How to Make Homemade White Gravy from Scratch

Learning how to make white gravy from scratch is essential for every home cook who loves to prepare and enjoy comfort food with family and friends. This creamy and delectable sauce can be a fantastic addition to any dish, whether it is served over biscuits, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or pork chops. While white gravy may sound intimidating to make, rest assured that it is a simple and straightforward recipe that does not require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques.

To make white gravy from scratch, you only need a few key ingredients such as butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. You can also add other spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance the flavor and aroma. Making white gravy is all about controlling the heat and consistency, and understanding the right amount of roux or the butter and flour mixture that determines the texture of the gravy. With a little bit of practice and patience, you can master this classic recipe and impress your loved ones with a hearty and delicious meal.

Preparing the Ingredients

There are a few basic ingredients you will need to make white gravy from scratch. You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.

Milk

Milk is the main ingredient in white gravy. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or half-and-half. The amount of milk you use will depend on how thick you want your gravy to be. Generally, you will need about 2 cups of milk for every 1/4 cup of flour.

Flour

Flour is used to thicken the gravy. It’s important to use all-purpose flour for the best results. You can use other types of flour, but they may affect the taste and texture of your gravy.

Butter

Butter adds flavor to the gravy and helps create a silky texture. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. If you use unsalted butter, you may need to add a pinch of salt to your gravy.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are used to season the gravy. You can add more or less salt and pepper depending on your taste preferences.

Making the Gravy

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start making your white gravy from scratch.

Melt the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk until it forms a paste. Continue to whisk the mixture for about 2 minutes to cook the flour.

Add the Milk

Slowly pour the milk into the saucepan while whisking continuously. Make sure to pour the milk in small amounts to avoid lumps. Once all of the milk has been added, continue to whisk the mixture until it thickens. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. If the gravy is too thin, continue to cook it over low heat until it thickens.

Season the Gravy

Once the gravy has thickened, add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, like garlic or onion powder, if you prefer.

Serve the Gravy

Your homemade white gravy is now ready to serve! Pour it over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken for a classic Southern meal.

Ingredients Needed to Make White Gravy from Scratch

Before we get into the actual process of making white gravy from scratch, let’s first round up all the essential ingredients you will need:

1. All-purpose flour
2. Unsalted butter
3. Whole milk
4. Salt
5. Black pepper
6. Garlic powder
7. Onion powder
8. Paprika
9. Nutmeg
10. Chicken or vegetable broth (optional)

1. The Flour

As the foundation of the white gravy, the flour is an essential component. You can use all-purpose flour or you can opt for a gluten-free flour substitute depending on your personal preference. The amount of flour you will use will depend on how much gravy you want to make. Typically, around ¼ to ⅓ cup of flour is enough for a standard recipe.

2. The Butter

Butter adds a rich flavor to the gravy. You can use unsalted butter for this recipe. The amount of butter you need will depend on the amount of flour you are using. Typically, a ratio of 1:1 (butter to flour) is used to create a roux.

3. The Milk

Whole milk is the best choice for white gravy. It adds a creamy and rich texture to your gravy. However, if you are looking for a healthier option, you can opt for skim milk. The amount of milk you will need will depend on how much gravy you want to make.

4. Salt and Black Pepper

Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings in your white gravy. Salt enhances the flavor of the gravy, while black pepper adds a touch of heat and a pungent flavor.

5. Garlic and Onion Powder

These two ingredients are optional, but they add a lovely aroma and flavor to the gravy. If you are not a fan of these two seasonings, feel free to leave them out.

6. Paprika

Paprika adds a lovely color to your gravy. It also helps balance the flavor and adds a subtle sweetness. You can use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

7. Nutmeg

Just a touch of nutmeg adds a lovely depth of flavor to the gravy.

8. Chicken or Vegetable Broth

While optional, adding a little bit of chicken or vegetable broth can give your sauce an added layer of flavor. If you do not have broth, feel free to substitute it with water.

9. Choosing the Right Pan

A heavy-bottomed saucepan is the best pan to use for making white gravy. This kind of pan heats evenly and has a thick base that helps prevent the gravy from burning.

10. Stir Constantly

When making gravy, constant stirring is essential. This helps ensure that the flour and milk blend evenly, and that you do not end up with lumps in your gravy.

Now that you know what you need let’s get started on making some delicious white gravy!

Enjoy Your Homemade White Gravy!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made a delicious white gravy from scratch. It’s a great addition to your biscuits, mashed potatoes, or veggies. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time, practice makes perfect. Thanks for reading and we hope you visit us again for more easy and fun recipes. Happy cooking!