Easy Vegan Gravy

This easy vegan gravy is rich, creamy, and full of savory flavor. It takes just 15 minutes to make with simple pantry ingredients, and there's no need to chop onions or garlic. I love serving it over mashed potatoes, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it's just as good for everyday meals.

Traditional gravy is often made with butter and chicken, beef, or turkey broth, and sometimes with meat drippings for extra flavor. I use vegan butter and vegetable broth instead, plus a little soy sauce for a deeper, savory flavor. I also add unsweetened plant-based milk to make it extra creamy without making the recipe any more complicated.

It's a great option for holiday meals because you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. I usually pair it with Vegan Mashed Potatoes, but it works just as well with other holiday dishes or a simple weeknight dinner.

Looking for more vegan holiday recipes? Try my Vegan Mushroom Gravy if you love mushrooms. My Vegan Green Bean Casserole and Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole are also great additions to your holiday menu. They're all easy to make and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, so you can put together a delicious holiday meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Vegan Gravy

Here's what makes it so good:

• Rich and creamy: Vegan butter, vegetable broth, and plant-based milk give this gravy a smooth, creamy texture, while soy sauce and herbs add plenty of savory flavor.
• Ready in 15 minutes: It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner and easy to prepare while the rest of your holiday meal is cooking.
• No chopping required: Garlic powder and onion powder add flavor without having to chop or sauté fresh vegetables, saving you time and cleanup.
• Made with simple ingredients: No mushrooms, specialty seasonings, or hard-to-find ingredients. Just everyday staples you may already have in your kitchen.
• Perfect for holidays and everyday meals: It's great for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it's also an easy way to add extra flavor to your favorite comfort foods throughout the year.

Vegan Gravy Ingredients

• Vegan butter: Adds richness and flavor. I usually use store-bought, but you can also make your own Vegan Butter or use olive oil instead.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy. You can also use whole wheat flour for a slightly darker gravy with a nuttier flavor, or try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: They add flavor without any chopping. You can use 2 minced garlic cloves and ½ finely chopped onion instead. Just sauté them in the vegan butter over medium heat for 4-5 minutes before adding the flour.
• Dried rosemary: Adds an herby flavor. You can substitute dried sage or Poultry Seasoning.
• Dried thyme: Adds a warm, earthy flavor. Dried sage is another good option.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for flavor, but pre-ground works too.
• Soy sauce: Adds saltiness, umami, and a deeper color. Use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
• Vegetable broth: Use your favorite store-bought broth or try my Homemade Vegetable Broth.
• Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: Makes the gravy creamier. I use Soy Milk, but any unsweetened non-dairy milk works, like Oat Milk or Almond Milk.

Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vegan Gravy

1. Melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour.

2. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking frequently, until lightly golden.

3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.

4. Stir in the soy sauce until well combined.

5. Slowly add the vegetable broth and non-dairy milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes, whisking frequently, until thickened. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use a flavorful vegetable broth: The broth makes a big difference in the final flavor, so choose one you really like. Low-sodium broth is a good option if you want more control over the saltiness.
• Don't rush the roux: Let the flour cook in the vegan butter for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste and develop a little more flavor, but don't let it burn.
• Adjust the thickness to your liking: Use less broth for a thicker gravy or the full amount for a thinner one. Keep in mind that the gravy will thicken a little more as it cools.
• Taste before adding salt: Vegetable broth and soy sauce already contain salt, so taste the gravy once it's ready before adding any extra seasoning.
• Keep it warm until serving: If you're not serving it right away, keep it over very low heat and give it an occasional stir. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Serving Suggestions

For Thanksgiving or Christmas, serve this gravy over Vegan Mashed Potatoes, Vegan Turkey, or Vegan Stuffing. It also goes really well with Vegan Meatloaf, Mushroom Wellington, or Vegan Lentil Loaf.

For everyday meals, try serving it over warm Vegan Biscuits or alongside Vegan Chicken. It's also great spooned over roasted vegetables for a simple, comforting side dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Fridge: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It will thicken as it cools, but that's completely normal.
• Freezer: Let the gravy cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but it should become smooth again when reheated and whisked well.
• Thaw: Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, whisking frequently until smooth and heated through. Add a splash of vegetable broth or unsweetened non-dairy milk if it's too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Vegan Holiday Recipes

• Vegan Mac and Cheese
• Vegan Cornbread
• Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
• Vegan Pot Pie
• Vegan Pumpkin Pie