Vegetarian White Gravy Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Updated On: October 4, 2025

White gravy is a beloved comfort food staple, often associated with hearty breakfasts and Southern-style dinners. But did you know you can enjoy a delicious, creamy white gravy that’s completely vegetarian?

This vegetarian white gravy recipe offers all the rich, velvety goodness of the classic without any meat-based ingredients. It’s perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, biscuits, roasted vegetables, or even spooned atop your favorite vegan dishes.

With simple pantry staples and a straightforward process, you’ll have a luscious gravy ready in under 20 minutes.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this gravy will soon become a go-to. It’s smooth, comforting, and utterly satisfying.

Plus, it’s very adaptable, allowing you to customize it with herbs and spices to suit your taste. Let’s dive into this easy, flavorful recipe that brings a touch of creamy bliss to any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian white gravy recipe shines for many reasons. First, it’s made with readily available ingredients like plant-based milk, flour, and seasonings, making it budget-friendly and easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.

No need for complicated specialty items or long preparation times.

Second, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you want to pour it over classic biscuits and gravy, add it to your favorite veggie casserole, or use it as a creamy sauce for pasta, this gravy adapts beautifully.

It’s a perfect balance of creamy texture and savory flavor without relying on animal products.

Finally, it’s a great recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The step-by-step instructions ensure success every time, and the gravy can be stored and reheated with ease, making it ideal for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free option)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups plant-based milk (unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for warmth

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Heatproof bowl (optional, for holding gravy once done)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter: Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely, but do not let it brown.
  2. Make the roux: Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly to combine it with the melted butter. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously, until it turns a light golden color. This step is crucial to cook off the raw flour taste.
  3. Add the plant-based milk: Gradually pour in the plant-based milk while whisking vigorously. This helps prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until all the milk is incorporated.
  4. Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it up.
  5. Season the gravy: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Add nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve warm: Remove from heat and serve immediately. If the gravy thickens too much upon standing, whisk in a bit more plant milk to restore creaminess.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch (use half the quantity and mix with cold milk before adding).

Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a brighter flavor.

If you prefer a richer gravy, add a splash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note or a teaspoon of soy sauce for umami depth.

To make this gravy vegan, use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1/4 cup)
Calories 90
Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 3.5g
Carbohydrates 8g
Fiber 0.5g
Protein 1g
Sodium 120mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian white gravy is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:

  • Pour it over warm, flaky biscuits for a classic Southern-inspired breakfast.
  • Serve it atop mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a cozy side dish.
  • Use it as a creamy sauce base for casseroles or vegetable bakes.
  • Drizzle it over steamed greens like kale or Swiss chard for added richness.
  • Mix it into pasta or rice dishes for a comforting, creamy twist.

For more delicious vegetarian inspiration, check out these recipes:
Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals,
Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners, and
Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Conclusion

This vegetarian white gravy recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary toolkit. It offers a rich, creamy texture and savory flavor that beautifully complements a wide variety of dishes.

Best of all, it’s simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal effort.

Whether you’re cooking for a vegetarian family, hosting guests, or simply want to add a comforting sauce to your meals, this gravy will not disappoint. It brings warmth and satisfaction to any plate, making even the simplest dishes feel special.

Give it a try today, and don’t forget to explore more plant-based recipes on this site to keep your meals exciting and wholesome!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian White Gravy

Description: A creamy and flavorful white gravy perfect for vegetarian dishes. Made with simple ingredients, it pairs well with biscuits, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
  4. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
  5. Simmer and stir frequently until gravy thickens, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Stir in nutritional yeast if using, then remove from heat and serve.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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