Easy Homemade Vegan Mushroom Gravy: The Ultimate Flavorful & Gluten-Free Option for Every Meal

There’s nothing quite like a rich, savory gravy to elevate any meal, and this Homemade Vegan Mushroom Gravy delivers on all fronts. Crafted from scratch with the earthy goodness of mushrooms, sweet onions, and aromatic garlic, this recipe is designed to be effortlessly delicious and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, or simply want to add a gourmet touch to your weeknight dinners, this mushroom gravy is a game-changer. Plus, its make-ahead friendly nature helps reduce kitchen stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying precious moments.

Why Mushrooms Are the Star of This Gravy

My love for mushrooms runs deep. They are a staple in my kitchen, always ready to be tossed into soups, stews, pasta dishes, and even steak fajitas. From the common white button mushrooms that easily make their way into my sausage mushroom pasta to the more exotic shiitake, hen of the woods, or beech mushrooms I often find at Asian markets for my creamy tomato and mushroom pasta, their unique flavors and textures are simply indispensable. If fungi could be classified as vegetables, they would undoubtedly be my favorite. Their incredible umami depth makes them a perfect base for a truly satisfying gravy.

Given the immense popularity of my Gravy Without Drippings and Gravy From Drippings recipes, it was only natural for the next culinary adventure to be a robust Vegan Mushroom Gravy. This recipe aims to capture all the richness and comfort of traditional gravy, but with a plant-based twist that makes it accessible to everyone.

Embracing the Vegan Advantage (Without Sacrificing Flavor)

Before you might hesitate at the word “vegan,” let me assure you: this recipe uses common, pantry-friendly ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. The “vegan” simply means we’re opting for olive oil instead of butter and vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef broth. This thoughtful substitution doesn’t just make the gravy plant-based; it also results in a lighter, yet equally flavorful sauce that complements a wider array of dishes.

The inspiration behind creating a vegan gravy stems from a desire for greater inclusivity in my holiday menus, especially for intimate gatherings like my Thanksgiving Dinner For Two, Christmas Dinner For Two, and Easter Dinner For Two. With delicious vegan main courses like stuffed butternut squash, and an array of enticing side dishes such as Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans With Almonds, Cranberry Stuffing, and Homemade Cranberry Sauce, a homemade mushroom onion gravy is the perfect finishing touch. It brings everything together with its rich, savory profile, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a truly decadent meal.

Selecting the Best Mushrooms for a Robust Flavor

To craft the most flavorful homemade mushroom gravy from scratch, I highly recommend using baby bella mushrooms (also known as cremini). These brown mushrooms contribute a deeply robust umami flavor that is unmatched, giving your vegan gravy a satisfying, meaty depth. Baby bellas are widely available at most supermarkets, making them a convenient choice. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite mushroom varieties; a mix of different types can add even more complexity. For instance, a combination of cremini and shiitake can introduce layers of earthy richness.

While brown mushrooms are ideal for a stronger flavor, white button mushrooms can also be used. They will result in a slightly lighter gravy in terms of taste, but it will still be incredibly delicious and comforting. The key is to cook them down properly to concentrate their natural flavors.

Despite being vegan as written, this easy mushroom gravy is incredibly flexible. It pairs beautifully with both plant-based and meat dishes. Imagine it draped over your lamb chop dinner, enriching a stuffed Cornish hen, or perfectly complementing pork chops with mushroom gravy. Its versatility makes it a staple for any culinary occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Mushroom Gravy

Crafting a flavorful, from-scratch gravy begins with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for your homemade mushroom gravy recipe and why each component is crucial:

• Olive Oil: This is the foundation of our vegan gravy, replacing butter for a plant-based fat. Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil that is suitable for sautéing. Avoid delicate finishing oils here; you need one that can withstand medium heat. You can also use other neutral oils or a vegan butter for a richer flavor profile.
• Onion and Garlic: These are your essential aromatics, the flavor builders that lay the groundwork for a truly savory gravy. Finely diced white, yellow, or even Vidalia onions work wonderfully. Red onion can be used in a pinch, but its stronger flavor might slightly alter the gravy’s overall profile. Garlic adds a pungent, warming note that deeply enhances the mushroom flavor.
• Mushrooms: The undeniable star of our vegetarian mushroom gravy! They contribute a rich, meaty, and deeply umami flavor. Baby portobellas (cremini) are highly recommended for their robust taste. Shiitake mushrooms also work beautifully, offering a distinct earthy note. If cremini aren’t available, white button mushrooms are a fine substitute, though they’ll yield a slightly milder, less intense flavor. The key is to brown them well to maximize their taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is our thickening agent, forming a classic roux when cooked with oil. A roux is fundamental for achieving a smooth, consistent gravy texture. It cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a stable base for your liquid. For a gluten-free option, see the note below on using cornstarch.
• Salt: Far more than just a seasoning, salt is a critical flavor enhancer. It not only brings out the natural mushroom flavor, making it taste even more “mushroom-y,” but also helps draw out moisture from the mushrooms and onions, allowing them to brown and caramelize properly. I recommend kosher salt for its ease of use and consistent seasoning.
• Vegetable Broth: This liquid transforms your roux into a luscious sauce. Using vegetable broth is essential for keeping the gravy vegan-friendly and ensures a clean, savory taste that complements the mushrooms perfectly. Choose a good quality, low-sodium broth to control the final seasoning of your gravy.
• Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped herbs add a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich gravy. Parsley is a classic choice for its color and refreshing taste, helping to lighten the gravy’s intensity. However, this is a fantastic opportunity to use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand – thyme, rosemary, or sage are all excellent choices, especially when pairing with holiday roasts.

Don’t limit this delightful gravy to dinner! Serve your mushroom gravy for breakfast by making vegetarian biscuits and gravy for two, offering a delicious alternative to a traditional sausage gravy recipe for 2.

How To Make Homemade Mushroom Gravy (Step-by-Step)

Making homemade mushroom gravy with flour is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps for a velvety smooth and flavorful gravy:

1. Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and a generous pinch of salt. The salt helps draw out moisture and enhances browning.
2. Brown Mushrooms and Onions: Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the moisture has completely evaporated from the mushrooms and onions, and they start to develop a rich golden-brown color. This process takes about 10 minutes or so and is crucial for building deep flavor. If they start to stick or burn, slightly reduce the heat. Once browned, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Create the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour. This step creates a roux, which is a fancy culinary term for a cooked mixture of flour and fat that will thicken your gravy. Cook the flour for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste and allow it to slightly toast.
4. Whisk in Broth and Thicken: Gradually and slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps from the roux as you go. Start with a small amount of broth to form a thick paste, then gradually add the rest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, roughly 3-5 minutes.

Remember that gravy will continue to thicken as it cools. For the perfect pourable consistency, I often remove mine from the heat slightly earlier than it appears fully thickened. If, after cooling, your gravy becomes too thick, simply stir in a little more vegetable broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

How To Make Mushroom Gravy Ahead Of Time

One of the most appealing aspects of this easy mushroom gravy recipe, especially when preparing for a holiday meal, is the ability to make it ahead of time. Unlike traditional gravies that often rely on meat drippings, requiring you to wait until the main course is almost done, this vegan version frees you from that constraint.

This means you don’t have to juggle multiple tasks at the last minute. While I often start my gravy about 15 minutes before dinner is ready so everything finishes cooking at the same time, the real magic lies in its make-ahead potential. You can certainly prepare this delicious mushroom gravy the day before your event and store it in the refrigerator. This thoughtful planning can significantly reduce stress and allow you more time to enjoy your guests or other preparations.

When refrigerated, the gravy will naturally thicken considerably. Don’t be alarmed by its gel-like consistency when cold. Right before serving, simply reheat the gravy gently in a saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. As it warms, it will become smooth and pourable again. You will most likely need to stir in a little more vegetable broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired pourable consistency. This quick reheat and thin-out process ensures your gravy is perfectly silky and ready to impress when it’s time to serve.

What To Serve With This Irresistible Mushroom Gravy

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making this best-ever vegan gravy, the possibilities for serving are endless! Its rich, savory notes complement a wide variety of dishes, from holiday centerpieces to comforting everyday meals. Here are some inspiring ideas, keeping in mind that while the gravy is vegan, not all suggested pairings are:

• Stuffed Turkey Breast: This gravy makes an excellent accompaniment to a holiday turkey, providing a flavorful and moist addition to the meat.
• Stovetop Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy potatoes are a match made in heaven for this earthy mushroom gravy.
• Au Gratin Potatoes For Two: Elevate your individual potato gratin dishes with a generous drizzle of this flavorful gravy.
• Small Batch Dinner Rolls: Don’t forget to serve warm, fluffy rolls for soaking up every last drop of this exquisite gravy.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: An absolute classic pairing! The gravy melts into the warm, fluffy potatoes, creating a truly comforting experience.
• Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for an extra layer of flavor.
• Plant-Based Roasts: This gravy is the perfect complement to any vegan nut roast or plant-based holiday roast, adding moisture and richness.
• Vegan Meatloaf: A slice of savory vegan meatloaf truly shines when topped with this umami-packed gravy.

First published October 29, 2021, and updated with enhanced content and photography.