The scent of thyme and olive oil always reminds me of Thanksgiving mornings, when the kitchen hums with gentle chaos and love. This vegan gravy recipe captures that moment — smooth, rich, and ready in just six minutes. No chopping, no fuss, just pantry staples turning into comfort in a saucepan.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll adore how fast this gravy comes together. It’s perfect for weeknights or holidays when you want something hearty without extra work. You only need pantry ingredients, and cleanup is simple since it’s a whisk-only recipe. The flavor is deeply savory with umami from nutritional yeast and herbs. Plus, it’s gluten-free, freezer-friendly, and flexible with flour swaps.
Ingredients & Tools
Ingredient List & Roles
- Vegetable broth + water: These form the warm, savory base.
- Gluten-free flour: The thickener that gives body. Try oat or rice flour if you prefer.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a nutty, cheesy umami layer.
- Dried thyme: Brings earthy depth.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and silkiness.
- Salt + pepper: Balance every flavor and let them shine.
Tools You’ll Need
Grab a saucepan and whisk. That’s it. A heavy-bottomed pan helps keep the flour from burning and gives you a smoother texture.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Vegan Gravy
Quick Method (6 Minutes, No Lumps)
- Warm the liquids. Heat the vegetable broth and water together until just warm.
- Whisk dry ingredients. In a saucepan, mix the flour, nutritional yeast, and thyme.
- Add oil. Place over medium-low heat. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until smooth and glossy, about 30 seconds.
- Season. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Pour in liquid. Gradually add the warm broth mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. The gravy will thicken in 2 to 3 minutes.
- Finish. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Pro Tips for Silky Texture
Whisk constantly as you add liquid. Gluten-free flour thickens faster than regular flour, so cook the roux for only about a minute. If the gravy feels too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it. Clumps smooth out with steady whisking, so don’t worry. For reheating, warm it gently and whisk again before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
You can swap thyme with rosemary or a pinch of poultry seasoning for a cozy holiday flavor. If you’re out of broth, use water mixed with nutritional yeast, salt, and a bit of vegan “chicken” seasoning. Try oat or rice flour if you prefer different textures. And for a peppery kick, add extra black pepper at the end.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
This gravy stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it for later. Thaw overnight before reheating. Warm it over low heat and whisk until smooth again. If a skin forms on top, just whisk it back in — it’ll turn glossy and rich again.
FAQs
What is vegan gravy made from?
Vegan gravy is made with vegetable broth, flour, oil, and seasonings. Instead of meat drippings, olive oil and nutritional yeast create a savory, buttery taste.
How to make veggie gravy?
You whisk flour and herbs into oil, then slowly add warm broth while whisking until smooth. It thickens in minutes.
Is gravy vegetarian?
Traditional gravy isn’t always, but this one is both vegetarian and vegan since it uses no animal ingredients.
What does vegan gravy taste like?
It tastes savory, rich, and slightly nutty from the nutritional yeast. The thyme adds an earthy aroma that makes every bite comforting.
Easy Vegan Gravy (Gluten-Free) — Recipe Card
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Vegan Gravy Recipe – Quick, Rich & Delicious
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (16 fl oz) 1x
Description
Smooth, savory vegan gravy ready in 6 minutes. It’s gluten-free, pantry-friendly, and perfect for mashed potatoes, grain bowls, roasted veggies, and holiday plates.
Ingredients
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup water
1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Warm broth and water together until just warm; set aside.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk flour, nutritional yeast, and thyme.
3. Place over medium-low heat; drizzle in olive oil while whisking until smooth and glossy, about 30 seconds.
4. Add salt and black pepper.
5. Slowly whisk in the warm liquid; whisk constantly until thick, 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning; serve hot or cool and refrigerate.
Notes
Tips: If the mixture looks clumpy when liquid is added, keep whisking and it will smooth out.
Cook the gluten-free roux for about 1 minute; it thickens fast.
Reheat gently over low heat while whisking; thin with a splash of broth if needed.
A skin may form on cooled gravy; whisk to smooth it out.
If over-seasoned, whisk a quick slurry of flour and water and stir it in to balance.
Substitutions: Use less thyme or swap with rosemary or poultry seasoning.
No broth on hand? Use water plus extra nutritional yeast, salt, and a pinch of vegan chicken-style seasoning.
Flour options: gluten-free blend, oat flour, rice flour, or regular all-purpose if gluten-free is not needed.
Make-ahead: Store up to 5 days in the fridge or freeze; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Serving ideas: Spoon over mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, lentil loaves, or grain bowls.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: ~260 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
More Such Recipes
Looking for more cozy sides? Try this high-protein broccoli cheddar soup for cozy meals. You can also pair your gravy with this flavorful roasted carrots and green beans side dish, or spoon it over cheesy root vegetable gratin perfect for holidays. For a sweet ending, serve alongside sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.
Final Thoughts
In just six minutes, this vegan gravy brings warmth to your table. It’s proof that flavor doesn’t need meat or dairy — just a little time and love. Try it once, and you’ll want it at every feast, from weeknight dinners to Thanksgiving plates.
You can find more ideas on my Pinterest or connect with me on Facebook.