Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love a good gravy that feels like a warm hug on your plate. That’s why I’m excited to share this Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe with you—it’s rich, flavorful, and the perfect upgrade to any meal that deserves a little extra love. Whether you’re spooning it over mashed potatoes or drizzling it on roasted veggies, this gravy turns simple dishes into something truly special. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs and earthy mushrooms creates a deep, comforting taste you won’t get from boxed gravies.
  • Vegan and Versatile: It’s dairy-free and perfect for all diets, making it a great addition to your recipe rotation.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and no complicated techniques mean you can whip it up anytime.
  • Perfectly Creamy Texture: The flour and broth combo thickens beautifully for a silky finish that clings to everything.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe lies in its fresh, thoughtfully balanced ingredients. I always recommend picking up the freshest mushrooms you can find—cremini are my favorite because they’re meaty and flavorful without being overpowering.

  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity and slightly peppery base; don’t use a neutral oil here to keep the flavor vibrant.
  • Shallot: Offers a mild onion taste that’s sweeter and more subtle, which pairs beautifully with mushrooms.
  • Cremini mushrooms: Look for firm, fresh mushrooms without spots for the best earthy flavor.
  • Tamari: This gluten-free soy sauce substitute deepens umami—you can use soy sauce if tamari isn’t available but reduce salt later.
  • Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that sharp, bright punch.
  • Fresh thyme leaves: I love how thyme adds a woodsy aroma that makes this gravy taste like it simmered all day.
  • Chopped fresh rosemary: Use sparingly—its piney notes anchor the herbs in this recipe.
  • All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent; if gluten-free, try a 1:1 alternative like chickpea flour or cornstarch (adjust amount).
  • Vegetable broth: A good-quality broth will make or break your gravy, so use one with robust flavor or homemade if you can.
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning—always add gradually and taste as you go.
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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

I love customizing this Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe depending on the season or mood. It’s a great base that welcomes tweaks—don’t be shy to put your own spin on it!

  • Add a splash of white wine: I discovered this trick when I wanted a bit more depth; it adds a subtle acidity that brightens up the gravy wonderfully.
  • Swap mushrooms: Try shiitake or portobello for a bolder flavor, especially if you want something meatier in texture.
  • Boost creaminess: Stir in a bit of vegan sour cream or coconut cream at the end for an even silkier texture I adore.
  • Herb twist: Use sage or tarragon if you’re serving this with poultry—my family goes crazy for how these herbs change the profile.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warmed, add the finely chopped shallot and cook gently until it’s soft and translucent, about 4 minutes—this step is key to extracting sweetness without burning. Then toss in the cremini mushrooms. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown. I learned that patience here is vital; rushing means soggy mushrooms and a watery sauce.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters and Herbs

Stir in the tamari, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and rosemary. The aroma that hits at this point is one of my favorite cooking smells—it’s warm, woodsy, and inviting. Let these mingle for about a minute before moving on—giving the herbs time to bloom releases all their flavor into the mushrooms.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Flour and Whisk in Broth

Evenly sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture and stir for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. This trick also helps your gravy thicken without lumps. Next, slowly add the vegetable broth, whisking as you pour to combine everything smoothly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook and thicken while you whisk frequently—about 20 minutes. This slow simmer ensures the perfect velvety texture.

Step 4: Taste and Season

Once the gravy is thick and creamy, taste it and add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember to season gradually—you want the mushrooms and herbs to shine, not get overwhelmed by saltiness.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe

  • Don’t Rush the Mushrooms: Cooking them low and slow lets their moisture evaporate, concentrating flavor and preventing a soggy gravy.
  • Whisk Gradually: When adding the broth, whisk constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: I learned that dried herbs just don’t deliver the same brightness, so fresh is worth the extra effort here.
  • Adjust Thickness Wisely: If the gravy gets too thick, simply whisk in a splash of broth to loosen it up without losing flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe

A white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes, smooth and pale white, taking most of the space in the bowl; the top layer is brown mushroom gravy with visible slices of cooked mushrooms, sitting in the center over the mashed potatoes. The gravy has a thick, glossy texture, and there are small green herb leaves sprinkled over both layers. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a piece of blue and white checked cloth nearby and a green leaf visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish this gravy with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or some extra thyme leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper on top adds just the right hint of spice. These simple touches take the look from everyday to restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

This gravy absolutely soars when poured over creamy mashed potatoes—especially my garlic mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a lighter twist. It’s also incredible on roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, or even as a sauce for savory lentil loaf or tofu dishes. My family goes crazy for it served over vegan biscuits too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this mushroom gravy in a small gravy boat so everyone can drizzle as much as they like. Lining the edges of the plate with some roasted herb sprigs or edible flowers adds a festive touch. One Thanksgiving, I poured it over a wild rice and mushroom stuffing, and it got rave reviews from everyone!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating, as it tends to thicken as it sits.

Freezing

This Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe freezes brilliantly. I portion it into small silicone containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready, defrost overnight in the fridge, then gently warm on the stove—adding a splash of broth if needed to bring back the creamy texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming gently on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. If the gravy seems too thick, I whisk in a little broth or water until it’s back to that silky smooth consistency I love.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a little cold water first to make a slurry, then add it gradually while simmering the gravy to get the right thickness.

  2. Is this mushroom gravy vegan?

    Yes! This recipe uses vegetable broth and olive oil, with no animal products, making it perfectly vegan and dairy-free, so it’s great for all kinds of dietary preferences.

  3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

    You can, but fresh herbs deliver a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If you’re using dried, reduce the amount by about two-thirds since they’re more concentrated and add them earlier in the cooking to allow time for flavors to develop.

  4. How long will the gravy keep in the fridge?

    Your creamy mushroom gravy will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before reheating!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe transforms simple dishes into something spectacular. It’s the kind of sauce that turns a regular dinner into a cozy, memorable meal—plus, it’s so easy to make! When I first tried making mushroom gravy from scratch, I struggled with lumps and blandness, but after tweaking and testing this recipe, it finally clicked. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how it elevates your meals!

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Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Herbs Recipe

4.5 from 108 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This rich and savory mushroom gravy is the perfect plant-based sauce to elevate your mashed potatoes or vegetable purees. Made with cremini mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a touch of tamari, this gravy is flavorful, vegan, and easy to prepare on the stovetop.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped (1/3 cup)
  • 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 tablespoon tamari
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics and mushrooms.
  2. Cook the shallot: Add the finely chopped shallot (about ⅓ cup) to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Sauté the mushrooms: Add 16 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are soft and have released their moisture.
  4. Add flavorings: Stir in ½ tablespoon tamari, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1½ tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, and ½ tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  5. Add flour: Sprinkle ¼ cup all-purpose flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and to begin thickening.
  6. Add broth and simmer: Gradually pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, whisking often, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Season and serve: Taste the gravy and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve warm over mashed potatoes or other preferred dishes.

Notes

  • This mushroom gravy pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or parsnip puree.
  • The recipe is entirely vegan and can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • For a deeper flavor, use homemade vegetable broth if possible.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approximately 1/2 cup)
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg