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 so comforting about a good gravy—the rich aroma, the silky texture, the way it brings every bite together. This Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe is one I've made countless times, perfect for adding that savory touch to your meals without worrying about gluten. Trust me, it’s easier than you think and utterly delicious.

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

I remember the first time I needed to make gravy that was gluten-free—it felt daunting, but this recipe changed the game. It’s simply reliable and turns out silky smooth every time, making mealtime that much more comforting and inclusive for friends and family with dietary needs.

Super simple ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up this gravy, making it approachable for everyone.
Versatile with different broths: Whether you’re using turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, it adapts beautifully to your meal.
Consistent silky texture: The sweet rice flour creates a smooth, lump-free gravy that feels just as indulgent as traditional versions.
Perfect for any occasion: From holidays to everyday dinners, this gravy brings warmth and flavor without any gluten worries.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe plays a key role in creating that classic comforting flavor and texture. Using sweet rice flour instead of regular flour thickens the gravy while keeping it silky smooth and gluten-free — no gritty clumps here!

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

Butter or olive oil: Gives richness and a luscious mouthfeel; butter adds a nutty flavor, while olive oil works great for dairy-free swaps.
Sweet rice flour (or white rice flour): This is your secret weapon for thickening without gluten; sweet rice flour tends to yield a silkier finish.
Warm broth (turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable): The flavor base — choose whatever matches your main dish to complement your meal perfectly.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning to taste.
Gluten-free soy sauce: Adds umami depth; a small splash really enhances the savory notes.
Garlic powder: Offers gentle garlic warmth without overpowering.
Onion powder: Brings mild sweetness and rounds out flavors.
Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, subtle herbal touch that pairs beautifully with poultry or beef.

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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 Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve played around with different broths and herbs to suit different meals and moods. Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasonings to find your personal favorite combo — that’s what makes it truly yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the thyme for fresh rosemary or sage, especially around the holidays, to bring out festive flavors.
Dairy-free option: Using olive oil instead of butter works great if you’re avoiding dairy – the flavor stays rich without compromise.
Extra umami boost: A splash of gluten-free Worcestershire sauce adds depth if you want something a bit more savory.

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 and whisk your fat and flour

Start by melting the butter (or heating the olive oil) in a small pot over medium-high heat. When it’s hot and shimmering, add the sweet rice flour. Whisk immediately—this is crucial to avoid lumps. Keep whisking for about three minutes until the paste goes a lovely light beige; this step cooks out the raw flavor of the flour and builds your gravy’s base.

Step 2: Slowly whisk in warm broth

Next, slowly pour your warm broth in a steady stream while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and helps the gravy thicken evenly. You’ll see it start to thicken as you go. Once combined, keep cooking and whisking until the gravy bubbles and is silky smooth.

Step 3: Simmer, season, and serve

Turn the heat down and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes so those flavors meld together perfectly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, soy sauce, salt, and pepper—give it a good stir and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve it warm over your favorite dishes.

Top Tip

After making this gravy a dozen times, I’ve nailed down a few tips that make all the difference for a silky–smooth, flavorful result. These little pointers really help you avoid common pitfalls.

Warm your broth first: Adding cold broth can cause lumps and toughen the flour paste—warm broth helps it integrate smoothly.
Whisk constantly: Especially when adding broth, whisk steadily to keep the mixture smooth and prevent clumps from forming.
Cook the flour paste well: Take your time with the initial whisking step until it turns a light beige — this cooks out the “raw” taste and builds flavor.
Season gradually and taste: Add your seasonings in small amounts and taste as you go to hit the perfect flavor balance.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the gravy right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a light, fresh note that complements the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This gravy pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes (obviously!), roasted vegetables, gluten-free stuffing, or even poured over grilled chicken or turkey breast for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I love serving the gravy in an elegant gravy boat, surrounded by fresh herbs and cranberries on the side. It makes the table feel festive and inviting—and the gravy itself a star!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Before reheating, give it a good whisk to reincorporate any separated parts—it comes back to life nicely.

Freezing

Frozen gravy is something I recommend if you don’t mind a little extra whisking after thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture might separate a bit, but a quick whisk over low heat fixes it perfectly.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, whisking frequently to prevent lumps and bring back that silky texture. Avoid microwaving straight from cold—it tends to get uneven and clumpy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is sweet rice flour the only gluten-free thickener I can use?

Sweet rice flour is my favorite for this gravy because it provides a smooth, silky texture, but white rice flour can work as well. Other gluten-free options like cornstarch or arrowroot can be used too, although you might need to adjust quantities for thickening strength and texture.

Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove and whisk to restore the smooth consistency before serving.

What if I don’t have gluten-free soy sauce?

If you don’t have gluten-free soy sauce, you can substitute with tamari (which is usually gluten-free) or leave it out altogether. The gravy will still taste good — the soy sauce just adds an extra layer of umami.

How do I avoid lumps in my gravy?

The key is whisking constantly, especially when mixing the flour paste with the warm broth. Also, make sure the broth is warm, not cold, and add it slowly in a steady stream while whisking. Patience here really pays off with a smooth gravy.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe has become my go-to for family dinners and special gatherings because it’s reliable, tasty, and easy to make. I genuinely believe anyone can master this gravy with a little patience and these tips—it’s not just a recipe, it’s a comfort on a plate. Give it a try, and I hope it becomes a favorite at your table too!