Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a rich, comforting sauce that elevates any meal, you’re going to want to try my Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe. It’s packed with earthy mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and a velvety texture that makes every bite feel like a little taste of home. Whether you’re pouring it over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted veggies, this gravy is seriously fan-freaking-tastic—and I can’t wait to share how you can whip it up with ease right in your kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Umami Bomb: Cremini mushrooms give this gravy a deep, meaty flavor without any meat involved.
  • Herb Harmony: Fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the taste, making it fragrant yet balanced.
  • Creamy Texture: The flour and slow simmering create that luscious, silky texture that clings beautifully.
  • Simple Yet Elegant: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe lies in how these ingredients dance together. Each one brings a layer of flavor or texture, turning simple components into something truly delicious. When you shop, look for fresh herbs and firm, fresh cremini mushrooms—these are key to nailing the perfect gravy.

  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps carry the flavors; I prefer it for its fruity undertone.
  • Shallot: Gives a subtle sweetness and delicate onion flavor without overpowering.
  • Cremini mushrooms: Their firm texture and deep flavor help build the hearty base of the gravy.
  • Tamari: Enhances umami and adds saltiness, making this gravy taste savory and complex.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor with a warm, aromatic punch.
  • Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the earthiness.
  • Fresh rosemary: Gives a piney, fragrant touch; use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
  • All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to that perfect creamy consistency.
  • Vegetable broth: The liquid base brings depth without extra heaviness from meat broths.
  • Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it thicker, herby, or with an extra punch of garlic, I encourage you to experiment—it’s all about personal flavor and comfort here.

  • Variation: I sometimes swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch to accommodate gluten intolerance without losing that luscious consistency.
  • Herb swap: If you’re not a rosemary fan, try sage or tarragon for an equally delightful twist.
  • Extra richness: For a creamier gravy, stir in a splash of plant-based cream or coconut milk near the end.
  • For a spicy kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to warm up the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Soften the Shallots and Build Aromatics

Heat your extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in a wide skillet—this helps everything cook evenly. Toss in the finely chopped shallots. Cook them gently for about 4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent but not browned. This is where those sweet, subtle flavors start building the foundation of the gravy.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Add Flavor Boosters

Next, add your sliced cremini mushrooms. Be patient and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally—they’ll release moisture and then absorb the oil and flavor beautifully. Once they’re tender and golden, stir in the tamari, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Take a minute or so to let the herbs and garlic bloom—that aroma will fill your kitchen and elevate the dish right away.

Step 3: Thicken the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well for about 1 minute to cook off any raw taste. This is a crucial step for that silky texture. Then, slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it thicken, whisking often, for about 20 minutes. You’ll notice the gravy getting richer and creamier by the minute.

Step 4: Final Seasoning

Once the gravy has thickened up and looks beautifully creamy, taste it! Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. It’s always easier to add seasoning at the end, so go slow and adjust to your preference.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

  • Dry the Mushrooms Well: I always pat my mushrooms dry before cooking to get better browning and more concentrated flavor.
  • Low and Slow Simmer: Simmer the gravy gently and whisk frequently for that perfect creamy texture without lumps.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary give a flavor boost you just can’t beat compared to dried ones in this recipe.
  • Avoid Over-Salting: Since tamari is salty, add extra salt at the end while tasting to avoid overdoing it.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Gravy, Mushroom Gravy, Vegetarian Mushroom Sauce, Easy Mushroom Gravy, Comfort Food Sauces - The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy, smooth mashed potatoes as the base layer. On top, there is a thick brown mushroom gravy with sliced mushrooms in it, spread over the center. Small green herb leaves are scattered on the gravy and mashed potatoes for garnish. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue knitted cloth and a white and blue checkered napkin nearby. A fork and a knife with a yellow handle rest on the napkin. In the background, there is another bowl with a similar serving and two golden brown rolls. A wooden plate with chopped green herbs and a fresh sage leaf are also visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little chopped fresh parsley or extra thyme leaves on top right before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbiness. Sometimes, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before plating brings everything together with a nice sheen.

Side Dishes

This creamy mushroom gravy is a dream served over fluffy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables. I also adore it paired with biscuits or spooned over comforting grain bowls loaded with greens and roasted chickpeas.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving this mushroom gravy in mini gravy boats alongside a beautifully roasted holiday roast or as part of a vegetarian “roast” plate. Another favorite is drizzling it over polenta cakes topped with sautéed greens—an elegant yet cozy combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. When I’m ready, I give it a gentle stir and reheat slowly—this sauce holds together surprisingly well!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this gravy! I portion it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the gravy on low heat while stirring often. If it thickens too much upon cooling, just whisk in a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. You want it creamy and saucy, never sticky or dry.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe vegan and gluten-free?

    Absolutely! To keep it vegan, just use vegetable broth as indicated. For gluten-free, skip the flour and thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry added at the end—the instructions for that are included in the notes above.

  2. What’s the best mushroom to use for this gravy?

    I love using cremini mushrooms because they are meaty and have great flavor. You can also mix in shiitake or portobello if you want to add complexity, just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

  3. How long does the Creamy Mushroom Gravy keep in the fridge?

    Stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Always reheat gently and give it a good stir before serving.

  4. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

    Yes! This gravy actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just reheat slowly and adjust thickness if necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe is one of those kitchen treasures I turn to when I want to make a meal feel extra special but without fuss. It’s reliably comforting, packed with flavor, and flexible enough to suit many diets and meals. I hope you give it a try and find it as cozy and delicious as I do—once you do, it might just become your go-to gravy, too.

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Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A rich and savory mushroom gravy made with cremini mushrooms, fresh herbs, and vegetable broth. Perfect as a flavorful topping for mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or vegan dishes, this mushroom gravy is easy to prepare and can be adapted to be gluten free.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped (⅓ cup)
  • 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ tablespoon tamari
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the extra-virgin olive oil until shimmering.
  2. Sauté shallots: Add the finely chopped shallot to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  3. Cook mushrooms: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Add flavorings: Stir in the tamari, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped rosemary to the mushrooms and combine well.
  5. Incorporate flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  6. Add broth and simmer: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer the gravy, whisking often, until it thickens, about 20 minutes.
  7. Season and finish: Season the mushroom gravy with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

  • To make this recipe gluten free, omit the flour in step 5. Instead, after simmering in step 6, take a few tablespoons of the hot liquid into a small bowl, whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the skillet to thicken the gravy.
  • Use tamari as a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to enhance umami flavor.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can be substituted with dried herbs; use 1/3 the quantity if dried.
  • This gravy pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, vegan meats, or as a sauce over grains.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ cup
  • Calories: 50 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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