Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without something delicious to drizzle, dip, or pour. From rich gravies to tangy cranberry sauces, these finishing touches pull the entire feast together. But traditional recipes often rely on butter, cream, or meat-based broths. The good news? You don’t need any of that to create mouthwatering flavor.
This guide features a collection of vegan Thanksgiving gravy and sauce recipes that are dairy-free, rich, and bursting with umami depth. Each one complements mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, lentil loaves, and all your favorite plant-based holiday dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a silky mushroom gravy, a bright cranberry-orange sauce, or a creamy cashew-based drizzle, these recipes will make your table feel luxurious without compromising your values.
And if you want to celebrate compassion beyond your plate, check out The Dharma Store — they sell vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton, perfect for anyone who loves plant-based living.
Let’s dive into the best vegan gravies and sauces to complete your Thanksgiving spread.
Why Vegan Gravy and Sauce Belong on Every Thanksgiving Table
Gravy and sauce aren’t just condiments—they’re culinary glue that ties every dish together. A well-made vegan gravy brings richness, moisture, and balance to your meal. It enhances texture and rounds out flavors.
Here’s why vegan options shine:
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No dairy or meat, all the flavor: Plant-based ingredients like mushrooms, miso, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast create umami without animal products.
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Healthier and lighter: Using wholesome fats like olive oil or coconut milk provides richness without heaviness.
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Inclusive for guests: Gluten-free and dairy-free gravies ensure that everyone at the table can enjoy the meal.
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Sustainable & kind: Every vegan sauce aligns with compassionate, environmentally conscious living.
Let’s look at how to bring these benefits to life with easy, impressive recipes.
1. Classic Vegan Brown Gravy
If you’re looking for that traditional, savory gravy to pour over mashed potatoes or vegan roast, this one delivers all the flavor with none of the dairy or drippings.
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
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3 tablespoons all-purpose or gluten-free flour
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
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1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
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Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook until golden brown.
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Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
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Add soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and seasonings.
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Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Why It Works:
It’s simple, rich, and adaptable. You can adjust thickness and seasoning to pair with any dish.
2. Mushroom and Onion Gravy
This earthy, aromatic gravy is perfect for mushroom lovers and brings deep umami flavor that complements hearty main courses.
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
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2 cups vegetable stock
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon thyme
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Salt and pepper
How to Make:
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Sauté onions and mushrooms until soft and browned.
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Stir in flour and cook for one minute.
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Slowly add broth and soy sauce while whisking.
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Simmer until thickened, then season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
Tip: For a smooth texture, blend half of the mixture before serving.
Why It’s Great:
The combination of caramelized onions and mushrooms mimics the complexity of traditional meat-based gravies.
3. Cashew Cream Gravy
This creamy, dairy-free sauce is silky and rich—ideal for drizzling over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or vegan biscuits.
Ingredients:
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1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
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1 ½ cups vegetable broth
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1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper
How to Make:
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Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
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Pour into a saucepan and warm over low heat until thickened.
Flavor Variations:
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Add rosemary and black pepper for a herby version.
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Stir in sautéed garlic and onions for extra depth.
Why It Works:
Cashews create a naturally creamy base without needing cream or butter.
4. Savory Miso Gravy
This Japanese-inspired twist adds complexity through miso paste, which brings natural umami depth to vegan cooking.
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
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2 cups vegetable stock
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1 tablespoon white or yellow miso paste
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1 teaspoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon maple syrup
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Pinch of black pepper
How to Make:
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Make a roux with oil and flour.
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Add stock and whisk until smooth.
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Stir in miso, soy sauce, and maple syrup.
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Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Why It’s Unique:
The miso adds a salty, savory depth that enhances roasted vegetables, lentil loaves, or even tofu steaks.
5. Roasted Garlic Gravy
For garlic lovers, this recipe creates a mild yet deeply flavorful gravy perfect for hearty dishes.
Ingredients:
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1 head garlic, roasted
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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Fresh thyme
How to Make:
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Roast garlic until soft and golden.
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Mash the cloves into a paste.
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In a saucepan, whisk flour into olive oil to form a roux.
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Gradually add broth and soy sauce, then stir in roasted garlic.
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Simmer until thick and fragrant.
Why It’s Amazing:
Roasted garlic gives a naturally buttery flavor, replacing dairy with depth and sweetness.
6. Vegan Red Wine Gravy
If you’re hosting an elegant Thanksgiving dinner, this bold and aromatic gravy pairs beautifully with lentil roasts or seitan-based mains.
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small shallot, minced
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1 cup red wine
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1 ½ cups vegetable stock
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water
How to Make:
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Sauté shallots until soft.
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Pour in red wine and simmer to reduce by half.
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Add vegetable stock and soy sauce.
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Stir in cornstarch mixture and whisk until thickened.
Why It Works:
This sophisticated sauce adds color, complexity, and depth to your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
7. Vegan Cranberry-Orange Sauce
No Thanksgiving table is complete without cranberry sauce. This version brings brightness and a hint of citrus to balance rich dishes.
Ingredients:
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12 oz fresh cranberries
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½ cup orange juice
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¼ cup maple syrup
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Zest of one orange
How to Make:
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Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
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Simmer for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
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Cool before serving.
Why It’s Perfect:
Tart, sweet, and vibrant—it complements savory dishes beautifully.
8. Vegan Mushroom Wine Sauce
This sauce doubles as both a gravy and a topping for pasta or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
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2 cups mushrooms, sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup vegetable broth
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½ cup white wine
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1 teaspoon thyme
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Salt and pepper
How to Make:
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Sauté mushrooms until browned.
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Add wine and cook until reduced by half.
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Pour in broth and thyme, then simmer until slightly thickened.
Why It Works:
It’s fragrant, flavorful, and elevates any dish it touches.
9. Vegan Herb Gravy with Coconut Milk
A creamy, herbal twist on classic gravy with hints of sage and rosemary.
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
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1 ½ cups vegetable broth
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½ cup coconut milk
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Fresh sage and rosemary
How to Make:
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Make a roux with oil and flour.
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Add broth and coconut milk, whisking continuously.
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Stir in herbs and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Why It’s Special:
The coconut milk provides velvety smoothness while the herbs bring a nostalgic Thanksgiving aroma.
10. Vegan “Butter” Sage Sauce
Perfect for drizzling over gnocchi, roasted vegetables, or savory pies.
Ingredients:
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¼ cup vegan butter or olive oil
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Fresh sage leaves
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper
How to Make:
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Heat vegan butter in a pan until it begins to bubble.
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Add sage leaves and fry until crisp.
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Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and drizzle over dishes.
Why It’s Irresistible:
Simple yet elegant, this sauce brings a golden finish to any dish without using dairy.
Tips for the Perfect Vegan Gravy or Sauce
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Build Layers of Flavor: Start with aromatics like onions or garlic, add umami boosters like miso or soy sauce, and finish with herbs or acid for balance.
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Blend for Smoothness: A quick blend gives sauces a professional, creamy texture.
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Don’t Rush: Let your gravy simmer—it thickens and develops flavor over time.
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Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Vegan gravies can be saltier than expected due to broth or soy sauce—taste as you go.
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Make Ahead: Most vegan gravies and sauces store well in the fridge for 3–4 days or can be frozen for future meals.
Pairing Ideas for Vegan Gravies and Sauces
To complete your Thanksgiving feast, here are perfect pairings:
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Mushroom Gravy: Over vegan meatloaf, lentil loaf, or mashed potatoes.
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Cranberry Sauce: Alongside vegan roasts or tofu turkey.
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Cashew Cream Gravy: Over biscuits, stuffing, or sweet potato mash.
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Red Wine Gravy: For rich dishes like seitan Wellington or roasted portobello steaks.
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Herb Coconut Gravy: Perfect for roasted vegetables and savory pies.
Mix and match to create variety across your table.
Final Thoughts: Pour On the Compassion
These vegan Thanksgiving gravy and sauce recipes prove that richness and depth don’t depend on animal products—they come from thoughtful combinations of plant-based ingredients. Whether you prefer savory, creamy, or tangy flavors, you’ll find something here to complement every dish.
By choosing vegan gravies and sauces, you’re making your holiday feast not only delicious but also compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable.
And if you’re inspired to share that compassion beyond the kitchen, explore The Dharma Store. Their vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton let you wear your values proudly while serving up plant-based goodness this Thanksgiving.