Can I make this gravy without wine?

Absolutely! Simply substitute an equal amount of additional vegetable broth and add an extra teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for depth. You'll still get a delicious result without the alcohol.

What's the best way to avoid lumps when thickening?

The tapioca flour slurry method described in the recipe is specifically designed to prevent lumps. The key is thoroughly mixing the flour with cold water before adding to the hot gravy, then whisking constantly as you pour it in.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Fresh herbs work beautifully in this recipe! Use about three times the amount called for with dried herbs (since dried herbs are more concentrated). Add hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme early in the cooking process, but save delicate herbs like parsley for the last few minutes.

How can I make this gravy even more flavorful?

For an umami flavor boost, add a teaspoon of soy sauce or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. Another trick is to thoroughly brown the mushrooms at the beginning - those caramelized bits are pure flavor gold.

Easy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Name: Easy Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 6 cups sliced baby portabella mushrooms (16 oz, or substitute crimini or button mushrooms); 1 tbsp butter (or vegan butter); 1/2 white or yellow onion, minced; 1/2 tbsp garlic, minced; 1/4 cup red wine; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 4 cups vegetable broth (32 oz); 1 tsp dried thyme; 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1 tbsp tapioca flour (plus water for slurry)

This incredible homemade mushroom gravy transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary dining experiences. Rich, savory, and surprisingly simple to make, this gravy comes together in just 25 minutes with minimal effort. The deep, earthy flavor of mushrooms combined with aromatic herbs creates a versatile sauce that elevates everything from mashed potatoes to veggie burgers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality Flavor: This gravy delivers an incredible depth of flavor that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant kitchen.
Weeknight Friendly: Ready in just 25 minutes, this gravy fits perfectly into busy schedules when you need something special without the fuss.
Versatile: Works beautifully on mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, plant-based burgers, or traditional meats – it’s the perfect all-purpose gravy.
Dietary Flexibility: Naturally vegetarian and can be easily made vegan with a simple butter substitution.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: Creates the perfect base for sautéing mushrooms, helping them develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
Baby portabella mushrooms: The star of the show, providing earthy flavor and meaty texture. Button or crimini mushrooms work wonderfully too.
Butter: Adds a silky richness that balances the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Onion: Provides a sweet aromatic foundation that enhances the savory elements.
Garlic: Adds essential depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Red wine: Deglazes the pan and introduces a subtle tannic quality that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
Balsamic vinegar: Provides a touch of sweetness and acidity that brightens the entire gravy.
Vegetable broth: Forms the liquid base while adding layers of vegetable flavor.
Dried herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and basil create an aromatic profile that elevates the earthy mushrooms.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and creating balance.
Tapioca flour: Thickens the gravy without creating lumps, resulting in a silky-smooth texture.

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.

Variations

Want to customize this gravy? Here are some delicious options:

Different Mushroom Varieties

Mix and match mushroom types for more complex flavors – try adding shiitake, oyster, or cremini mushrooms to the mix.

Creamier Version

Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream at the end for a luxurious, silky finish.

Herb Infusions

Fresh herbs make a wonderful substitute for dried – try fresh thyme sprigs or rosemary branches during simmering (just remove before serving).

Boozy Twist

Replace the red wine with bourbon or brandy for a different dimension of flavor.

How to Make Easy Mushroom Gravy

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’ve released their moisture and developed a beautiful brown color.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add butter, minced onion, and garlic to the mushrooms. Continue sautéing for about 4 minutes until the onions have softened and become slightly translucent.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build Flavor

Pour in the red wine and balsamic vinegar, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add vegetable broth and all the dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and let everything simmer together for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

Create a slurry by combining tapioca flour with water in a small container and shaking until smooth. Pour this mixture into the gravy while whisking constantly. You’ll notice the gravy beginning to thicken immediately.

Step 5: Adjust Thickness

If you prefer a thicker gravy, make another small slurry with 1/2 tablespoon each of tapioca flour and water. Add gradually while whisking until you reach your desired consistency.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Mushrooms: Allow them to fully brown for the deepest flavor development – this is where much of the magic happens.
Season in Layers: Add salt and pepper at different stages to build flavor complexity rather than just at the end.
Taste and Adjust: Just before serving, taste your gravy and adjust seasonings if needed – a splash more balsamic or a pinch more salt can make all the difference.
Smooth Texture: For an ultra-smooth gravy, blend half the mixture in a blender before recombining with the remaining gravy.

How to Serve

This versatile mushroom gravy pairs beautifully with so many dishes:

Main Course Pairings

Pour generously over mashed potatoes alongside roasted vegetables for a satisfying plant-based meal, or use it to elevate veggie burgers, seitan, tofu, or traditional meats.

Holiday Table Star

Make your holiday table shine by serving this gravy with your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast – it pairs perfectly with all the traditional fixings.

Breakfast Upgrade

Transform ordinary breakfast potatoes or biscuits into something special with a ladleful of this rich gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually continues to develop, making this an ideal make-ahead option.

Freezing

Freeze portions in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. This gravy freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, allowing you to have small portions ready whenever needed.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy has thickened too much during storage, thin it with a splash of broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this gravy without wine?

Absolutely! Simply substitute an equal amount of additional vegetable broth and add an extra teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for depth. You’ll still get a delicious result without the alcohol.
What’s the best way to avoid lumps when thickening?

The tapioca flour slurry method described in the recipe is specifically designed to prevent lumps. The key is thoroughly mixing the flour with cold water before adding to the hot gravy, then whisking constantly as you pour it in.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Fresh herbs work beautifully in this recipe! Use about three times the amount called for with dried herbs (since dried herbs are more concentrated). Add hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme early in the cooking process, but save delicate herbs like parsley for the last few minutes.
How can I make this gravy even more flavorful?

For an umami flavor boost, add a teaspoon of soy sauce or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. Another trick is to thoroughly brown the mushrooms at the beginning – those caramelized bits are pure flavor gold.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Mushroom Gravy recipe proves that creating restaurant-quality flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or culinary school training. The combination of earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and the subtle tang of balsamic and wine creates something truly special that will have everyone at your table asking for the recipe. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress holiday guests, this versatile gravy delivers every time. Give it a try this week – your mashed potatoes will thank you!