Easy White Gravy Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

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Classic white gravy usually has heavy cream in it which adds a lot of calories. This somewhat lighter version uses only milk, yet still makes a rich gravy.

serves/makes:

ready in:

under 30 minutes

13 reviews
1 comment

ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
salt and black pepper, to taste

directions

Heat a large saucepan over low heat. Add the butter and stir until it is melted.

Stir in the flour, stirring constantly, until smooth and very bubbly. This is an important step as the gravy won't thicken well if the flour isn't "cooked" a bit before adding the milk.

Gradually add the milk while stirring (a wire whisk works best for this part). Stir until smooth. Add the salt and pepper, as desired.

Increase the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Let boil, while stirring, for 1 minute or until the mixture is thickened.

recipe tips

Use equal parts butter and flour for the roux.

Always use a whisk to prevent lumps.

Room temperature milk mixes more easily into the roux without clumping.

Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go.

Let the gravy simmer for a minute after boiling to fully thicken.

Serve the gravy hot for the best flavor and texture.

For a lower-fat version, consider using skim milk or a light butter substitute.

Infuse the milk with bay leaves or peppercorns before adding to the roux for a subtle flavor boost.

Don't rush the roux; let it cook until it's bubbly and smells slightly toasty for the best results.

common recipe questions

Why do I need to cook the flour and butter together?

Cooking the flour in butter, known as making a roux, is essential for thickening the gravy and removing the raw flour taste.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Margarine can be substituted, but butter provides a richer flavor.

Is it possible to make this gravy with a non-dairy milk alternative?

Almond, soy, or oat milk can be used, though it may change the flavor and consistency.

How do I keep my gravy from being lumpy?

Continuously whisk while gradually adding the milk to the roux, and make sure the roux is smooth before adding the milk.

Can I make this gravy gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How do I adjust the thickness of the gravy?

Use less milk or cook longer for thicker gravy; add more milk for a thinner consistency.

What if my gravy is too thick after cooling?

Reheat and whisk in a bit more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

How can I add more flavor to my gravy?

Sauté onions or garlic in the butter before adding flour, or incorporate herbs and spices like thyme, sage, or cayenne pepper.

Can I use broth instead of milk for a different flavor?

Chicken or vegetable broth can be used for a lighter, savory gravy.

What dishes pair well with white gravy?

It's great with biscuits, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and country breakfasts.

Can I use this gravy in a casserole?

It works well as a creamy base for casseroles or pot pies.

How should I store leftover gravy?

Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this gravy?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture may be affected upon thawing.

What's the best way to reheat the gravy?

Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, whisking constantly. Add a little milk if needed.

tools needed

Saucepan: To heat and mix the butter and flour, as well as to gradually add and stir in the milk.

Spoon or Whisk: For stirring the butter and flour mixture until smooth and bubbly, as well as for stirring in the milk to create a smooth gravy.

Heat Source: Whether it's a stovetop or hot plate, a heat source is needed to cook the gravy mixture until thickened.

Serving Bowl or Gravy Boat: To serve the white gravy for pouring over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or any other dish of your choice.

what goes with it?

Fluffy Biscuits: spoon this easy white gravy over warm, fluffy biscuits for a classic Southern comfort food experience.

Fried Chicken: serve this easy white gravy alongside crispy fried chicken for a comforting and indulgent meal.

Mashed Potatoes: smother a generous amount of this easy white gravy over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty side dish.

nutrition data

112 calories, 8 grams fat, 7 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium.

more recipes like easy white gravy

VEGETARIAN CREAM GRAVY

GREEN TOMATO GRAVY

EASY HAMBURGER GRAVY

BASIC MEAT GRAVY

COUNTRY-STYLE SAUSAGE GRAVY

LOW FAT GRAVY

reviews & comments

redbeard9990 September 18, 2023

This recipe was awful. I followed the recipe exactly as it said. Never would thicken I boiled it for like 6-7 minutes and even added corn starch. The recipe calls for way to much milk!
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  Sounds like you didn't let the flour and butter mixture cook long enough. It needs to be very bubbly (I've updated the instructions to make this more clear to those unfamiliar with making a roux). This recipe does work and the proportions of the ingredients are accurate. The step to make the roux is crucial, however. If the gravy doesn't thicken it is almost always because of that step.
UniqueMonkey REVIEW:
May 16, 2022

SERIOUS COMFORT FOOD!!! I've used this white gravy on biscuits and CFS. LOVE IT! And it's foolproof.
CandyGH REVIEW:
May 31, 2021

This recipe is a keeper. Follow the recipe exactly as written and you will have the perfect gravy. Thank you for this recipe. -Candy in Houston, Texas.
algrider REVIEW:
December 2, 2020

My family loves gravy. I needed a recipe to use that didnât have bacon grease because I was cooking for dinner and I wasnât cooking bacon. So I found this recipe and my family loved it. Especially my dad. Which was a great compliment because he was raised in my Mawmawâs good ole time bacon gravy. This was Awesome!
hungerychef REVIEW:
November 7, 2020

I made this for my moms birthday and she wanted me to make more!!!
Guest Foodie REVIEW:
September 23, 2020

Loved this gravy!! It was a hit with my family! Best gravy ever
Maria REVIEW:
September 7, 2020

]The biscuits are delicious- butter and flaky. The gravy is really good and simple too!
Foodperson REVIEW:
June 18, 2020

Wanted to much milk. It would not turn thick at all. And the flour wouldn't mix in, it just stayed clumpy.
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  The flour is mixed into the melted butter. It shouldn't stay clumpy - you stir until it's smooth. It is probably why it didn't thicken properly for you.
Revo REVIEW:
April 9, 2020

The recipe wanted me to add wayy to much milk...
- CDKitchen Staff Reply:
  
  The ratios are correct. If it was too thin it needed to cook longer until thick.
Jazzy REVIEW:
June 30, 2018

I loved the gravy the recipe is a keeper!!!
Guest Foodie REVIEW:
June 30, 2018

It is great
techcook REVIEW:
November 8, 2013

I'd never made white gravy so I googled for an easy recipe and this came up. It is easy and it tasted pretty good. I wasn't sure how much black pepper though to add. Should it have a lot? It seems like the white gravy I've had at diners has been kinda spicy and I'm guessing that is the black pepper? I was afraid to add too much but I didn't get the "kick" that it normally has.
amplecook REVIEW:
November 5, 2013

Simple but works!
Guest Foodie REVIEW:
August 24, 2013

I had a recipe from a friend for country fried steaks but no gravy recipe (and you can't have country fried steaks without white gravy!). This worked well. Use fresh cracked pepper though for the best flavor. I wasn't sure how much I added, I just added it to taste until it was good and sharp tasting

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