Gluten Free Gravy Recipe (Smooth, Silky & Ready in 10 Minutes)
A good gluten free gravy should be smooth, rich, flavorful, and just as comforting as traditional gravy. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, turkey, beef, or holiday meals, this gluten free gravy recipe delivers a silky texture without using any wheat flour. Instead, it uses a gluten free thickener like cornstarch or a certified gluten free flour blend to create the perfect consistency.
This recipe is quick, easy, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions like Thanksgiving. It works with chicken broth, turkey drippings, or beef drippings, making it incredibly versatile.
Why This Gluten Free Gravy Is Perfect
- Completely gluten free — safe for celiac
- Thick, smooth, and silky texture
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Works with any broth (chicken, beef, turkey, or vegetable)
- Customizable flavor — mild, rich, peppery, or herb-infused
- No special gluten free flour blends required (cornstarch works great)
- Perfect for holiday dinners and everyday meals
Gluten free gravy actually binds better and smoother than regular flour gravy when made correctly.
Is Traditional Gravy Gluten Free?
No, most traditional gravies are not gluten free because they use wheat flour as a thickener.
To make gravy gluten free:
- Use cornstarch, arrowroot, gluten free flour blend, or potato starch
- Avoid seasoning packets with wheat
- Ensure broth is gluten free
With simple ingredient swaps, gluten free gravy tastes identical to classic gravy.
Ingredients for Gluten Free Gravy
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free chicken, turkey, or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or gluten free flour blend)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or drippings from roasted meat)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (for turkey gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme or rosemary
- A splash of gluten free Worcestershire sauce for depth
- A splash of cream for a richer gravy
How to Make Gluten Free Gravy
1. Heat the Broth
Warm the broth in a saucepan over medium heat. If using meat drippings, add them now for deeper flavor.
2. Make a Slurry
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 3–4 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
This prevents lumps in the gravy.
3. Add Slurry to Broth
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the warm broth while whisking constantly.
4. Add Butter and Seasonings
Add butter, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or spices.
Butter gives a silky, restaurant-style finish.
5. Simmer Until Thickened
Cook 2–3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
If it becomes too thick, add more broth.
If too thin, whisk in a little more slurry.
6. Taste and Serve
Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot over mashed potatoes, poultry, beef, or vegetables.
Expert Tips for the Best Gluten Free Gravy
Use Cold Water for Slurry
It prevents lumps from forming.
Cornstarch Thickens Fast
Gravy will thicken within 1–2 minutes — avoid overheating.
Keep Whisking
Continuous whisking ensures a smooth, silky texture.
Use Drippings for Richness
Turkey, chicken, or beef drippings add deep savory flavor.
Add Dairy Only After Thickening
Stir in cream at the end to avoid curdling.
Don’t Add Cornstarch Directly to Hot Liquid
It will clump instantly — always use a slurry.
Variations of Gluten Free Gravy
Gluten Free Turkey Gravy
Use turkey drippings + poultry seasoning.
Gluten Free Beef Gravy
Use beef broth + Worcestershire sauce + black pepper.
Gluten Free Cream Gravy
Add 1/4 cup cream for a white, southern-style gravy.
Herb-Infused Gluten Free Gravy
Add rosemary, thyme, or sage.
Low-Sodium Version
Use low-sodium broth and season to taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Beef roast or steak
- Pork chops
- Vegetables
- Biscuits (gluten free)
- Holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas)
Gluten free gravy pairs perfectly with any comfort meal.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Cornstarch-based gravy does not freeze well (texture can separate).
Gluten free flour–based gravy freezes better.
Reheating
- Stovetop on low heat
- Whisk and add a splash of broth if too thick
Cornstarch gravy thickens on cooling, so reheating always needs extra liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cornstarch gluten free?
Yes, cornstarch is naturally gluten free.
Can I use almond flour to thicken gravy?
No, almond flour does not thicken gravy properly.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes — replace butter with dairy-free butter or oil.
Can I use arrowroot instead of cornstarch?
Yes, but use only 1.5 tablespoons as arrowroot is stronger.
How do I fix lumpy gravy?
Blend with an immersion blender or strain.
Gluten Free Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the Broth:
- Warm the gluten free broth in a saucepan over medium heat. Add drippings if using.
- Make the Slurry:
- In a bowl, whisk cornstarch with 3–4 tablespoons cold water until completely smooth.
- Add the Slurry:
- Slowly pour the slurry into the warm broth while whisking constantly.
- Add Butter and Seasoning:
- Add butter, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or spices.
- Simmer Until Thickened:
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the gravy becomes thick and silky. Adjust thickness as needed.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, poultry, beef, or vegetables.
