Easy Vegan Gravy (Gluten-Free, 5 Minutes!)
Easy Vegan Gravy (Gluten-Free, 5 Minutes!) made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for Thanksgiving or weeknight meals—silky, savory, and incredibly delicious!
You know what? I used to think making gravy from scratch was some kind of culinary magic reserved for people who actually knew what they were doing in the kitchen. Then Thanksgiving rolled around one year, and I’d forgotten to buy gravy for our gluten-free feast—cue the mild panic.
That’s when I discovered this Easy Vegan Gravy recipe, and honestly, it changed everything. This gluten-free gravy comes together in just 5 minutes with ingredients you probably already have sitting in your pantry. No drippings, no dairy, no fuss—just smooth, savory perfection that even your pickiest eaters won’t realize is vegan.
Whether you’re planning your Grain Free Thanksgiving Recipes lineup or just want a quick sauce for weeknight mashed potatoes, this one’s a total keeper. It’s become my secret weapon for adding that cozy, comforting touch to everything from roasted veggies to holiday-worthy gluten-free sugar cookies—wait, no, wrong meal! But you get the idea.
Table of Contents
Easy Vegan Gravy (Gluten-Free, 5 Minutes!)
Equipment
- Heavy-bottom saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour or fine oat flour
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme not powdered
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or more to taste
Instructions
- First, combine the vegetable broth and water in a microwave-safe container or small pot. Warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave—they don’t need to be piping hot, just take the chill off. Set this aside while you prep the roux.
- In a heavy-bottom saucepan, whisk together the gluten-free flour, nutritional yeast, and dried thyme until well combined. Place the pan over medium-low heat, and while whisking constantly, drizzle in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this should take about 30 seconds, and you’ll notice it smells toasty and wonderful.
- Add the salt and black pepper to your roux. Now comes the fun part: while whisking continuously, slowly pour in your warmed broth mixture. The gravy might look a little clumpy at first (don’t worry, I promise this is normal!), but it’ll smooth out beautifully as you keep whisking. Continue stirring and cooking until the gravy is hot and thickened to your liking, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve your Easy Vegan Gravy hot over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables. If you’re prepping ahead, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for refrigerator storage.
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vegetable broth | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Gluten-free all-purpose flour (or fine oat flour) | ¼ cup |
| Nutritional yeast | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried thyme (not powdered) | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup |
| Fine sea salt (adjust to taste) | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper (or more to taste) | ¼ teaspoon |
Instructions
Step 1: First, combine the vegetable broth and water in a microwave-safe container or small pot. Warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave—they don’t need to be piping hot, just take the chill off. Set this aside while you prep the roux.
Step 2: In a heavy-bottom saucepan, whisk together the gluten-free flour, nutritional yeast, and dried thyme until well combined. Place the pan over medium-low heat, and while whisking constantly, drizzle in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this should take about 30 seconds, and you’ll notice it smells toasty and wonderful.
Step 3: Add the salt and black pepper to your roux. Now comes the fun part: while whisking continuously, slowly pour in your warmed broth mixture. The gravy might look a little clumpy at first (don’t worry, I promise this is normal!), but it’ll smooth out beautifully as you keep whisking. Continue stirring and cooking until the gravy is hot and thickened to your liking, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Serve your Easy Vegan Gravy hot over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables. If you’re prepping ahead, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for refrigerator storage.
Substitutions
Can’t find gluten-free all-purpose flour? Fine oat flour works beautifully as a substitute and creates the same silky texture in this vegan gravy. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep this recipe safe for sensitive tummies.
No nutritional yeast on hand? While nutritional yeast adds that savory, slightly cheesy depth, you can substitute with an extra teaspoon of dried herbs (like sage or rosemary) plus a splash of tamari or coconut aminos for umami richness. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it’ll still be delicious in your Lactose Free Thanksgiving Recipes collection.
Want to swap the olive oil? Feel free to use melted vegan butter or avocado oil instead—both work wonderfully in this gluten-free gravy. The olive oil adds a subtle fruity note, but any neutral or complementary fat will give you that silky consistency we’re after.
Troubleshooting
Is your gravy too thick? Simply whisk in a bit more warm vegetable broth or water, adding just a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This Easy Vegan Gravy thickens as it sits, so it’s better to err on the slightly thinner side if you’re making it ahead.
Gravy looking lumpy? This usually happens if the broth was too cold or if it was added too quickly to the roux. Keep whisking vigorously—those lumps will smooth out within a minute or so. If they persist, a quick blend with an immersion blender works like magic.
Not flavorful enough? Taste before serving and don’t be shy about adjusting the salt, pepper, or herbs. A splash of tamari, a pinch of garlic powder, or even a tiny drizzle of maple syrup can take this gravy from good to incredible. Remember, seasoning is your friend in Vegetarian Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes!
Storage & Meal Prep
Store your cooled Easy Vegan Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’ll thicken considerably as it chills, so when you reheat it, whisk in a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring back that pourable consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
This gluten-free gravy is perfect for meal prep—make a double batch on Sunday and you’ll have instant flavor for weeknight dinners all week long. Well… I’ve even been known to drizzle it over breakfast hash browns (don’t judge). You can also freeze it in portions for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan gravy is practically begging to be drizzled over creamy mashed potatoes, roasted turkey (if you’re serving meat-eaters alongside your Grain Free Thanksgiving Recipes), or a hearty pile of gluten-free stuffing. The savory, herb-forward flavor complements just about everything on your holiday table.
Try it over roasted root vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty gluten-free bread. Man, oh man, it’s also incredible over biscuits for a cozy weekend breakfast—talk about starting your day right! Pair it with your favorite gluten-free holiday cookies for a complete festive spread.
Variations
Herb-Lover’s Gravy: Add an extra teaspoon of dried sage, rosemary, or a pinch of poultry seasoning to give this Easy Vegan Gravy a more traditional Thanksgiving flavor. Fresh herbs work too—just use about three times the amount and stir them in at the end for a bright, aromatic finish.
Mushroom Gravy Upgrade: Sauté a cup of finely chopped mushrooms in a bit of olive oil until golden, then whisk them into your finished gravy for an earthy, umami-rich twist. This version is absolutely spectacular in Lactose Free Thanksgiving Recipes and adds wonderful texture.
Kid-Friendly Mild Version: Reduce the black pepper and skip the nutritional yeast if your little ones are sensitive to new flavors. You can add a pinch of onion powder and a touch of maple syrup for a gentler, slightly sweet gravy that even picky eaters will happily pour over everything. This mild variation also shines in Vegetarian Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes when you’re feeding a crowd with different taste preferences.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Vegan Gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth to loosen it back up, and you’re good to go for your holiday meal.
What’s the best gluten-free flour to use for this gravy?
I’ve had great success with both gluten-free all-purpose flour blends and fine oat flour (just ensure it’s certified gluten-free). According to trusted gluten-free baking resources, finer flours create smoother sauces, so avoid anything too gritty like coconut flour for this recipe.
How do I make this gravy oil-free?
You can replace the olive oil with additional vegetable broth, though the texture won’t be quite as rich and silky. Start with 3 tablespoons of broth in place of the oil, cook your flour mixture until lightly toasted, then proceed with the remaining liquid as directed.
Why use nutritional yeast in vegan gravy?
Nutritional yeast adds a savory, slightly cheesy depth that mimics the umami flavor found in traditional meat-based gravies. It’s also a fantastic source of B vitamins and gives this gluten-free gravy that satisfying, complex flavor you crave during holiday meals.
Best way to reheat leftover gluten-free gravy?
Warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking in a tablespoon or two of vegetable broth or water to restore its pourable consistency. Avoid high heat, which can cause the gravy to separate or become gluey—low and slow is the way to go!
What makes this different from traditional gravy?
Unlike conventional gravies that rely on pan drippings and butter, this Easy Vegan Gravy uses olive oil and nutritional yeast to create that rich, savory flavor. Research from authoritative plant-based nutrition sources shows that plant-based fats can provide similar satisfaction while keeping things lighter and more allergen-friendly.
This Easy Vegan Gravy proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours of prep to create something absolutely drool-worthy for your table. Whether you’re building out your Grain Free Thanksgiving Recipes collection or just want a foolproof sauce for busy weeknights, this 5-minute wonder delivers every single time.
The best part? You can feel good about serving this gluten-free gravy to everyone, from vegan guests to gluten-sensitive family members to that one uncle who insists he doesn’t like “health food” (he’ll never know). Pour it generously, savor every bite, and enjoy the fact that you’ve just added the easiest, most versatile recipe to your repertoire. Happy cooking, friend!
