Mushroom Gravy Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide

Updated On: October 4, 2025

If you’ve ever wished for a rich, savory gravy without the meat or animal products, this vegetarian mushroom gravy recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Perfectly earthy, deeply flavorful, and irresistibly creamy, this mushroom gravy elevates any meal — from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables, or even as a luscious sauce for your favorite vegetarian dishes.

It’s quick to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and brings that classic comfort food vibe straight to your table without compromising your plant-based lifestyle.

Mushrooms provide a wonderful umami depth that mimics the heartiness of traditional gravies. Plus, this gravy is completely customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Whether you’re making a cozy Sunday dinner or adding a gourmet touch to a weekday meal, this mushroom gravy is guaranteed to impress. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create a delicious vegetarian gravy that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mushroom gravy recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it combines the deep umami flavor of mushrooms with a silky, smooth texture that rivals any classic gravy.

It’s vegetarian, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based butter or oil. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.

Additionally, this gravy is versatile — perfect for holiday meals, comfort food dinners, or even as a sauce for grain bowls and roasted veggies. It’s also quick to whip up, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Say goodbye to bland, watery sauces and hello to a gravy that’s bursting with flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 oz (340g) mushrooms (button, cremini, or a mix), sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for extra umami
  • Optional: splash of plant-based milk for creaminess

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Serving bowl or gravy boat

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Stir in the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are golden brown. This step is crucial for developing a deep flavor.
  4. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir well to coat them. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. This will help thicken your gravy.
  5. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring as the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Add the soy sauce and thyme. Stir to combine all the flavors. If you want extra richness, add the nutritional yeast and a splash of plant-based milk at this stage.
  7. Simmer the gravy on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  8. Remove from heat and serve warm. For an ultra-smooth gravy, you can blend it briefly with an immersion blender, but this is optional.

Tips & Variations

“Sauté your mushrooms until golden brown for the best flavor — it’s the secret to a deeply satisfying gravy.”

  • Use a variety of mushrooms: Mixing cremini, shiitake, and portobello mushrooms can add complexity to your gravy’s flavor.
  • Make it gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Add herbs: Rosemary, sage, or marjoram can complement the mushrooms beautifully.
  • For extra richness: Stir in a tablespoon of vegan sour cream or cashew cream just before serving.
  • Make it vegan: Use vegan butter or extra olive oil instead of dairy butter.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (approx.)
Calories 90 kcal
Protein 2 g
Fat 5 g
Carbohydrates 9 g
Fiber 1.5 g
Sugar 2 g
Sodium 450 mg (varies with soy sauce)

Serving Suggestions

This mushroom gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:

  • Pour over creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a classic comfort meal.
  • Use as a sauce for vegetarian meatloaf or lentil loaf.
  • Drizzle over roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower.
  • Serve alongside vegan biscuits or savory scones for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
  • Try it as a luscious topping for grain bowls featuring quinoa, farro, or brown rice.

For more delicious vegetarian sauce ideas, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners. If you’re looking for a wholesome side, our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals are a fantastic complement.

Conclusion

This vegetarian mushroom gravy is a must-have recipe for anyone looking to add rich, savory flavor to their meals without relying on meat or dairy. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels and perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions.

The deep umami of mushrooms combined with aromatic herbs and a silky texture makes this gravy a standout addition to your recipe collection.

Not only is it delicious, but it also embraces plant-based cooking principles, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike. Plus, the flexibility to customize with your favorite herbs or gluten-free flours means you can tailor it to your exact preferences.

Once you try this mushroom gravy, you’ll never want to go back to the traditional kind!

📖 Recipe Card: Mushroom Gravy Recipe Vegetarian

Description: A rich and savory mushroom gravy perfect for vegetarian dishes. This recipe uses fresh mushrooms and herbs for a deep, flavorful sauce.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir well.
  5. Slowly add vegetable broth while stirring.
  6. Add soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  7. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
  8. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 9 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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