How to Make a Creamy Gluten-Free Gravy

Gravy is the one thing that ties the whole holiday plate together. When you eat gluten-free, it’s usually the first thing that gets skipped. This gluten-free gravy changes that. It’s smooth, rich, and lump-free, and it’s ready in about 7 minutes with just 5 ingredients.

I’ve been making this for every gluten-free Thanksgiving and Sunday dinner for years. My whole family eats it, and not one person has ever asked if it’s gluten-free. You don’t need turkey drippings, but I’ll show you how to use them if you have them.

Table of contents

• What is Gluten-Free Gravy?
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredient Notes
• How to Make Gluten-Free Gravy
• Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Gravy
• Variations of Gluten-Free Gravy
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What to Serve With Gluten-Free Gravy
• Storage Tips
• More Gluten-Free Recipe

What is Gluten-Free Gravy?

Gluten-free gravy is a savory sauce made with butter, broth, and a gluten-free thickener such as gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch instead of wheat flour. It thickens and tastes just like traditional gravy, so it’s safe for anyone avoiding gluten.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 7 minutes.
• Just 5 simple ingredients.
• No drippings required.
• Works with beef, chicken, or turkey broth.
• Makes 2 cups and doubles easily for a holiday crowd.

Ingredient Notes

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness. Unsalted lets you control the salt.
• Broth: Beef broth makes a rich brown gravy. Chicken or turkey broth makes a lighter gravy for poultry. Always use a certified gluten-free broth.
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy just like regular flour. Use a blend with rice flour and starches for the smoothest texture.
• Salt and pepper: Season at the end, since broths vary in saltiness.

How to Make Gluten-Free Gravy

1. Make the slurry. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk 1/2 cup of cool broth with 1/4 cup of gluten-free flour until no lumps remain. Set aside.
2. Melt the butter. Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and let it melt completely.
3. Heat the broth. Pour in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of broth and bring it to a low boil.
4. Whisk in the slurry. Give the slurry a quick stir, then slowly whisk it into the boiling broth.
5. Thicken. Keep whisking for 1 to 2 minutes until the gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Season. Remove from the heat and add salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Gravy

• Always use cool broth for the slurry. Hot liquid makes GF flour clump right away.
• Whisk constantly once the slurry goes in. That’s the secret to smooth gravy.
• Too thick? Whisk in more broth, 2 tablespoons at a time.
• Too thin? Simmer for another minute. GF flour thickens more as it cooks and cools.
• Lumps happen? Pour the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer or give it a quick blend with an immersion blender.
• Richer flavor: Add a splash of gluten-free Worcestershire or a pinch of dried thyme or sage.

Variations of Gluten-Free Gravy

• Turkey drippings gravy: Replace the butter with 1/4 cup of fat from the pan drippings, and use the strained drippings as part of the broth.
• Cornstarch gravy: Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch instead of GF flour for a glossier gravy.
• Dairy-free: Use olive oil or dairy-free butter.
• Creamy gravy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or milk at the end.
• Mushroom gravy: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding the broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, arrowroot, or sweet rice flour all work. Cornstarch makes a glossy gravy, and GF flour makes a classic, opaque gravy.

Most jarred gravies and gravy packets contain wheat flour. Look for one labeled gluten-free, or make this homemade version in 7 minutes.

Yes. This recipe uses butter and broth, so you don’t need drippings. It’s perfect for making ahead or when you’re not roasting a turkey.

The flour was added straight to hot liquid. Always mix gluten-free flour with cool broth first, then whisk it in.

Yes. Make it up to 3 days ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth.

Plan on about 1/3 cup per person. This recipe makes 2 cups, so double it for 10 to 12 guests.

What to Serve With Gluten-Free Gravy

• Gluten-Free Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes
• Ninja Foodi Turkey Breast or Smoked Turkey on a Pellet Grill
• Gluten-Free Homemade Biscuits
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Whisk well, because it may separate.
• Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking and adding broth until it’s smooth again.

Once you know how easy it is to make gluten-free gravy, you’ll never buy a packet again. It’s quick, smooth, and tastes like the gravy you grew up with. Planning your holiday menu? See all my Easy Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Recipes for the rest of the meal.

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