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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Dips and Sauces

    Super Flavorful Gravy Without Drippings

    Published: Dec 11, 2019 · Modified: Oct 6, 2020 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links. 9 Comments

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    Gravy in a gravy boat and pinterest text overlay
    Steps in making really good gravy without pan drippings - pinterest image

    Yes, you can make gravy without drippings! Just because you didn’t roast a turkey or whole chicken doesn’t mean you cannot have super flavorful gravy with your mashed potatoes or stuffing. To make homemade gravy without pan drippings you just need some butter, onions, flour, broth and lots of seasonings. This is an easy gravy recipe, it just takes a little time and patience.

    Homemade Gravy in a gravy boat with rosemary and butter to the side.

    So let’s get on with how to make an amazing gravy without pan drippings!

    FYI: if it’s the Holiday Season and your stove top is occupied, you can also make a similar no drip gravy in your Instant Pot!

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Good Gravy
    2 Ingredients
    3 Making Flavor Variations
    4 How to Make Great Gravy without Drippings
    5 Thinner Gravy
    6 Thicker Gravy
    7 Make Ahead and Freeze Your Gravy
    8 Recipes That Go Great with Gravy!!
    9 Did you make this recipe?!
    10 Super Flavorful Gravy Recipe without Drippings

    Good Gravy

    Sure, you can make gravy with butter, flour and broth.

    BUT, to make really good gravy without pan drippings you need to start with a really great flavor base. For this recipe that means caramelized onions, garlic, rosemary and chicken base (or turkey).

    Ingredients

    There are 4 key ingredients for making gravy:

    • Fat (butter)
    • Flavoring (onions, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper)
    • Thickener (flour)
    • Liquid (meat drippings, stock, or broth)
    ingredients for making gravy on a table

    Stock or Broth: Since you don’t have pan drippings you will be using chicken stock or broth. The difference between the two is that stock is made from the bones and meat of the chicken, and broth is made from just the meat.

    For more flavor opt for a STOCK at the grocery store.

    Rosemary: This herb adds amazing flavor to your gravy. No need to chop it, you can throw a whole sprig right in. However, if rosemary is not your favorite flavor you can absolutely add thyme instead. You can even add 1 sprig of fresh sage for a Thanksgiving flavor!

    Chicken base, Better Than Bouillon brand
    Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base

    Chicken Base: For all the love of gravy don’t skip this ingredient! Chicken Base is like the grown up version of bouillon. You will find it in the soup aisle of the grocery store and will be in a tub or jar (see photo above). It comes in a paste form and adds amazing flavor to your gravy!

    We highly recommend the Better Than Bouillon Brand.

    Making Flavor Variations

    The recipe below is written for CHICKEN GRAVY. But with just a few ingredient swaps you can make anything from Turkey to Pork Gravy!

    Turkey Gravy

    To make this recipe into a turkey gravy simply swap the stock for turkey stock and the chicken base for turkey base. Perfect for Roasted Turkey.

    Beef Gravy

    To make this recipe into a beef gravy simply swap the broth for beef broth and the chicken base for roasted beef base. Great for Pot Roast.

    Pork Gravy

    To make this recipe into a pork gravy simply swap the chicken base for ham base.

    Vegetarian Gravy

    Yes, you can make vegetarian gravy! Simply swap the broth for vegetable broth and the chicken base for roasted vegetable base, mushroom base or roasted garlic base.

    How to Make Great Gravy without Drippings

    Start with a large skillet, Melt 1 stick of butter over medium – medium/low heat.

    Chop the onion into ¼-1/2 inch strips and add to the melted butter. You are going to caramelize the onions, which is to brown them (not burn). Do this by letting the onions simmer in the butter, stirring occasionally. This will take a while, around 15-20 minutes, so be patient! This step adds the most flavor!

    onions caramelized in a pan with garlic and rosemary

    Once you start to see browning around the edges of the onions, about 15 minutes in, stir in 1 rosemary (or thyme) sprig and 3 cracked cloves of garlic. Continue to simmer until the onions turn golden brown, about 10 more minutes.

    Next stir in 1 teaspoon of chicken base. Stir until it melts into the onions.

    Add ⅓ cup all purpose flour to the onion mixture. Stir it constantly for about 1 minute. This will get rid on the raw flour flavor and help it combine with the flour to make a roux.

    Note: if this gravy is for the holidays add a dash of dried poultry seasoning and ground sage at this point.

    whisking stock into gravy

    For the next step you will want to grab a whisk. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of chicken stock (or broth). Turn the heat up to medium and let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes until it is your desired thickness.

    Optional- stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to add richness. If you plan on freezing the gravy wait and add this when you are ready to thaw and use the gravy.

    whisking heavy cream into gravy

    Taste for salt & pepper seasoning.

    Strain the onions, garlic, and rosemary out of your gravy by pouring it through a fine mesh sieve. (MAKE SURE YOU PUT A BOWL UNDER THE SIEVE so your delicious gravy doesn’t go down the drain. LOL). Give the onion mixture a stir in the sieve to help force all the flavor & gravy into the bowl!

    solids from making gravy without drippings being strained through a sieve
    a colander being removed from a bowl revealing the gravy below

    Serve your homemade gravy (made without drippings!) over mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and/or chicken.

    Thinner Gravy

    If you want your gravy thinner just whisk in a little more chicken broth or cream to thin the gravy.

    Thicker Gravy

    For thicker gravy you can lessen the liquid added to 2 ½ cups, if you have not added the broth.

    If you have already added the 3 cups of broth, then keep simmering over medium heat until it thickens. You will want to stir constantly so the bottom does not burn.

    gravy and mashed potatoes

    Another option is to mix together 1 tablespoon cool water or broth with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and whisk it in while the gravy is simmering.

    Make Ahead and Freeze Your Gravy

    Yes! You can freeze gravy!

    This gravy can be made ahead and frozen for up to 4 months. You will want to make it without the cream and add that when you reheat to serve.

    You can freeze it in containers, ice cube trays for smaller servings, or baggies. Just be sure to cool first before freezing!

    Recipes That Go Great with Gravy!!

    • Creamy & Flavorful Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    • The BEST Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
    • Cast Iron Roasted Half Chicken with Pan Gravy
    • Marinated Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

    Susie Weinrich washing produce

    Did you make this recipe?!

    If you make this recipe I would love to hear your review. Pop down to the comment section and connect with me.

    Then sign up for our Weekly Newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

    Rate This Recipe
    no dripping gravy in a glass gravy boat

    Super Flavorful Gravy Recipe without Drippings

    Homemade gravy made without drippings. This is an easy gravy recipe that only requires a couple ingredients and a little time. It is perfect to serve over potatoes, stuffing, chicken, or turkey!
    LISTEN TO THE AUDIO RECIPE USING THE PLAYER BELOW.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 3 cups
    Calories: 388kcal
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Equipment

    • large skillet or cast iron pan
    • whisk

    Ingredients

    • 8 tablespoon salted butter
    • 1 yellow onion cut into ¼-1/2 inch slices
    • 1 fresh sprig of rosemary (can sub thyme, or use both)
    • 3 plump garlic cloves cracked using the flat side of a knife
    • 1 ½ teaspoon chicken base I use Better Than Bouillon brand
    • ⅓ cup all purpose flour
    • 3 cups chicken stock or broth
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Optional

    • 2 tablespoon heavy cream
    • dash of ground sage and poultry seasoning I like to add this if I am serving this gravy during the holidays.
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    • Melt the 8 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. In a large skillet over medium-low heat melt the butter, I use a stainless steel skillet.
      8 tablespoon salted butter
    • Caramelize the onions in the butter. Once the butter melts add the onions and simmer, stirring occasionally until the onions begin to brown around the edges, about 15 minutes.
      1 yellow onion
    • Add the cracked garlic & rosemary. Stir in the garlic and rosemary sprig. Continue to simmer until the onions are a deep caramel color, about 10-15 more minutes. See photo.
      1 fresh sprig of rosemary, 3 plump garlic cloves
      onions, garlic, and rosemary caramelized in a pan
    • Stir in 1 ½ teaspoon chicken base. Mix in the chicken base until it melts into the onion mixture.
      If you are adding a couple dashes of poultry seasoning and ground sage, add that now.
      1 ½ teaspoon chicken base, dash of ground sage and poultry seasoning
    • Mix in the flour. Add the flour into the onion/butter mixture, stir constantly for 1 minute.
      ⅓ cup all purpose flour
    • Slowly whisk in the chicken stock. Pour the chicken stock into the flour/onion mixture slowly, all while whisking.
      3 cups chicken stock or broth
    • Increase the heat to medium and simmer the gravy. Bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat, it will thicken as it cooks.
      If using the heavy cream, whisk in once the gravy is thickened.
      2 tablespoon heavy cream
    • Taste for seasoning. Give the gravy a taste and see if you want to add some salt & pepper.
      salt and pepper to taste
    • Strain the gravy. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the gravy through the sieve. Use the whisk to stir the solids making sure you get all the flavor and gravy through the sieve.
    • Serve!

    To thin your gravy:

    • To thin your gravy add an additional ½ cup stock at a time until it is your desired consistency.

    To thicken your gravy:

    • To thicken your gravy continue to simmer on the stove until it is your desired consistency. Stir continuously so it does not burn on the bottom of the pan.
      If it still needs to be thicker, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cool broth or water, and stir it into the simmering gravy.

    Serving

    • If there is one thing that goes great with gravy it's MASHED POTATOES!! Try one of these amazing recipes for the delicious gravy you just made-
      Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
      Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

    Notes:

    Tips for Making Ahead & Freezing Gravy:
    You can make this gravy ahead of time and freeze it for up to 4 months. You will want to make it without the cream, and then add that when you are ready to reheat and serve.
    Make the gravy and cool completely, pour into a freezer safe container, baggie, or ice cube tray (for smaller portions).
    Flavor Variations
    Turkey Gravy: To make this recipe into a turkey gravy simply swap the stock for turkey stock and the chicken base for turkey base.
    Beef Gravy: To make this recipe into a beef gravy simply swap the broth for beef broth and the chicken base for roasted beef base.
    Pork Gravy: To make this recipe into a pork gravy simply swap the chicken base for ham base.
    Vegetarian Gravy: Yes, you can make vegetarian gravy! Simply swap the broth for vegetable broth and the chicken base for roasted vegetable base, mushroom base or roasted garlic base.
    More Gravy 
    During the holidays when your stove top is occupied you can make a similar no drip gravy in your Instant Pot!
     
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments
    Serving: 3cups | Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 1356mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1086IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

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    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Becca

      November 27, 2022 at 11:30 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! So easy to make, so flavorful, and it was the perfect solution to make ahead of time on Thanksgiving! Thank you so much for the perfect no dripping gravy!!

      Reply
    2. Sue

      November 19, 2022 at 8:40 am

      5 stars
      Can I give this 10 stars? Absolutely delicious and easy……thx for saving my sanity❤️❤️

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        November 20, 2022 at 8:19 am

        Wow!! That’s amazing… so much easier than worrying about drippings

        Reply
    3. Andrea Howe

      September 27, 2022 at 4:17 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a solid method for making delicious gravy without pan drippings. Simple, foolproof and tasty! And perfect for right before the holidays. Thanks!

      Reply
    4. TR Denver

      November 28, 2020 at 8:26 am

      5 stars
      This was excellent. I would specify to use low sodium or unsalted chicken stock. The Better than Bouillon has enough salt. I used thyme instead of rosemary, and since I made a bone-in turkey breast this year, I added the gravy packet that came with it. I also diced a stalk of celery and added it to the onion. It came out creamy and delicious.

      Reply
      • Susie

        November 28, 2020 at 8:43 am

        Amazing! I love that you customized it to suit your taste. Im so glad you loved it… it was one of my favorites on the table this year. I was “testing” it by the spoonful. LOL!

        Reply
    5. Emily Bruno

      January 10, 2020 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      This was so helpful – and everyone loved it!

      Reply
    6. Tawnie K Kroll

      December 15, 2019 at 5:09 pm

      5 stars
      Your step by step instructions made this so simple to make! And it’s ultra delish!!

      Reply
    7. Lauren Grant

      December 13, 2019 at 7:59 am

      5 stars
      Love that I can make this anytime!! The caramelized onions in it…I mean come on. SO good!

      Reply

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