No Thanksgiving meal feels complete without something delicious to drizzle, pour, or ladle over the plate. Gravy and sauces tie everything together—from mashed potatoes and lentil loaves to roasted vegetables and savory pies. But if you’re keeping your holiday feast plant-based, you may wonder how to recreate those creamy, umami-packed flavors without butter, cream, or meat drippings.
The good news? It’s not only possible—it’s incredibly delicious. With simple ingredients like mushrooms, miso, onions, and herbs, you can create rich, velvety vegan gravies and sauces that rival any traditional version.
This guide will walk you through the best vegan Thanksgiving gravy and sauce recipes, tips for balancing flavors, make-ahead strategies, and creative variations that elevate every bite on your plate.
Why Vegan Gravy Deserves the Spotlight
Gravy might seem like a side player, but it’s actually the unsung hero of Thanksgiving. It enhances texture, bridges flavors, and provides the warm, comforting richness that defines a holiday meal. Choosing a vegan option not only supports a plant-based lifestyle but also delivers surprising depth and complexity.
Here’s why vegan gravies and sauces are worth celebrating:
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Completely dairy-free: You’ll use wholesome fats like olive oil, vegan butter, or coconut milk instead of animal-based cream.
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Umami-packed: Ingredients such as mushrooms, soy sauce, miso, and nutritional yeast add savory depth.
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Simple to make: Most gravies can be ready in under 20 minutes.
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Healthier option: They’re typically lower in saturated fat and free from cholesterol.
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Versatile: Perfect for mashed potatoes, lentil loafs, vegan roasts, or even as a dip for rolls.
With a few base techniques and flavorful ingredients, you can build a variety of vegan gravies—from classic brown to creamy mushroom and herbed miso blends.
Key Ingredients for Rich Vegan Gravy
Before diving into the recipes, let’s go over the building blocks of a flavorful vegan gravy or sauce.
1. Fat
Start with a plant-based fat such as vegan butter, olive oil, or coconut oil. This helps build the roux (the thickening base) and adds richness.
2. Thickener
Flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder help achieve that velvety texture. Whole-grain flour adds a rustic note, while cornstarch gives a glossy finish.
3. Broth
A good vegetable broth is essential. Look for low-sodium varieties so you can control the salt level.
4. Umami Boosters
Use soy sauce, tamari, miso, nutritional yeast, or mushrooms to give depth and savoriness.
5. Aromatic Base
Start with sautéed onions, shallots, and garlic for complexity. Add fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme for holiday warmth.
6. Acidity & Balance
A splash of apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice brightens flavors and prevents heaviness.
1. Classic Vegan Brown Gravy
Why it works:
This simple, savory gravy captures all the richness of traditional turkey gravy without animal products. It’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect for mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or vegan loafs.
Ingredients:
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3 tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
Instructions:
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In a saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour to make a roux. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
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Gradually pour in vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
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Add soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.
Pro tip:
For extra richness, stir in a teaspoon of miso paste or a splash of oat milk just before serving.
2. Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Why it works:
Earthy, luscious, and deeply satisfying—this mushroom-based gravy adds gourmet flair to any vegan Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 onion, finely diced
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2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or baby bella)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp flour (or gluten-free blend)
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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 to taste
Instructions:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Sauté onions until translucent, then add mushrooms. Cook until their moisture evaporates and they turn golden.
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Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
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Sprinkle flour and stir to coat mushrooms. Gradually whisk in broth.
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Add soy sauce, thyme, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
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For a silky finish, blend half of the gravy and return it to the pan.
Pro tip:
Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a subtle cheesy undertone.
3. Roasted Garlic & Herb Gravy
Why it works:
This gravy is aromatic and comforting, filled with roasted garlic and fresh herbs that perfectly complement Thanksgiving sides.
Ingredients:
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1 head of garlic
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2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for roasting)
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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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1 tsp chopped rosemary
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1 tsp thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 35 minutes.
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Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a saucepan with olive oil.
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Add flour, whisking to form a roux.
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Gradually whisk in broth, soy sauce, and herbs.
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Simmer until thick, about 8 minutes. Season to taste.
Pro tip:
Blend the gravy for an extra-smooth consistency and sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
4. Cashew Cream White Gravy
Why it works:
Smooth and creamy, this sauce is perfect for mashed potatoes or biscuits. Cashews add richness and a buttery feel without dairy.
Ingredients:
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1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 small onion, diced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp nutritional yeast
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Blend soaked cashews with 1 cup of broth until smooth.
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In a saucepan, sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
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Add remaining broth, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast.
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Stir in cashew cream and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
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Season to taste and serve warm.
Pro tip:
This gravy can double as a creamy sauce for vegan pasta or roasted cauliflower steaks.
5. Miso & Onion Umami Gravy
Why it works:
Miso adds a deep umami flavor that elevates any dish. Combined with caramelized onions, this gravy offers a rich and balanced flavor profile.
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp vegan butter
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2 large onions, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp miso paste
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 tsp soy sauce
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1 tsp balsamic vinegar
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1 tbsp flour
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Melt vegan butter in a skillet. Add onions and cook slowly over low heat for 20–25 minutes until caramelized.
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Stir in flour and miso paste; whisk well.
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Gradually pour in broth, soy sauce, and vinegar.
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Simmer for 10 minutes until glossy and thickened.
Pro tip:
Use white miso for a mild flavor or red miso for a stronger, savory punch.
6. Cranberry Orange Sauce (Vegan Holiday Classic)
Why it works:
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a sweet-tart cranberry sauce. This vegan version is naturally gelatin-free and infused with bright citrus notes.
Ingredients:
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12 oz fresh cranberries
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¾ cup sugar
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½ cup orange juice
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Zest of one orange
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¼ cup water
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst.
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Let cool to thicken, then refrigerate before serving.
Pro tip:
Add a dash of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup for a cozy, holiday twist.
7. Savory Red Wine & Shallot Sauce
Why it works:
This sophisticated sauce adds elegance to any vegan main dish—rich with red wine, herbs, and caramelized shallots.
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 shallots, finely diced
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½ cup red wine
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1 cup vegetable broth
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp rosemary
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1 tsp thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Heat oil in a skillet and sauté shallots until golden.
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Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
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Pour in red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan.
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Add broth, herbs, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer for 10–12 minutes until reduced and thickened.
Pro tip:
Pair this sauce with lentil loaf, vegan steaks, or mushroom Wellington for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Gravy Every Time
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Whisk constantly: Prevent lumps by stirring continuously when adding liquid to the roux.
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Adjust consistency: Too thick? Add broth. Too thin? Simmer longer or whisk in a cornstarch slurry.
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Taste often: Add salt, soy sauce, or miso gradually to balance flavors.
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Add depth: A touch of vinegar or lemon juice enhances brightness.
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Make ahead: Most gravies can be made 2–3 days ahead and reheated with a bit of extra broth.
Pairing Your Gravy and Sauces
Here’s how to match your gravies and sauces with the perfect vegan dishes:
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Classic Brown Gravy: Mashed potatoes, stuffing, lentil loaf
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Mushroom Gravy: Vegan roast, seitan, or shepherd’s pie
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Garlic & Herb Gravy: Roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash
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Cashew Cream Gravy: Biscuits, baked tofu, pasta
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Cranberry Orange Sauce: Stuffed squash, nut roasts, or dinner rolls
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Red Wine Sauce: Mushroom Wellington, vegan steak, or grilled tempeh
Having a few gravies on the table lets guests mix and match to their taste—turning the meal into a flavorful, interactive experience.
Sustainability and Vegan Living Beyond the Table
Creating vegan gravies and sauces isn’t just about taste—it’s a reflection of mindful living. Choosing plant-based ingredients supports sustainability, reduces environmental impact, and celebrates compassion in cooking.
If you enjoy expressing your vegan lifestyle outside the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—comfortable, ethical, and perfect for showing your plant-based pride this holiday season.
Just as your vegan gravies enhance the meal, your wardrobe can reflect your commitment to kindness and sustainability.
Final Thoughts
Gravy and sauces may be the final touch on your plate, but they’re the heart of comfort at any Thanksgiving table. These vegan Thanksgiving gravy and sauce recipes prove that you can achieve rich, creamy, flavorful results without dairy or animal products.
From hearty mushroom gravies to zesty cranberry sauce, each recipe captures the spirit of the holiday—abundance, warmth, and gratitude. With a few pantry staples and simple techniques, your vegan Thanksgiving feast will shine with depth and character.
So this year, pour on the flavor, celebrate the season, and share every plant-based bite with love.