Name: Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil (1½ ounces; 42 grams); 3 tablespoons sweet rice flour or white rice flour (¾ ounce; 21 grams); 2 cups warm turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable broth (16 ounces; 453 grams); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon gluten-free soy sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme

There’s something deeply comforting about a rich, silky gravy that brings a meal together — and this Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe nails that with ease. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll get a luscious sauce that’s perfect over everything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies.

A white plate holds a meal with four main parts arranged side by side: bright green whole green beans on the left, a scoop of golden-brown stuffing behind a small pile of deep red cranberry sauce in the center, three slices of light beige turkey meat layered in the front center, and creamy white mashed potatoes with specks of black pepper on the right. A woman's hand pours smooth, golden-brown gravy from a small white pitcher over the turkey slices and mashed potatoes. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This gravy has become my go-to whenever I want something quick, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities or just want to switch things up, this recipe is foolproof and comforting every time.

Simple Ingredients: Uses sweet rice flour for thickening, which blends smoothly and tastes neutral.
Versatility: Works beautifully with turkey, chicken, beef, or even vegetable broth depending on your meal.
Flavorful and Aromatic: A subtle mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme brings the gravy to life without overpowering.
Quick and Easy: Takes less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners alike.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe plays an important role, creating a perfect balance between flavor and texture. I always recommend using warm broth and fresh spices to get the best results.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small block, a small white ceramic bowl of sweet rice flour powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with warm golden turkey broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding gluten-free soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl with dried thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black peppercorns placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter or olive oil: Butter adds richness and creaminess; olive oil is a great dairy-free option that still brings smooth texture.
Sweet rice flour or white rice flour: These flours thicken without the gluten, giving you that silky mouthfeel without clumps.
Warm broth (turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable): Using warm liquid helps the gravy come together smoothly without lumps.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Gluten-free soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth to the gravy, boosting its savory notes without soy sauce overpowering it.
Garlic powder: Lends a gentle aromatic warmth.
Onion powder: Compliments the garlic and adds complexity.
Dried thyme: Offers a classic herbaceous touch that pairs perfectly with poultry or beef gravies.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this gravy is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. I usually add a splash of gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for a tiny kick, but you can play around with herbs or spices to make it your own.

Variation: When I’m watching sodium, I skip the soy sauce and add a little extra thyme and fresh cracked pepper — still delicious!
Herb swaps: Sometimes I use rosemary or sage instead of thyme, which adds a lovely wooded aroma that's great with chicken or turkey.
Broth choices: Using bone broth adds a rich depth, but vegetable broth works wonderfully too if you want a vegetarian twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe

A close-up image of a green cast iron pot filled with smooth light brown gravy. A wooden spoon is lifting some gravy, showing its thick and creamy texture. The pot sits on a wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface, with a white and green striped cloth partially visible in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter and Make the Roux

Start by melting the butter (or warming the olive oil) in a small pot over medium-high heat. When the butter is fully melted or the oil starts to shimmer (but doesn’t smoke), whisk in the sweet rice flour. Keep whisking until it forms a smooth paste and turns a light beige color — this usually takes about 3 minutes. This step is crucial to cook off the raw flour taste and build that lovely nutty base.

Step 2: Slowly Add Broth and Whisk

Now, slowly pour in the warm broth in a steady stream while whisking constantly. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a nice smooth gravy. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens and just starts to bubble. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Season and Adjust

After simmering, stir in the gluten-free soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, a little goes a long way here — you can always add more but can’t take it out!

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve the gravy hot over your favorite dish. I love pouring it over buttery mashed potatoes or roasted turkey — it just brings everything together like magic. Leftovers keep well in the fridge up to four days.

Top Tip

From my experience, the key to a smooth, luscious gluten-free gravy lies in the patience during the roux stage and the slow addition of broth. Rushing either of these can lead to lumps or a thin sauce, and who wants that?

Warm your broth: Adding cold broth to the roux gives you lumps. Always warm it up first — your whisk will thank you!
Whisk constantly: Keep that whisk moving while adding broth and simmering to keep the gravy silky smooth.
Patience with the roux color: Letting the flour-butter mixture get light beige develops a richer flavor, so don’t rush it.
Season at the end: Seasoning too early can throw off the balance. Taste and adjust after simmering for best results.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley on top—it brightens up the gravy and adds a fresh pop of color. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of truffle oil over the finished gravy makes it feel extra special for guests!

Side Dishes

This gravy is at home on classic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, gluten-free stuffing, or even spooned over grilled chicken breasts. It’s super versatile!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes pour the gravy into a charming gravy boat or a small rustic ceramic pitcher, which makes the presentation feel warm and inviting. A little thyme sprig on the side serves as a simple yet elegant garnish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover gravy in a sealed airtight container in the fridge and it stays perfect for up to four days. Before reheating, I give it a good stir to reincorporate any separation that might have happened.

Freezing

Freezing works too! I pour the cooled gravy into ice cube trays for easy portioning, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag. This way, I thaw just what I need without wasting any.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, whisking often and adding a splash of broth or water if it’s gotten too thick. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring frequently is key to keeping the texture silky.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this gluten-free gravy recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving, adding a little broth if it thickens too much.

What is the best flour to use in gluten-free gravy?

Sweet rice flour works wonderfully because it thickens smoothly without a grainy texture. White rice flour is also a fine alternative if you prefer.

How do I avoid lumps in my gluten-free gravy?

The key is to whisk constantly while adding warm broth slowly into the roux. Warming the broth before adding helps the gravy thicken smoothly. Also, ensure the flour is cooked in butter or oil until lightly toasted before adding liquid.

Can I make this gravy vegan?

Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and a quality vegetable broth. Also, make sure your soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free and vegan friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so reliable and comforting — plus, it clears away the stress of making gluten-free gravies that might otherwise disappoint. I can’t recommend it enough if you want something simple, flavorful, and adaptable for family dinners or special occasions. Really, give it a try and see how easy perfection can be!