To make-ahead, cool the gravy completely. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
See? That's how to make homemade gravy . And honestly, it's so much better than anything you'll get in a packet. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Gravy
Honestly, after years of attempting to how to make homemade gravy , i've learned a thing or two. these notes are basically my hard won secrets.
This homemade gravy recipe is so good, it will be the only one you will use.
Serving Ideas for the Best Gravy for Mashed Potatoes
Right, plating and presentation. first, you need to consider how you serve roast dinner gravy recipe . ladle generously over your roast, obviously.
For mashed potatoes? make a little well in the middle and fill it. it looks fancy, you know? best gravy for mashed potatoes .
As for sides, think classic. roasted veg (parsnips are my fave), yorkshire puddings obviously , and maybe some cranberry sauce if you're feeling festive.
Storage Secrets for Easy Homemade Country Gravy
Listen up! leftover easy homemade country gravy needs to chill. like, properly. get it into an airtight container and into the fridge within two hours.
It'll keep for 3-4 days. freezing? you can, but the texture might change a bit. reheating? gently does it. low heat, stirring occasionally, and maybe a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Mix-Ups for Your White Gravy Recipe
Fancy a change from traditional gravy? no worries. make a mushroom gravy. fry sliced mushrooms with the onions and carrots.
Veggie? easy! use veggie broth. for gluten-free folks, switch out the flour. use cornstarch instead. remember to mix your cornstarch with cold water first.
This stops it from clumping. now you know how to make homemade gravy the gluten-free way!
Nutrition Basics of this Easy Gravy Recipe from Scratch
Ok, i'm no dietician. but a little gravy never hurt anyone, right? it adds flavour. this easy gravy recipe from scratch isn't a main course, so just enjoy it.
The key benefit is that homemade gravy contains less salt and additives.
So, are you ready to make the best quick homemade gravy ever? gravy from pan drippings are what makes it! you can learn how to make homemade gravy starting now.
Just remember, cooking is all about having fun. and don't be afraid to experiment. you got this! now go make that gravy and enjoy it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my homemade gravy lumpy?
Lumpy gravy is a classic kitchen mishap, a bit like a soggy bottom on a Great British Bake Off showstopper. Usually, it's caused by not whisking the flour (or cornstarch) in properly or adding the liquid too quickly.
To avoid this, make sure to create a smooth roux (the fat and flour mixture) and gradually whisk in the broth, ensuring there are no clumps before adding more. If lumps persist, try using an immersion blender or straining the gravy for a silky smooth finish!
How can I make my gravy richer and more flavorful?
For a gravy that sings, flavour building is key. Don't skimp on sautéing the aromatics (onion, carrot, celery, garlic) - let them brown nicely. Also, make sure you are scraping up all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan when deglazing that's where the meaty, umami flavour lives!
A splash of Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste adds depth, and a pat of cold butter stirred in at the end provides richness and shine.
What can I use if I don't have pan drippings for how to make homemade gravy?
No roast? No problem! You can still make a fantastic gravy without pan drippings. Simply use melted butter (or olive oil for a vegetarian option) to create the roux. Boost the flavor by using a richer broth (like bone broth) and adding extra herbs and spices.
You could even sauté some mushrooms for an earthy depth!
Can I make homemade gravy ahead of time? How do I store it?
Absolutely! Gravy can be made 1-2 days ahead. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth if it has thickened too much.
For longer storage, gravy can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is homemade gravy bad for you? What are the nutritional considerations?
Like most things, gravy is best enjoyed in moderation. The nutritional content depends heavily on the ingredients used. It can be high in sodium, especially if using store-bought broth or salty pan drippings. Using low-sodium broth and skimming excess fat from the drippings will help.
Also, be mindful of portion sizes a little goes a long way! You could even bulk it out with pureed vegetables to make it go further and add nutrients.
How do I fix gravy that's too thin or too thick?
Thin gravy? No worries! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering gravy until it thickens. Alternatively, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
If the gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a little extra broth (or water) until it reaches your desired consistency. Adjust gradually you can always add more liquid, but you can't take it away!
The Ultimate Roast Dinner Gravy From Scratch

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 80-120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 4-8g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |