Vegan Gravy

If you need a dependable vegan gravy recipe that's ready in minutes and tastes great on everything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies, this one is a keeper. Let's learn how to make it!

There's nothing more comforting than warm, savory gravy poured over fluffy, vegan mashed potatoes or a hearty holiday plate.

This vegan gravy is rich, silky, and full of deep umami flavor, all without a drop of dairy or meat. It also comes together in only 15 minutes!

Prepare to become that person who puts gravy on everything. It's so good you'll wonder why you ever used the store-bought kind.

Serve as a holiday table accompaniment right alongside the orange cranberry sauce!

Ingredients

Here is everything you'll need to make this incredible vegan gravy:

• Olive oil: Acts as the fat component of the roux, helping sauté the aromatics and form a smooth, rich base for the gravy.
• Onion: Adds depth, sweetness, and savory flavor.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor with a punch of aromatic, savory goodness.
• Dried thyme: Provides earthy, herbaceous flavor that mimics traditional gravy seasoning.
• Rubbed sage: Adds warm, comforting, holiday-style notes. Sage is classic in gravies and stuffing, enhancing that cozy "roasted" profile.
• Nutritional yeast: Gives umami and a slight "brothy" flavor, helping replace the savory richness that would normally come from meat drippings.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy by forming a roux with the oil. Use gluten-free all purpose flour if desired.
• Water: Acts as the liquid base. Once combined with the roux and seasonings, it transforms into a silky sauce.
• Soy sauce or tamari: Adds saltiness and deep umami flavor, giving the gravy a darker color.
• Salt and pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance the seasonings and let all the other ingredients shine.

Why You'll Love This Gravy

• Big, savory flavor - no meat drippings needed. Nutritional yeast and soy sauce add rich umami that tastes just like classic gravy.
• 15-minute recipe. No simmering for hours! Just whisk, cook, and serve.
• Simple pantry ingredients. You probably already have everything on hand.
• Smooth and silky texture. Flour thickens the gravy into a perfectly pourable sauce.
• Versatile and delicious on everything. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies, grain bowls - it elevates any dish.
• Easily customizable. Swap herbs, adjust thickness, or make it gluten-free with one simple substitution.

How to Make Vegan Gravy (with pictures!)

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full instructions and ingredient measurements.

Begin by sautéing the onions in a small saucepan over medium heat until soft. Add in the garlic and spices and cook for another minute.

Add the flour and nutritional yeast to the pan and stir into the onions. Deglaze the pan with the soy sauce.

Pour the water into the pan slowly, whisking continuously to prevent clumps.

Reduce heat and continue to simmer until gravy reaches desired consistency. Whisk the entire time.

Transfer gravy to a high speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Return to saucepan and heat through.

Gravy Tips and Tricks

1. Sauté aromatics slowly: Cook onions and garlic over medium heat until soft and fragrant to build maximum flavor.
2. Whisk constantly: When adding flour and liquid, whisk continuously to avoid lumps and create a smooth texture.
3. Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go-soy sauce adds saltiness, so start small and adjust.
4. Simmer gently: Avoid high heat, which can scorch the flour and cause bitterness.
5. Customize thickness: Thin it with water or broth if too thick; simmer longer or add a little extra flour slurry if too thin.

Holiday Prep and Make Ahead Tips

• Make in advance: Prepare the gravy up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
• Freeze for later: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time: Chop onions, garlic, and measure spices in advance to save time on the big day.
• Keep warm: Use a small saucepan or slow cooker on low heat to keep gravy warm during holiday meals. Stir occasionally to maintain smooth consistency.
• Batch cooking: Double the recipe for large gatherings-this gravy scales beautifully without losing flavor or texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use this Gravy

1. Classic comfort food: Pour it over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or vegan stuffing for a holiday-ready plate.
2. Grain bowls: Drizzle over rice, quinoa, or farro bowls with roasted veggies for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Vegan "meat" dishes: Serve alongside lentil loaf, seitan roast, or veggie meatballs.
4. Sandwiches and wraps: Use as a savory sauce for vegan roast sandwiches or veggie wraps.
5. Casseroles: Add a drizzle on top of vegan shepherd's pie or layered casseroles for richness and moisture.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:

• Store cooled gravy in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Before serving, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking occasionally.

Freezer:

• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips:

• Gravy may thicken after refrigeration. Simply whisk in a splash of water or vegetable broth to restore a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Avoid microwaving at high power, as this can cause separation; low, gentle heat works best.

If you make this recipe, please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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