Easy Vegan Gravy (Gluten-Free, 5 Minutes!)

This creamy vegan gravy comes together in just five minutes with pantry staples. It’s rich, savory, and smooth—perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Gravy

You’ll love this vegan gravy because it tastes just like the classic version but without any dairy or meat drippings. It’s made with simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have. The flavor is rich and umami-packed thanks to nutritional yeast and thyme, while olive oil gives it that buttery texture you crave. It thickens beautifully in just minutes, making it perfect for busy cooks during the holidays. Plus, it’s completely gluten-free and adaptable, so everyone at your table can enjoy it. Whether you’re dressing up creamy scalloped potatoes or a vegetarian meatloaf holiday recipe, this vegan gravy ties everything together with comfort and flavor. Once you make it, you’ll never go back to the jarred kind again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this vegan gravy, gather a few pantry staples: vegetable broth, water, gluten-free all-purpose or oat flour, nutritional yeast, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. That’s it! No fancy tools or blenders are required. For flour, you can use oat, rice, or a gluten-free blend for different textures. Regular all-purpose flour also works if gluten isn’t a concern. The dried thyme adds depth, while nutritional yeast gives a delicious cheesy, savory note. You can adjust the herbs to taste—try rosemary or sage for a festive twist. Best of all, there’s no chopping, no blending, and no mess. Just whisk, pour, and stir your way to a golden, smooth vegan gravy.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Vegan Gravy

Step 1 – Warm the Liquids

In a small pot, combine the vegetable broth and water. Heat just until the mixture is no longer cold. This helps the gravy thicken more evenly later.

Step 2 – Make the Base

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, nutritional yeast, and thyme. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until a smooth paste forms. Cook over medium-low heat for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes glossy and warm.

Step 3 – Add Liquid and Cook

Slowly pour in the warm broth-water mix while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and creates a creamy texture. Keep stirring for about 2–3 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste. The aroma will fill your kitchen with cozy, savory notes.

Step 4 – Adjust Texture and Flavor

If the gravy gets too thick, add a splash of broth to thin it. For a richer taste, stir in extra nutritional yeast or a dash of soy sauce. If it’s over-seasoned, mix a teaspoon of flour and water, then whisk it in to balance flavors. Keep whisking until it’s silky smooth and ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Gravy Every Time

Always use dried thyme leaves, not powdered, for the best flavor balance. Powdered thyme can be too strong, so use only ¼ teaspoon if substituting. To avoid lumps, whisk continuously while adding the liquids. If your gravy thickens too much as it cools, gently reheat it with a bit of broth or water until smooth again. Cook the roux (flour and oil mixture) just long enough to develop flavor but not so long that it browns. If a skin forms during cooling, simply whisk it back into the sauce—it’ll smooth right out. For extra depth, you can add a touch of soy sauce or miso paste. These small tricks make your vegan gravy rich, creamy, and perfect every single time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy vegan gravy hot over garlic mashed potatoes, fries, lentil loaf, tofurky, or roasted veggies. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, cozy Sunday meals, or even weeknight comfort food. The flavor pairs beautifully with southern maple sweet potato casserole or candied yams for sweet Thanksgiving sides. For a balanced holiday spread, add honey bourbon cranberry sauce for a touch of tartness. This gravy also makes leftovers taste better—pour it over reheated dishes for instant flavor. Whether it’s a festive dinner or a lazy Sunday brunch, this easy vegan gravy fits right in.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Store your vegan gravy in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days. It’s freezer-friendly, too, and can be kept for up to three months. When reheating, warm it slowly over low heat, whisking as it loosens. Add a splash of broth or water to restore its creamy texture if it thickens too much. If a skin forms on top after chilling, whisk until smooth again. The flavor stays rich and savory, making it ideal for meal prep or make-ahead holiday cooking. You can even freeze small portions for quick weeknight dinners.

Variations and Substitutions

Try different flours for unique textures—oat flour makes it light and mild, while rice flour gives a silky finish. If you’re avoiding oil, replace olive oil with a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) added at the end of cooking. For more depth, swap half the broth for mushroom broth or add a splash of soy sauce or tamari. A pinch of garlic or onion powder can also add warmth. You can toss in extra herbs like rosemary or sage for holiday flair. Adjust each variation to suit your meal—it’s a versatile recipe that always tastes homemade and cozy.

FAQs About Vegan Gravy

Related Recipes to Try

• honey bourbon cranberry sauce
• candied yams for sweet Thanksgiving sides
• southern maple sweet potato casserole
• creamy scalloped potatoes
• vegetarian meatloaf holiday recipe
• garlic mashed potatoes

Conclusion

This easy vegan gravy is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s quick, flavorful, and comforting—perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal that needs a cozy, savory touch. With its smooth, creamy texture and rich taste, it transforms simple sides into something special. Try your own twist with extra herbs or broth variations, and you’ll see how this five-minute vegan gravy becomes your go-to sauce all year long. For more holiday ideas, visit my Pinterest board for cozy seasonal recipes.

Print