9 Plant-Based Gravy Recipes That Are Completely Vegan

Creating delicious gravies without any animal products is easier than you might think. These plant-based recipes deliver all the rich, savory flavors you crave.

From herb-infused varieties to mushroom-packed options, these vegan gravies will transform your meals into something truly special.

01. Fresh Garden Herb Gravy

A lighter, more vibrant gravy bursting with fresh herb flavors. This aromatic blend brings brightness to any meal without the heaviness of traditional gravies.

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (minced), 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Fresh Garden Herb Gravy

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Whisk in flour gradually, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux without any lumps forming.

2. Cook the flour mixture for 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously until it turns golden and develops a nutty aroma. This step removes the raw flour taste and creates depth.

3. Slowly pour in vegetable broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and begins to thicken.

4. Add all fresh herbs and oregano, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until the gravy coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting herbs to your preference.

02. Savory Miso Cornstarch Gravy

A gluten-free gravy with incredible umami depth from miso paste. Cornstarch creates the perfect silky texture while keeping this completely plant-based and accessible.

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 cups vegetable broth (divided), 2 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 tablespoons vegan butter, black pepper to taste.

How To Make Savory Miso Cornstarch Gravy

1. Whisk cornstarch with ½ cup cold vegetable broth in a small bowl until completely smooth. This slurry prevents lumps and ensures even thickening throughout the gravy.

2. Heat remaining broth in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk miso paste into the warm broth until fully dissolved, creating a rich, savory base.

3. Add soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and onion powder to the broth mixture. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.

4. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth while whisking constantly. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.

5. Remove from heat and whisk in vegan butter until melted and incorporated. Season with black pepper and adjust salt if needed before serving.

03. Creamy Almond Milk White Gravy

Rich white gravy perfect for smothering vegan biscuits and comfort foods. Almond milk creates incredible creaminess while spices add warmth and depth to every bite.

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.

How To Make Creamy Almond Milk White Gravy

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle flour evenly over the oil and whisk continuously for 3-4 minutes until the mixture turns light golden brown.

2. Gradually pour almond milk into the flour mixture while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. The mixture will seem thin at first but will thicken as it heats.

3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together and let simmer for 5-6 minutes until the gravy coats your whisk.

4. Stir in cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Continue cooking until the gravy reaches your desired thickness, whisking occasionally to prevent sticking.

04. Simple Plant-Based Brown Gravy

A straightforward brown gravy using just a few pantry ingredients. Perfect for poutine, savory pies, and mashed potatoes when you need something rich and satisfying.

Ingredients: 4 tablespoons vegan butter, 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Simple Plant-Based Brown Gravy

1. Melt vegan butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once fully melted and bubbling, whisk in flour to create a smooth paste.

2. Cook the flour mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns deep golden brown and smells nutty. This creates the rich color and flavor base.

3. Slowly add vegetable broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will bubble and thicken as you add the liquid.

4. Stir in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar for depth, then add onion powder and garlic powder. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with additional broth until you reach the perfect consistency.

05. Nutritional Yeast Sage Gravy

Super savory gravy with incredible umami from nutritional yeast and soy sauce. Traditional sage adds that classic herby flavor that makes this perfect for holiday meals.

Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups vegetable broth, 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Nutritional Yeast Sage Gravy

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

2. Gradually add vegetable broth while whisking continuously to create a smooth base. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

3. Stir in nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and dried sage. The nutritional yeast will add incredible cheesy, nutty flavors while the sage provides traditional gravy taste.

4. Add garlic powder and onion powder, then simmer for 6-8 minutes until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon nicely.

5. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. I like to add extra sage if serving with plant-based roasts or mashed potatoes.

06. Cashew Cream Decadent Gravy

Luxuriously creamy gravy with blended cashews as the secret ingredient. This creates an incredibly rich texture that rivals any traditional gravy you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients: ¾ cup raw cashews (soaked), 1½ cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Cashew Cream Decadent Gravy

1. Soak cashews in hot water for 15 minutes until softened. Drain and blend with ½ cup vegetable broth until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes of blending.

2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden, creating a light roux base.

3. Slowly add remaining vegetable broth while whisking constantly. The mixture should be smooth without any lumps forming as you incorporate the liquid.

4. Pour in the cashew cream mixture and whisk until fully combined. Add soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and thyme for layered flavors.

5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. The cashews create an incredibly rich, velvety texture that’s absolutely divine.

07. Hearty Mushroom Pantry Gravy

Earthy mushroom gravy made with simple pantry staples and fresh fungi. This comforting gravy transforms basic ingredients into something absolutely delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients: 8 oz mixed mushrooms (sliced), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Hearty Mushroom Pantry Gravy

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and most liquid has evaporated.

2. Push mushrooms to one side of the pan. Add remaining olive oil to the empty space, then whisk in flour to create a roux directly in the pan.

3. Cook the flour mixture for 2 minutes while stirring, then gradually add vegetable broth while whisking everything together with the mushrooms.

4. Add soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and thyme. The balsamic adds wonderful depth while the soy sauce provides umami richness.

5. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release more flavor as they cook, creating an incredibly savory gravy.

08. Classic Vegan Brown Gravy

Thick and creamy brown gravy that’s completely plant-based but tastes incredibly rich. This versatile gravy works perfectly with vegan meatloaf, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.

Ingredients: 4 tablespoons vegan butter, 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Classic Vegan Brown Gravy

1. Melt vegan butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until bubbling. Whisk in flour and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns golden brown.

2. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Don’t rush it – let the flour cook until it smells nutty and looks caramel-colored.

3. Gradually pour in vegetable broth while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming. The mixture will bubble and steam as you add the liquid.

4. Add soy sauce, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. These ingredients create layers of savory, umami-rich flavors.

5. Simmer for 8-12 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the gravy coats the back of a spoon. Adjust thickness with more broth if needed.

6. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy should be rich enough that even meat-eaters will be impressed by its depth and creaminess.

09. Lightning-Fast Miso Gravy

Quick plant-based gravy ready in just minutes using powerful umami ingredients. Miso paste and soy sauce create incredible depth while vegan margarine adds richness.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegan margarine, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1½ cups vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons white miso paste, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, black pepper to taste.

How To Make Lightning-Fast Miso Gravy

1. Melt vegan margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for just 1-2 minutes until combined and lightly golden.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk miso paste with ½ cup vegetable broth until completely smooth. This prevents lumpy miso bits in your finished gravy.

3. Add remaining broth to the flour mixture while whisking, then pour in the miso mixture and whisk until completely combined and smooth.

4. Add soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened to your liking.

Final Thoughts

These vegan gravy recipes prove that plant-based cooking can be just as rich and satisfying as traditional versions. Each recipe offers unique flavors and textures to complement any meal.

Whether you prefer herb-infused varieties or umami-packed options, there’s a perfect vegan gravy here waiting to elevate your next dinner.