Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a delicious gravy but don’t have any drippings from roasted meat on hand, you’re in luck. I’m excited to share my Gravy Without Drippings Recipe that’s super simple, full of flavor, and perfect for those moments when you want comfort food fast. Trust me, this gravy is silky, herbaceous, and will have your whole family asking for seconds—even without the traditional pan drippings!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Gravy Without Drippings Recipe work beautifully together to mimic that rich, savory flavor usually imparted by meat drippings. I always recommend fresh herbs if you can get them—they really make a difference!

• Butter: This is your base fat and gives the gravy that rich, silky texture.
• Onion: Finely chopped onions add subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings a warm, aromatic touch without overpowering.
• All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the gravy to just the right consistency.
• Fresh Sage: If you haven’t cooked with fresh sage before, this herb adds a lovely earthy tone.
• Fresh Rosemary: Chopped rosemary pairs amazingly well with sage and thyme for that classic savory blend.
• Fresh Thyme: This completes the trio of herbs for a layered flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: I like low-sodium so I can control the saltiness myself, and it’s the perfect liquid base.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all those flavors together just right.

Variations

I love that this gravy recipe is super flexible. Depending on what you have on hand or dietary needs, you can customize it easily. Don’t be shy to experiment—here are a few ideas I’ve tried and loved over the years!

• Dairy-Free Variation: Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based margarine; the gravy still turns out creamy and smooth.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and it’s just as tasty.
• Herb Swaps: If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs work too—use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a bit of warmth and complexity.

How to Make Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When it’s nice and melted, add the finely chopped onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent—usually around 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells sweet and looks shiny. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute. This step really builds that base flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Add Herbs

Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour along with the fresh chopped sage, rosemary, and thyme. Stir constantly and cook everything together for about 1 minute. This cooks off the raw flour taste, and the herbs will release their oils, infusing the butter with flavor. I discovered this trick when I first tried herbless gravies and can’t recommend it enough!

Step 3: Whisk in the Broth and Simmer

Slowly whisk in 2 cups of your low-sodium chicken broth, pouring it gradually while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken for about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. If you find the gravy is too thick for your liking, just stir in a little more broth until it reaches your perfect consistency. When I first made this, I was worried about lumps, but whisking slowly really saves the day here.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Finally, season your gravy with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it one last stir and it’s ready to pour over your favorite sides. I usually taste before adding salt because the broth can vary in saltiness. This final step ties all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Serve Gravy Without Drippings Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this gravy off with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or a touch of extra fresh thyme on top. It adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the dish feel just that much more special, especially if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

This gravy is a knockout with classic mashed potatoes—creamy and buttery—and roasted veggies like carrots or green beans. It’s also fabulous drizzled over buttery biscuits or even spooned onto rice or stuffing. My family especially loves it with turkey or chicken for a comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve served this gravy in a beautiful gravy boat with fresh herb sprigs tucked alongside. It elevates the presentation and invites your guests to pour as much as they like. Another fun idea is to drizzle it artistically over a slice of savory pie or casserole for a restaurant-style touch at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making this gravy, I let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It thickens as it chills, so before reheating, I whisk in a splash of broth or water to bring it back to a smooth consistency.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen leftover gravy in small portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, whisking frequently. Freezing is a great way to have gravy ready for busy weeknights!

Reheating

To reheat, warm your gravy over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking or lumps. If it seems too thick, add a little broth or water to loosen it. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Gravy Without Drippings Recipe turns out every single time—it’s reliable, flavorful, and one of those recipes you’ll want to keep handy for quick weeknight meals or holiday feasts. When I first tried making gravy without drippings, I didn’t think it could be this good, but this method really delivers. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does and find it becomes your go-to gravy solution when drippings aren’t an option!

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