There’s something so comforting about a rich, silky gravy that wraps around your dinner plate like a warm hug. This Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s simple, flavorful, and doesn’t rely on any wheat-based thickeners—perfect for anyone avoiding gluten but not willing to compromise on taste.

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 gluten-free gravy has quickly become my go-to because it’s incredibly straightforward yet impressively luxurious. No complicated hacks or hard-to-find ingredients—just good, reliable comfort food that everyone at the table can enjoy.

Simple Ingredients: Uses just a handful of pantry staples, making it easy to whip up any time.
Versatile Broth Choices: Works beautifully with turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for different flavor profiles.
Rich Texture Without Gluten: Sweet rice flour creates a smooth, creamy consistency without the gluten worries.
Perfect for Holidays & Everyday Meals: Turns any roast or mashed potatoes into a feast-worthy dish effortlessly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a big role in nailing that perfect gluten-free gravy. The key is balancing richness with a smooth pourable texture, and these choices do just that. Plus, the seasonings gently amp up the flavor without overpowering the natural broth taste.

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 offers a classic richness, while olive oil is a great dairy-free alternative—both help create that silky base for your gravy.
Sweet rice flour or white rice flour: Sweet rice flour thickens wonderfully with a smooth texture; white rice flour also works well if that’s what you have on hand.
Warm broth (turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable): Using warm broth helps the gravy come together faster and enhances flavor; choose your favorite based on what meal you’re serving.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Basic but essential seasonings to bring the gravy’s flavors to life.
Gluten-free soy sauce: Adds subtle umami depth, boosting the savory note without adding gluten.
Garlic powder: A pinch infuses just the right amount of warmth to the gravy.
Onion powder: Like garlic powder, it builds a savory background flavor.
Dried thyme: Brings a hint of herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with poultry or beef dishes.

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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

I love how forgiving this gluten-free gravy recipe is—feel free to tweak the herbs or broth to suit your mood or meal. When I want a deeper flavor, I swap turkey broth for a rich beef broth, or sometimes I add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a subtle tang.

Variation: I often add fresh sage or rosemary during the simmer stage for a fragrant twist, especially around the holidays. It’s a simple upgrade that you’ll notice in every bite.

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 the Butter or Heat the Oil

Start by melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small pot over medium-high heat. If you prefer olive oil, heat it until it just begins to shimmer—but don’t let it smoke. This step builds the flavor foundation, so be attentive to avoid browning the butter too much; a golden hue is perfect.

Step 2: Whisk in the Rice Flour

Add 3 tablespoons of sweet rice flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. Keep stirring for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns a light beige—this cooking process removes that raw flour taste and gives the gravy a lovely, nutty aroma.

Step 3: Slowly Add Warm Broth

With steady whisking, pour in 2 cups of your chosen warm broth little by little. This prevents lumps and helps your gravy thicken smoothly. Once combined, bring the mix to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering is crucial—it lets the gravy thicken perfectly while deepening the flavors.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Stir in 1 teaspoon of gluten-free soy sauce, ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting drizzle over your favorite dishes.

Top Tip

I’ve tried making gluten-free gravies many ways, and these tips really make a difference when it comes to texture and flavor. A little attention in the beginning saves you from lumps or bland results later on.

Warm Broth is Key: Always use warm (not cold) broth when adding to the flour mixture so it blends smoothly and thickens without clumps.
Patience with Whisking: Keep whisking continuously as you add broth; it takes a little muscle but ensures that perfect silky texture.
Simmer Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer helps deepen flavor and set the right thickness—avoid a rolling boil that can break down the gravy consistency.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go, especially with salt and soy sauce, since broths can vary in saltiness.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves on top before serving—it adds a fresh herbal pop and a little color that makes the gravy look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This gluten-free gravy pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes (classic, right?), roasted veggies, gluten-free stuffing, or over a juicy turkey or chicken breast. On busy weeknights, I’ve even drizzled it over roasted sweet potatoes with fantastic results.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving your gravy in a warm gravy boat with fresh rosemary sprigs resting alongside. It’s a simple touch that elevates the presentation and gets guests excited. You can also swirl in a spoonful of caramelized onions or mushrooms to add a gourmet vibe without much extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover gravy in an airtight container right in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to four days and makes reheating for quick dinners a snap.

Freezing

Yes, this gravy freezes well! I portion it out into freezer bags or containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—simple and convenient when you want to prep meals ahead.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking often to bring back that silky, lump-free texture. If needed, add a splash more warm broth or water to loosen it up without sacrificing richness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different flour instead of sweet rice flour in this gluten-free gravy recipe?

Absolutely! While sweet rice flour gives the smoothest, creamiest texture, you can also use white rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly depending on the flour you choose.

Is it possible to make this gravy vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil and choose a rich vegetable broth instead of poultry or beef broth. Double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free and vegan. This keeps the gravy deliciously flavorful without any animal products.

What’s the best way to avoid lumps when making gluten-free gravy?

Warm broth and constant whisking are your best friends here. Adding the broth slowly while whisking vigorously prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, silky gravy every time.

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

Yes! This gravy reheats beautifully. Make it up to four days ahead and store in the refrigerator in a sealed container. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove, whisking to restore its creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe has become my secret weapon for turning any meal into something memorable and comforting. Whether it’s a big holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, you’ll find it easy to make, reliable, and downright delicious. I’m excited for you to try it and put your own spin on it—I promise it’ll be a new staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.