If you’ve ever thought gravy had to include butter, milk, or drippings, you’re in for a surprise. Making vegan gravy for Thanksgiving is easier — and more delicious — than you think. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a silky, savory, and rich gravy that rivals the traditional version, all in about 15 minutes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make vegan gravy for Thanksgiving from scratch, plus gluten-free variations, make-ahead tips, and expert tricks to keep it smooth and flavorful. Whether you’re a new vegan or just looking to impress your guests, this recipe will become your go-to holiday sauce.
Why Vegan Gravy Deserves a Spot on Every Thanksgiving Table
Gravy might be the most underrated part of Thanksgiving dinner. It ties the entire meal together — from mashed potatoes and stuffing to roasted vegetables and vegan roasts. A well-made gravy adds moisture, umami, and richness that elevates every bite.
A traditional gravy is made from turkey drippings and flour, but a vegan version relies on vegetable broth, herbs, and umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce or mushrooms to achieve the same depth of flavor. The result is just as luscious and satisfying — with none of the heaviness.
The Core Ingredients of Perfect Vegan Gravy
To make a rich vegan gravy, you only need a handful of basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.
1. Fat (Vegan Butter or Olive Oil)
This forms the base of your roux and provides richness. Vegan butter adds a creamy, buttery flavor, while olive oil keeps it lighter and dairy-free.
2. Flour or Gluten-Free Thickener
Flour thickens your gravy, giving it that perfect silky texture. If you’re gluten-free, cornstarch, arrowroot, or rice flour make excellent substitutes.
3. Vegetable Broth
The liquid backbone of the gravy. Use a high-quality broth with deep flavor — roasted vegetable or mushroom broth works beautifully.
4. Umami Boosters
Soy sauce, tamari (for gluten-free), miso paste, or nutritional yeast help replace the depth of meat drippings. These are your secret weapons.
5. Aromatics and Herbs
Onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, or sage create that unmistakable Thanksgiving flavor.
6. Optional Add-Ins
Sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions can add texture and richness, though this gravy shines even in its simplest form.
Easy 15-Minute Vegan Gravy Recipe
This quick vegan gravy is creamy, flavorful, and foolproof — ready in less time than it takes to set the table.
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or 1 tbsp cornstarch for gluten-free)
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free)
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Make the roux: In a small saucepan, heat vegan butter or olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and nutty.
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Add the broth: Slowly pour in vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
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Season: Add soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until thickened.
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Adjust consistency: If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer.
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Serve hot: Pour over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Yields: About 2 cups of gravy (serves 6–8).
Gluten-Free Vegan Gravy Variation
If you or your guests are avoiding gluten, it’s easy to modify this recipe.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
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2 cups gluten-free vegetable broth
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1 tbsp tamari
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Herbs and seasonings as above
Directions:
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Whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp of broth until smooth.
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Heat olive oil in a pan, then whisk in the cornstarch mixture.
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Slowly add remaining broth, soy sauce substitute, and spices.
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Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
This version is silky, glossy, and every bit as flavorful — no flour required.
Mushroom Lover’s Vegan Gravy
If you crave deeper flavor, add mushrooms for a restaurant-quality twist.
Ingredients:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
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2 tbsp flour
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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½ tsp thyme
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Sauté onion and mushrooms until golden and reduced.
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Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
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Gradually whisk in broth and soy sauce.
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Simmer 10 minutes until thick. Strain for a smooth gravy or leave it chunky.
This mushroom-based version delivers earthy depth that pairs beautifully with lentil loaf or roasted vegetables.
Make-Ahead Vegan Gravy Tips
One of the best things about vegan gravy is how well it keeps. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
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Refrigeration: Store cooled gravy in a sealed jar or container for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, whisking to restore smoothness. Add a splash of broth or plant milk if it’s too thick.
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Make-ahead trick: Double the recipe and keep a backup jar ready. You’ll thank yourself when you need an instant flavor boost for leftovers.
Flavor Variations to Try
If you want to elevate your vegan gravy or adapt it to your menu, try one of these creative spins:
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Smoky Gravy: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika for a hint of barbecue depth.
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Herb-Infused Gravy: Simmer with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, then strain before serving.
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Garlic-Lovers Gravy: Roast a head of garlic and whisk the soft cloves into the sauce.
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Nutritional Yeast Gravy: Add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” umami note.
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Wine-Enhanced Gravy: Stir in 2 tbsp white wine or sherry for an elegant twist.
What to Serve with Vegan Gravy
Vegan gravy is incredibly versatile. It can transform even simple dishes into something memorable. Try it with:
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Vegan lentil loaf or seitan roast
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Roasted cauliflower or Brussels sprouts
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Stuffing or dressing
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Vegan meatballs
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Biscuits or savory scones
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Shepherd’s pie or vegetable pot pie
Pro tip: Use leftover gravy as a base for soups or to flavor rice and pasta dishes after Thanksgiving.
Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Gravy Problems
Even the simplest gravy can run into hiccups. Here’s how to fix them like a pro:
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Too thin? Simmer longer or whisk in a small slurry of flour and broth.
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Too thick? Add more vegetable broth gradually until smooth.
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Lumpy texture? Use a fine mesh strainer or immersion blender to rescue it.
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Too salty? Stir in unsalted broth, a bit of plant milk, or a spoonful of mashed potatoes to balance the flavor.
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Bland? Add more soy sauce, a dash of lemon juice, or a pinch of herbs.
Remember, great gravy is about balance — salt, fat, and umami working in harmony.
The Secret to Umami-Rich Vegan Gravy
Umami is the “fifth taste” — savory, rich, and deeply satisfying. Traditional gravy gets it from meat, but vegan versions achieve it through smart ingredient pairing.
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Soy sauce or tamari: Adds salt and depth.
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Miso paste: A small spoonful brings bold, fermented complexity.
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Mushrooms: Naturally high in glutamates, the foundation of umami flavor.
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Nutritional yeast: Enhances richness while keeping it plant-based.
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Caramelized onions: Add sweetness and depth to balance saltiness.
Layering these flavors ensures your vegan gravy tastes indulgent, not “substitute.”
How to Serve Vegan Gravy Beautifully
Presentation matters — even for gravy. Here’s how to make it look as good as it tastes:
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Use a small gravy boat or ceramic pitcher to keep it warm.
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Garnish with a sprig of thyme or a twist of black pepper for a professional touch.
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Warm your serving dish before pouring to prevent cooling too quickly.
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Offer both regular and gluten-free versions if you’re hosting a large group.
Make Thanksgiving Stress-Free
Cooking a full vegan Thanksgiving menu can be exciting but busy. That’s why recipes like this gravy — simple, quick, and reliable — make all the difference. Once you’ve mastered it, you can use it year-round, from Sunday dinners to cozy winter meals.
And if you want to celebrate your plant-based lifestyle beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton — stylish, sustainable, and perfect for showing off your compassion during the holidays. It’s a great reminder that living vegan extends from the plate to the planet.
Final Thoughts: A Gravy You’ll Be Proud To Serve
This Thanksgiving, skip the stress and make a vegan gravy that impresses everyone at the table. It’s rich, flavorful, and versatile — perfect for mashed potatoes, stuffing, or drizzling over your favorite main dish.
By learning how to make vegan gravy for Thanksgiving, you’ll discover that plant-based cooking doesn’t mean compromising flavor. With just a few pantry staples and 15 minutes, you can create a sauce that ties your entire feast together — one that’s kind to animals, the planet, and your taste buds.
Here’s to a compassionate, delicious, and gravy-filled Thanksgiving!