Homemade Gravy Mix Recipe - Brown Gravy Mix - Gravy Mix Recipe (2024)

You know the packets of dry gravy mix? The ones at the store? You can make your own Homemade Gravy Mix in just a few steps!

Homemade Gravy Mix Recipe - Brown Gravy Mix - Gravy Mix Recipe (1)

What's In This Article

Brown Gravy Mix

I know folks hate perosnal stories from bloggers, but I want to share with you that I just realized many of my posts that use the word bouillon autocorrected to bullion.

So my beefy recipes are pure GOLD! LOL.

What is Brown Gravy?

Au Jus vs Brown Gravy

Au jus is generally just seasoned pan juices while gravy is a thickened mixture using a roux, cream or cornstarch slurry to thicken.

What is in Gravy?

Now onto the informational stuff. Most of what gravy mix is made out of is flour. Yep, a thickener. What you need for brown gravy mix:

  • Thickening agent
  • Seasoning
  • Liquid

These three items can be customized to your preference and liking, but are the 3 essential things you’ll need to make a delicious homemade gravy mix.

Homemade Gravy Mix Recipe - Brown Gravy Mix - Gravy Mix Recipe (2)

Generally the thickening agent is flour, cornstarch or arrowroot. Since flour is the cheapest, most store bought gravy mixes use it. But you can certainly use one of the alternatives.

The second is seasoning. Beef bouillon (not to be confused with gold bars LOL) is the most common of the seasonings with the second being salt, of course.

Homemade Gravy Mix Recipe - Brown Gravy Mix - Gravy Mix Recipe (3)

What is beef bouillon?

It just dehydrated beef stock so you get all the flavor of the stock without any liquid. This makes it shelf stable with no refrigeration needed.

It comes in the form of a packed cube or also granular and is commonly mixed with vegetable stock, salt and a few other seasonings.

Some of the seasoning might also come from drippings from whatever dish you are making. That is fine too.

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Additional Ingredients to add when making Brown Gravy

The last element is liquid. Since gravy mix already uses beef bouillon, you can also use beef broth or stock and add even more beefy flavor or just water.

Fat is the last piece of homemade gravy mix and totally optional. If you are using drippings, then you’ll get a little bit of this from that ingredient. Otherwise it takes the form of rendered bacon grease, butter and sometimes cream. All are totally acceptable.

Regardless of what type of gravy you are making, I strongly suggest waiting until the very end to season with SALT. Nearly all of the ingredients for making gravy have the potential to be salty and you don’t want to over salt the sauce!

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How do you make Gravy from Scratch?

To prepare gravy, in a small saucepan melt butter or meat drippings and add in one cup of water. Next, add in two tablespoons of the homemade brown gravy mix and whisk until smooth. You can add salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Homemade Gravy Mix Recipe - Brown Gravy Mix - Gravy Mix Recipe (6)

Homemade Brown Gravy Recipe Substitutions & Variations

  • Use seasoned salt
  • Dry Italian seasoning
  • Dry Ranch Seasoning
  • Grated garlic
  • Grated onion
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Minced giblets
  • Pan drippings
  • Fresh or dried herbs

How to serve Homemade Brown Gravy

From there, here are some items to serve your brown gravy on meatloaf, salisbury steak, cube steak, any type of beef, mashed potatoes, corn or anything else you want smothered in deliciousness!

How to fix salty Homemade Gravy

  • Add potato chunks to absorb salt. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove potato.
  • Counterbalance with sugar and/or ground black pepper.
  • Dilute your mixture with additional turkey stock, water and unsalted butter.
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More homemade gravy recipes:

Brown Gravy Recipe FAQs

Can I make this into a chicken gravy?

Sure thing! Just substitute out the beef bouillon for chicken or even vegetable bouillon.

What are pan drippings?

Sometimes I forget to start with the basics. Drippings is the collective term for what is left in the roasting pan after cooking your turkey, what has “dripped” off.
This is usually a combination of fats, juices and seasoning. As you can imagine, this is like a flavor bomb! A little goes a long way.

Can you freeze gravy?

Sure! Just make sure to store in an airtight container. It might defrost a little thick, but thin it out with water, stock or wine and it’ll be just fine.

What is in dry gravy mix?

Only a few ingredients and probably most you already have on hand.
– Beef bouillon
– Salt
– Pepper
– Flour
But there are a ton of ways to customize your homemade gravy. Scroll up for my easy ideas!

What is the best way to reheat gravy?

In a saucepan over medium-low heat. Gravy will most likely thicken, so just whisk in water until smooth. You could also use stock or wine to thin it out.

How do I use arrowroot or cornstarch?

Simply use 2-3 tablespoons in replace of the flour. Note that using either of these will change the color and texture of your gravy slightly. Not in a bad way, just a little different.

What is the secret to good gravy?

While there are many ways to make good gravy, the biggest secrets are seasoning, not over salting and making sure it is not lumpy gravy.

Is gravy better with flour or cornstarch?

We prefer to use flour for gravy, but cornstarch can also used. It will have a slightly different texture and appearance, more velvety and shiny.

Why do you put sugar in gravy?

We do not use sugar in our gravy, but you can to help balance seasonings like pepper, heat or salt if you happen to accidentally over season in one way or another.

Why won’t my gravy thicken?

You might need more of a thickening agent or to let it cool a bit. Grvy will continue to thicken as it cools.

Homemade Gravy Mix Recipe - Brown Gravy Mix - Gravy Mix Recipe (8)

Homemade Brown Gravy from Scratch (Mix)

3.97 from 179 votes

Forget the ready gravy mix, make your own Homemade Gravy Mix with just a few ingredients and no time at all!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Print RecipePin Recipe SaveRate this Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons beef bouillon granules*
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black or white pepper

Instructions

Dry Mix:

  • Mix all three ingredients in an airtight container and keep in a dry place for up to 6 months.

To prepare gravy:

  • In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoon unsalted butter OR 2 tablespoons meat drippings with 1 cup water, add 2 tablespoons of gravy mix, whisking until smooth. Season with fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!

Notes

If you are using a cubed beef bouillon, use the back of a spoon to break it apart.

How do I use arrowroot or cornstarch? Simply use 2-3 tablespoons in replace of the flour. Note that using either of these will change the color and texture of your gravy slightly. Not in a bad way, just a little different.

Nutrition

Calories: 86 kcal, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Sodium: 42 mg, Potassium: 25 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 1 g, Calcium: 4 mg, Iron: 1 mg

Calories: 86

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: brown gravy mix, homemade gravy mix

Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

Homemade Gravy Mix Recipe - Brown Gravy Mix - Gravy Mix Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make brown gravy mix better? ›

12 Ways To Make Store-Bought Gravy Taste Homemade
  1. Add flavorful brown butter. ...
  2. Swirl some cognac into the mix. ...
  3. Savory drippings will elevate gravy. ...
  4. Wine makes gravy taste divine. ...
  5. Sprinkle in some herbs. ...
  6. Roasted garlic will give gravy pungency. ...
  7. Blend in the earthy essence of mushrooms. ...
  8. Incorporate a splash of vermouth.
Nov 13, 2023

What can I substitute for a packet of brown gravy mix? ›

DIY Brown Gravy Packet Mix 2 Tablespoons equals one packet Ingredients 3 tablespoons beef (or chicken bouillon) granules 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS to make Gravy (for each batch): 4-1/2 teaspoons butter 3/4 cup cold water Directions In a small bowl, ...

How many tablespoons of brown gravy mix are in a packet? ›

Two tablespoons of this mix equals one brown gravy packet. Making gravy is simple. Pour the drippings from whatever meat you have been cooking – either in the oven or crock-pot, into a 12 inch skillet on the stove on medium heat.

How to make boxed gravy better? ›

Enliven store-bought gravy with a splash of your favorite cooking wine or spirits like cognac, brandy, or sherry. As you reheat the gravy, add a few tablespoons of wine or liquor and simmer until the alcohol has fully evaporated. The result is a creamy, full-bodied gravy that rivals any homemade version.

What thickens brown gravy? ›

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

What is the difference between brown gravy and gravy? ›

It turns out, the biggest difference between the two is brown gravy is broth-based, while white gravy typically has a milk or cream base. Garcia said both types usually have flour or cornstarch for thickening and they both contain some sort of “fat or meat drippings.”

What is brown gravy mix made of? ›

INGREDIENTS: CORNSTARCH, WHEAT FLOUR, DEXTROSE, HYDROLYZED CORN, SOY, WHEAT PROTEIN WITH SUNFLOWER OIL, SALT, YEAST EXTRACT (YEAST EXTRACT, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT, MALTODEXTRIN ), NONFAT DRY MILK, CANOLA OIL, ONION, SILICON DIOXIDE (TO PREVENT CAKING), GARLIC, BEEF FAT WITH TOCOPHEROL , CARAMEL COLOR, EXTRACTIVES OF ...

What is the secret to good gravy? ›

Here are my principles for making great gravy without fear:
  • Make it ahead. This is the most important one. ...
  • Make a really good homemade turkey stock first. Don't skimp on this crucial first step. ...
  • Reinforce the stock's flavor. ...
  • Simmer, simmer, simmer. ...
  • Strain and cool. ...
  • Reduce. ...
  • Hot liquids only.
Nov 5, 2021

Does gravy taste better with flour or cornstarch? ›

Browning adds more flavor to the gravy and gets rid of the raw flour taste. You're basically making a roux. We find that a flour-based gravy holds up better and reheats better later, which is why we tend to prefer using flour over cornstarch to make gravy unless we have a guest who is eating gluten-free.

What can I add to gravy to make it tastier? ›

Fortunately, Shannon has several suggestions for fixing bland gravy, starting by adding a bouillon cube, herbs or a splash of wine or cognac. But if you have time to spare, add pan drippings from turkey, bacon or bacon drippings, caramelized vegetables (like onions, leeks, carrots and celery), herbs or garlic.

How much gravy browning to use? ›

A little browning sauce goes a long way, so be sure to measure it carefully. If you use too much, it can impart a bitter flavor into the finished dish. A teaspoon of it typically has about 15 calories, no fat and 10 mg of sodium—not a bad trade-off for a richer, more appealing color in many prepared dishes.

How much does a packet of gravy mix make? ›

Our gravy mix is the perfect choice for holiday roast or everyday meals. It makes 1 cup of deliciously smooth brown gravy in less than 5 minutes. Simply stir 1 pkg. Of the mix and 1 cup water in a saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute.

How do you make bland gravy taste better? ›

It's bland.

The solution: The first thing you should try is adding a little more salt, as salt helps bring out the inherent flavors of the gravy that you didn't taste before. If that doesn't work, add umami (savory)-heavy condiments like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

How do you make bland gravy better? ›

How to Fix It. Add a scoop of store-bought demi-glace (we like D'Artagnan's duck-and-veal demi-glace) for meaty richness, or a splash of soy sauce for an umami infusion. If the gravy lacks oomph, adjust seasoning as necessary with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

What's the difference between brown gravy and breakfast gravy? ›

As it turns out, the biggest difference between the two is brown gravy is broth-based, while white gravy typically has a milk or cream base. Garcia said both types usually have flour or cornstarch for thickening and they both contain some sort of “fat or meat drippings.”

References

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