best vegan thanksgiving gravey recipe Best Vegan Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe for a Flavorful Feast

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, sharing, and indulging in hearty, comforting food. For those following a vegan lifestyle, finding a delicious, rich, and savory gravy can sometimes feel like a challenge.

But fear not! This best vegan Thanksgiving gravy recipe is here to save the day and complement your festive spread perfectly.

Made without any animal products, this gravy is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re pouring it over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables, this recipe will elevate your holiday meal to new savory heights.

Get ready to enjoy a luscious, velvety gravy that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Plus, it’s made from pantry staples and simple ingredients, making it accessible even for last-minute Thanksgiving preparations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Thanksgiving gravy is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it boasts a deep, savory flavor reminiscent of traditional turkey gravy — but entirely plant-based.

Thanks to the combination of mushrooms, soy sauce, and herbs, it delivers umami richness that satisfies even the most discerning taste buds.

Additionally, it’s incredibly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.

The gravy is also naturally gluten-free if you use the right flour or thickener, accommodating various dietary needs.

Finally, it’s versatile! You can customize the herbs and spices to suit your palate or holiday menu.

This gravy pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, or even vegan meatloaf. It’s the perfect finishing touch to your festive feast.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Whisk
  • Blender or immersion blender (optional for extra smoothness)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release their moisture and then start to brown, which builds the base flavor of your gravy.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps remove the raw flour taste and thickens the gravy later.
  5. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. This will begin to thicken the gravy.
  6. Add the soy sauce, nutritional yeast, thyme, sage, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
  7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt or more soy sauce if needed. If you prefer a smoother gravy, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture until silky.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra depth of flavor, try roasting the mushrooms before adding them to the gravy base. This caramelizes their natural sugars and adds a smoky note.

If you want a nutty undertone, consider adding a splash of vegan butter or a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil at the end of cooking.

You can swap out the dried herbs for fresh ones if you have them on hand; just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Mix the starch with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the hot broth.

Feel free to experiment with other mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for a more robust flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/4 cup)
Calories 45
Fat 2.5g
Carbohydrates 5g
Fiber 1g
Protein 1.5g
Sodium 550mg

Serving Suggestions

This rich and savory vegan gravy pairs wonderfully with all your Thanksgiving favorites. Pour it generously over creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for that classic comfort food vibe.

Use it as a flavorful sauce for your vegan stuffing or grain-based loaves. It also complements roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or vegan sausages beautifully.

For a unique twist, drizzle it over a hearty vegan shepherd’s pie or mix it into vegan mac and cheese for an extra layer of savory goodness. If you want to explore more vegan side dishes, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for another delicious option!

Conclusion

This best vegan Thanksgiving gravy recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday meal, making your vegan feast feel just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional versions. With its rich umami flavor, silky texture, and easy preparation, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just trying to add more plant-based dishes to your table, this gravy delivers on taste without compromising on simplicity.

Don’t forget to customize it to your liking with your favorite herbs or spices, and enjoy it alongside your other festive dishes. If you loved this gravy recipe, be sure to check out other delicious creations like our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for a sweet finish, or the comforting Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for dinner inspiration.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Thanksgiving Gravy

Description: A rich and savory vegan gravy perfect for Thanksgiving. Made with mushrooms and herbs for deep flavor.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
  3. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Gradually whisk in vegetable broth to avoid lumps.
  6. Add soy sauce, thyme, and sage; simmer until thickened.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve warm over your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

Nutrition: Calories: 50 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 5g

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Marta K

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