A good gravy can make or break your Thanksgiving meal — and when you’re cooking vegan or gluten-free, that’s doubly true. The best gravies are creamy, savory, and rich enough to drizzle over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or your favorite vegan roast. The challenge? Making that perfect texture without using traditional flour or butter.
This guide will walk you through how to make an easy, vegan Thanksgiving gravy without flour, including ingredient swaps, thickening techniques, and serving suggestions that keep your meal fully plant-based and gluten-free — all without sacrificing flavor.
Why Make Gravy Without Flour?
Flour is one of the most common thickeners in gravy, but it’s not always suitable for everyone. Maybe someone at your Thanksgiving table is gluten intolerant. Maybe you simply ran out of all-purpose flour. Or maybe you just want a lighter, grain-free gravy that still tastes indulgent.
By skipping the flour, you can create a silky-smooth gravy that’s naturally thickened using simple, wholesome ingredients like:
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Arrowroot starch or cornstarch (great for quick thickening)
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Pureed vegetables (like onion, garlic, and mushroom for texture and umami)
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Blended cashews (for creaminess without dairy)
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Reduced broth (for rich, deep flavor without heaviness)
The result? A glossy, rich gravy that’s full of flavor — and happens to be gluten-free and vegan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic no-flour vegan Thanksgiving gravy that pairs beautifully with almost any side dish:
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2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter – adds richness
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1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder (as a thickener)
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2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
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1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but adds tang)
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a subtle savory note)
Optional additions for flavor depth:
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1 tablespoon miso paste for umami
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A splash of balsamic vinegar to balance richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Add the Mushrooms
Toss in the chopped mushrooms and sauté until they’ve released their moisture and turned a deep golden brown — about 6–8 minutes. This step builds the base flavor of your gravy.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Stir in the tamari, Dijon mustard, thyme, and nutritional yeast. These ingredients add that classic savory, slightly tangy gravy flavor.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in your vegetable broth and stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes. The flavors will start to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Blend Until Smooth
Transfer the mixture carefully to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until smooth and creamy. This blending step replaces the flour-based roux — it thickens naturally thanks to the vegetables and starches.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
Return the blended gravy to the pan. Whisk in your cornstarch or arrowroot slurry (1 tablespoon of starch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water). Stir constantly over medium heat until the gravy thickens — about 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar or more tamari if needed. Once you’re happy with the consistency and taste, remove from heat.
Tips for the Perfect Texture
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Don’t skip blending: This is the secret to getting a smooth, silky gravy without flour.
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Go slow on starch: Start with a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot — it thickens fast, and you can always add more.
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Simmer low and slow: Avoid boiling after adding the thickener; it can break down and turn the gravy runny again.
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Strain for elegance: For a super-smooth finish, strain the gravy through a mesh sieve before serving.
Make-Ahead & Reheating Instructions
Thanksgiving prep is all about planning ahead, and luckily, this gravy keeps beautifully.
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Make ahead: Prepare up to 3 days before Thanksgiving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
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Reheat gently: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
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Freeze for later: You can freeze leftover gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Flavor Variations
1. Smoky Mushroom Gravy
Add a dash of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a cozy, smoky flavor.
2. Roasted Garlic Gravy
Roast a whole bulb of garlic, squeeze the cloves into your blender before blending, and skip the raw garlic for a mellow depth of flavor.
3. Cashew Cream Gravy
Blend ¼ cup soaked cashews into the broth before adding it to the pan — this gives the gravy a rich, velvety finish without using starch.
4. Herb-Infused Gravy
Simmer the gravy with a sprig of rosemary, sage, and thyme tied in kitchen twine, then remove before blending. It’s Thanksgiving in liquid form.
What to Serve It With
This no-flour vegan gravy complements just about everything on your holiday table:
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Mashed Potatoes: Pour it over creamy vegan mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort pairing.
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Stuffing: Drizzle generously over vegan stuffing for extra moisture and flavor.
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Lentil Loaf or Seitan Roast: Adds a rich finishing touch to hearty mains.
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Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower all taste even better with a spoonful of gravy.
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Biscuits or Rolls: Serve on the side for dipping — because no drop should go to waste.
Troubleshooting Common Gravy Issues
Too thin? Simmer a bit longer or add more cornstarch slurry (in small amounts).
Too thick? Whisk in warm broth, a tablespoon at a time.
Too salty? Add a splash of unsweetened non-dairy milk or plain mashed potato to mellow the flavor.
Lumpy? Blend again or strain through a fine mesh sieve for a restaurant-quality finish.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Vegan Thanksgiving Plate
If you’re serving this gravy, try pairing it with complementary dishes for a cohesive, flavorful Thanksgiving menu:
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Main Course: A vegan lentil loaf, mushroom Wellington, or roasted cauliflower steak.
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Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or green bean casserole.
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Salads: Kale and cranberry salad with maple dressing adds freshness.
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Dessert: Finish the meal with a gluten-free pumpkin pie or apple crisp.
Your guests won’t miss the butter or the flour — they’ll just want more gravy.
Keeping Thanksgiving Compassionate & Sustainable
Hosting a vegan Thanksgiving isn’t just about food — it’s about values. It’s about creating a table that celebrates abundance, compassion, and gratitude. Choosing plant-based recipes like this gravy supports a kinder, more sustainable world while still honoring tradition.
If you’re looking for small ways to make your holiday even more eco-conscious, consider using reusable tableware, reducing food waste, and decorating with natural elements like pinecones or herbs from your garden.
And if you love showing your vegan pride year-round, check out The Dharma Store for stylish, organic cotton vegan-themed t-shirts — perfect for holiday gifting or treating yourself after all that kitchen time.
Final Thoughts
A great Thanksgiving gravy doesn’t need flour, butter, or animal products to shine. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can make a vegan, gluten-free gravy that’s rich, smooth, and worthy of any holiday table.
Whether you’re hosting your first vegan Thanksgiving or cooking for guests with dietary restrictions, this recipe proves that plant-based holiday cooking can be both easy and indulgent.
Make it once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again.