Easy Southern Vegan Gravy Recipe that Goes Good on Everything! (2024)

By Randi Tisdall · Published: · Updated: 3 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Everyone needs a good southern vegan gravy recipe, like this one that’s creamy, pepper-y, and flavorful. I don’t think there’s anything more comforting than gravy drizzled on top of your favorite dish, whether that be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. No judgments for licking your plate.

And before you ask, YES there is a difference between brown gravy and southern gravy. Southern gravy should be creamy and white, savory and peppered. It should hit all the right taste buds, and be so delicious that you’d rather scrape every last bit from the pan than see a drop go to waste.

This is that recipe.

You can enjoy this vegan gravy recipe on top of heaping scoops of mashed potatoes, these easy air fryer biscuits or this yummy soy-free vegan turkey. It’s all gravy baby!

Jump to:
  • Why you’ll love this southern vegan gravy recipe
  • What to serve it with
  • Ingredients + Substitutions
  • How to make it
  • Storage + Reheating
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Southern Vegan Gravy

Why you’ll love this southern vegan gravy recipe

Of course, this recipe is one of my absolute favorites and I’ve been making it for years. I’ve served it over just about every meal I can think of and it always hits the spot and makes me feel good.

You’ll love this vegan gravy recipe because it’s:

  • Easy. Nothing complicated about the steps!
  • Quick. You can make this vegan gravy in just a few short minutes.
  • Delicious. Creamy and savory, your taste buds will love the flavor.
  • Comforting. I love making this vegan gravy recipe when I need some good ol’ comfort food. It’s also perfect for holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

What to serve it with

Yes, there are the classic options, like mashed potatoes or buttered toast, but here’s a few more recipes that would go great with this southern staple:

  • The Best Vegan Turkey to Satisfy All Cravings
  • Best Vegan Biscuits Recipe in the Air Fryer or Oven
  • Amazing Vegan Cornbread Stuffing That’s Secretly Gluten-Free
  • Healthy Street Corn

Ingredients + Substitutions

  • Plant-based milk. I prefer unsweetened almond milk because I think it has a mild flavor, but soy, coconut, or cashew works here too. Just keep in mind it may change the taste a touch.
  • Vegan bouillon. I like using Not Chicken bouillon cubes for this vegan gravy because it gives it a “meaty” flavor that is included in all good southern gravy. You can also use Not Beef or vegetable bouillon too.
  • Nutritional yeast. This adds a touch of flavor + the fortified nutritional yeast adds B12.
  • Cornstarch. I use non-GMO cornstarch. This helps thicken your gravy.
  • Salt and black pepper. I use Himalayan sea salt. The pepper is the finishing touches for perfect southern style gravy.

How to make it

See the recipe box below for exact measurements.

  1. Add 1 ½ cups of the plant milk to a small sauce pot with the vegan bouillon cube and the nutritional yeast. Stir. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Be mindful to watch this closely because your milk can quickly bubble over.
  2. Meanwhile, whisk together remaining plant milk and cornstarch. Set aside.
  3. Once milk has come to a boil, turn heat down to medium-low and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Whisk until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Once thickened, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. I like a good amount of pepper in mine!
  5. Enjoy on meal of choice.

Storage + Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Keep this vegan gravy in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
  • Freezer: Keep this gravy in a sealed freezer bag, lay flat to freeze, and store for up to 3 months. To defrost, refrigerate overnight or run freezer bag under hot water before heating on stove/microwave.
  • Reheat (stovetop): Heat leftover gravy in a small saucepan on medium-low, stirring until heated through. You may need to add a splash of plant-based milk. For frozen gravy, follow the defrosting instructions above, and then proceed with stovetop reheating.
  • Reheat (microwave): Place gravy in a microwave safe dish and nuke for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in vegan gravy?

For this vegan southern-style gravy, I use a combination of plant-based milk, vegan chicken bouillon, nutritional yeast, and salt and pepper. To thicken I use cornstarch.

Can I make this gravy consistency thicker or thinner?

Absolutely! For thicker gravy, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the mix. For thinner gravy, subtract a tablespoon.

Can I make this vegan gravy brown?

Totally! For a brown gravy variation, add 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce and use Not Beef bouillon instead of chicken. Another great “beefy” vegan bouillon is the Better Than Bouillon brand, vegetable base.

Allergy Information & Variations

  • This southern gravy is 100% vegan, meaning it is meat-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. It is also naturally gluten-free and soy-free.
  • Make this gravy nut-free by swapping the almond milk for another plant-based milk of choice.
  • Don’t want to use Not Chicken or Not Beef bouillon? Swap it out for a vegetable-based bouillon instead.
  • Make this brown gravy by adding 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce and using a Not Beef bouillon cube instead.
  • Want more chicken-y flavor? Try adding in a teaspoon of Butlers vegan chicken seasoning.

Easy Southern Vegan Gravy Recipe that Goes Good on Everything! (6)

Southern Vegan Gravy

Randi Tisdall

Everyone needs agood southern vegan gravy recipe. I don’t think there’s anything more comforting than gravy drizzled on top of your favorite dish, and this recipe checks all the boxes. Serve on top of mashed potatoes, biscuits, or vegan turkey slices.

5 from 9 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 6

Calories 38 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups plant-based milk, such as unsweetened almond
  • 1 cube vegan bouillon, such as Not Chicken (enough bouillon for 2 cups liquid)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional, or season according to taste)
  • salt, seasoned to taste (I use Himalayan pink salt)

Instructions

  • Add 1½ cups of the plant milk to a small sauce pot with the vegan bouillon cubes and the nutritional yeast. Stir. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Be mindful towatch this closelybecause your milk can quickly bubble over.

  • Meanwhile, whisk together remaining ½ cup of plant milk and cornstarch until smooth (no clumps!). Set aside.

  • Once milk has come to a boil, turn heat down to medium-low and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Whisk until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

  • Once thickened, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. I like a good amount of pepper in mine, so the ¼ teaspoon is perfect for southern style gravy. However, you can always scale it back if you want to go light on the pepper.

Notes

  • I preferunsweetened almond milk because I think it has a mild flavor, but soy, coconut, or cashew works here too. This swap can make it nut-free too. Just keep in mind it may change the taste a touch.
  • I like usingNot Chicken bouillon cubesfor this vegan gravy because it gives it a “meaty” flavor that is included in all good southern gravy. You can also useNot Beefor vegetable bouillon too.
  • For thicker gravy, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the mix. For thinner gravy, subtract a tablespoon.
  • For a brown gravy variation, add 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce and use Not Beef bouillon instead of chicken. Another great “beefy” vegan bouillon is the Better Than Bouillon brand, vegetable base.
  • Want more chicken-y flavor?Try adding in a teaspoon ofButlers vegan chicken seasoning (affiliate).

Storage and reheating:

  • Refrigerator:Keep this vegan gravy in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
  • Freezer:Keep this gravy in a sealed freezer bag, lay flat to freeze, and store for up to 3 months. To defrost, refrigerate overnight or run freezer bag under hot water before heating on stove/microwave.
  • Reheat (stovetop):Heat leftover gravy in a small saucepan on medium-low, stirring until heated through. You may need to add a splash of plant-based milk. For frozen gravy, follow the defrosting instructions above, and then proceed with stovetop reheating.
  • Reheat (microwave):Place gravy in a microwave safe dish and nuke for 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 165mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe? Tell me about it + share!Comment and let me know how it was! Then follow BVK on Pinterest @bohemianvegankitchen

« Best Soy Free Vegan Turkey

Easiest Coconut Vegan Lemon Cake »

Easy Southern Vegan Gravy Recipe that Goes Good on Everything! (8)

About Randi Tisdall

I believe that wellness starts in your kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or boring! That's why I'm dedicated to sharing the best vegan comfort food and healthy recipes. Because at the end of the day, you should feel good about what you eat and how you feel, regardless of health restrictions or crazy schedules. Bohemian Vegan Kitchen has been featured by VegNews, Delish, Beyond Meat, MSN, and HuffPost.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Donna Biederman

    This gravy is outstanding! I crumbled up a couple of your lentil sausage patties in it and served it over mashed potatoes, yum! I cannot wait to make the biscuits. 🙂Easy Southern Vegan Gravy Recipe that Goes Good on Everything! (9)

    Reply

  2. Courtney

    I’ve always been afraid to make vegan gravy, but this was excellent! Thank you for sharing this fool-proof recipe. It was delicious over biscuits and your vegan lentil breakfast sausages!Easy Southern Vegan Gravy Recipe that Goes Good on Everything! (10)

    Reply

  3. Randy

    Very easy and very good!Easy Southern Vegan Gravy Recipe that Goes Good on Everything! (11)

    Reply

Have something to say? Let me know!

Easy Southern Vegan Gravy Recipe that Goes Good on Everything! (2024)

FAQs

Which of the non dairy milk is best for gravy? ›

One alternative is to use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or soy milk. Another option is to use a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) to thicken the gravy, and then add a flavorful broth or stock in place of the milk.

What is a Southern gravy called? ›

Red-eye gravy is a Southern favorite. It requires just two ingredients: the drippings of pan-fried country ham and black coffee.

How to improve country gravy mix? ›

Here are some ideas to enhance the flavor of powdered gravy:
  1. Use flavorful liquids: Instead of using water, try using chicken or beef broth to make your gravy. This will add depth and richness to the flavor.
  2. Add herbs and spices: Consider adding herbs and spices to your gravy to enhance the flavor.
Feb 13, 2019

What is the closest non-dairy milk that taste like milk? ›

Wondermilk. Out of the listed options, the So Delicious Dairy Free Wondermilk tops as the best brand that closely resembles actual milk in terms of consistency, creaminess and slightly sweet mild flavor. It contains coconut and oat milk, with hints of oat taste and full texture.

What tastes like milk but is dairy free? ›

Soy Milk. Maybe the most classic non-dairy milk of all, soy is one of the best all-around options both on its own and coffee alike. We've tried many more soy milk than just the Silk pictured, and as you've likely already experienced, its trademark note of soy makes it a bit more polarizing.

What is Southern gravy made of? ›

What is Southern gravy made of? Southern gravy is a white country gravy made with pan drippings (usually bacon, sausage, or poultry) or butter, flour, whole milk, salt, and pepper.

What is KFC gravy made of? ›

What is the gravy at KFC made of? The restaurant uses a simple combination of gravy powder, water, and – their secret ingredient – chicken crackling. This is a collection of the browned bits and pieces leftover from frying their world famous chicken.

Is Mayflower gravy sauce vegan? ›

The perfect gravy for your southern style fried chicken fakeaway, alongside a roast, or to smother over chips. This product contains only 100% sustainable palm oil. 255g Pack. Suitable for Vegans.

Is Kentucky gravy vegan? ›

Is the gravy at KFC vegan? Surprisingly, KFC's gravy also contains milk, so just like the mash it's a no-go for vegans.

What is in marigold vegan gravy? ›

Rice Flour*, Maltodextrin (from maize)*, Sea Salt, Vegetables (tomato, onion, pumpkin)*, Maize Starch*, Yeast Extract, Sunflower Oil*, Chicory Extract*, White Mushrooms*, Concentrated Vegetable Juice (carrot, onion)*, Spices (lovage root, garlic, fennel seed)*, Lovage*. *Organically grown ingredients.

Is Worcestershire sauce vegan substitute? ›

Both soy sauce and Marmite (a plant-based yeast extract) make excellent vegan Worcestershire sauce substitutes. You can also make your own Worcestershire sauce using simple mixes, or try your hand at a more complex recipe that you can store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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

How do you make gravy taste good? ›

If you are reaching for a jar or carton of turkey gravy at the store, here are seven easy ways to give it a boost.
  1. Add in some white wine. ...
  2. Thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. ...
  3. Stir in pan drippings. ...
  4. Simmer with fresh herbs. ...
  5. Add an umami-rich condiment. ...
  6. Sauté some vegetables. ...
  7. Add roasted garlic.

What is the best non-dairy milk substitute for cooking? ›

Among other milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk and oat milk, soy milk is by far the best for baking. I learned this over the course of several years and many cookies, cakes, muffins and pies. Moreover, some people will tell you that you must swap full-fat coconut milk in for heavy cream or half-and-half.

What is the best non-dairy milk for cooking? ›

Unsweetened, plain soy milk (no vanilla added—check the ingredients list) is almost always a safe bet in any type of stovetop or baking recipe, due to its neutral flavor and thickness.

What is the best plant-based milk for sauces? ›

Soy milk: Soy milk is one of the most versatile types of plant-based milk when it comes to cooking and baking. It can be heated to high temperatures without curdling or separating, which makes it an excellent option for making sauces, soups, and baked goods.

What milk is best for non-dairy? ›

Along with soy milk, almond milk is at the head of the non-dairy milk class. Following the same process as other nut-based milk, almonds get soaked in water overnight, then blended and strained until smooth to create a "milk."

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Virgilio Hermann JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6423

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Virgilio Hermann JD

Birthday: 1997-12-21

Address: 6946 Schoen Cove, Sipesshire, MO 55944

Phone: +3763365785260

Job: Accounting Engineer

Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.