When the days grow shorter and the air takes on that crisp, wintery chill, nothing beats the warmth of a good home-cooked meal—and brown gravy homemade is the unsung hero of comfort food. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen in the heart of New England. On Sundays, the scent of simmering gravy would drift through the house, promising a feast ahead. She didn’t use fancy ingredients or leftover drippings; her magic came from a handful of pantry staples, a little butter, and a lot of love. Today, I’m sharing a modern twist on her timeless recipe—ready in just 15 minutes, no drippings required.
Whether you’re dressing up a roast, pouring over fluffy mashed potatoes, or looking for a way to elevate a weekday meal, this gravy has you covered.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
This brown gravy homemade recipe brings together simple ingredients to create rich, savory depth without the fuss.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce as a substitute)
- 2–3 drops Kitchen Bouquet (optional, for deeper color)
- ¼ cup cold water
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp cold unsalted butter
🔥 Pro Tip: Kitchen Bouquet is optional but gives that professional kitchen sheen and a deeper brown hue—great if you’re after visual impact.
⏱️ Quick Facts
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | 10 mins | 15 mins | 4 | 69 |
👩🍳 How to Make Brown Gravy at Home – Step by Step
1. Build the Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chicken broth, beef broth, bouillon cube, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
2. Add Browning Agent (Optional)
Stir in 2–3 drops of Kitchen Bouquet if you prefer a darker, richer color.
3. Mix the Thickener
In a small container with a tight lid, shake together the cold water and cornstarch until fully combined.
4. Thicken the Gravy
Bring the broth mixture to a boil. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until it thickens (about 1–2 minutes).
5. Simmer and Finish
Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor and consistency.
6. Swirl in the Butter
Remove from heat. Add the cold butter and stir until fully melted and the gravy turns glossy.
🍽️ Butter at the end makes it feel like home.
🍛 Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes
- Meatloaf
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Open-faced sandwiches
- Poutine-style fries
🌿 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in small batches for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.
💡 Variations & Flavor Boosters
- Mushroom Gravy: Sauté mushrooms first
- Herb-Infused: Add thyme or rosemary
- Onion Gravy: Caramelize onions beforehand
- Spicy Kick: Dash of cayenne or hot sauce
🍷 What to Serve It With
Perfect for:
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Beef Stew or Pot Roast
- Bangers and Mash
- Roast Duck or Pork
Pair with bold reds like Cabernet or winter cider.
🧠 Fun Fact!
Kitchen Bouquet has been around since the 1800s and was originally used by chefs to enhance gravy color and sheen—still a secret weapon today!
💬 Final Thoughts
This brown gravy homemade recipe proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Ready in minutes, full of flavor, and made from pantry staples—it’s everything you need to warm your winter table.