In my opinion, there is never a bad time for gravy. Ideally, I would make it from scratch every night using flavorful pan drippings from hearty roasts. However, reality often finds me reaching for a store-bought jar. Recently, I discovered a way to make delicious gravy even without a packet of powdered mix on hand, thanks to a clever idea from lifestyle and food creator Dan Cunningham.
Cunningham shared his recipes for homemade brown and white gravy mix on Instagram, using common dried seasonings and pantry staples. Intrigued by the simplicity and promise of great flavor, I decided to test them out myself at home. I was impressed by how easily these DIY blends came together and the depth of flavor they delivered.
Unlike premade gravy mixes, homemade blends can be fully customized. For example, you can use lower-sodium bouillon if you’re watching your salt intake. As someone who eats gluten-free, I tried making the white gravy with both regular flour for my family and gluten-free flour for myself, and both versions turned out beautifully. Plus, these dry blends can be stored in an airtight container for several months, allowing you to have rich, velvety gravy whenever the craving strikes.
Making the brown gravy mix was quick and straightforward. I used a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, beef bouillon powder, cornstarch, paprika, and parsley flakes. Cooking the powdered mix with water in a saucepan until thickened resulted in a rich and flavorful gravy that was perfect for pouring over dishes.
The white gravy mix was just as easy to prepare, with a combination of flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika (optional), and dry milk powder (optional). Melted butter, the dry mix, and milk were combined in a saucepan to create a creamy and peppery gravy that paired well with classic Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy.
Overall, I was impressed by the taste and simplicity of these homemade gravy mixes. They allowed me to achieve rich, delicious flavors without the hassle of store-bought mixes or making gravy from scratch. This kitchen hack is one that I wish I had discovered sooner. Now, with these recipes on hand, my meals will never be boring again.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.