Name: Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 shallot, finely chopped (⅓ cup); 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced; ½ tablespoon tamari; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1½ tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; ½ tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups vegetable broth; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

If you’re anything like me, nothing jazzes up comfort food like a luscious sauce, and this Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe is my absolute go-to for that. It’s rich, savory, and silky-smooth — the kind of gravy that you’ll want to drizzle over mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a hearty slice of vegan meatloaf. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to nail such deep flavor without a complicated ingredient list. Stick around, because once you try this, you’ll be hooked too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Umami Flavor: The cremini mushrooms combined with tamari give this gravy a rich, earthy depth that simply can’t be beat.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy pantry staples – everything you need is easy to find and wholesome.
Versatile and Vegan: Whether you’re vegan or just want a plant-based option, this gravy fits seamlessly with many dishes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores beautifully and reheats perfectly, so you can prep ahead for busy nights.

A white bowl filled with thick brown mushroom soup showing several slices of light brown mushrooms floating on top. Small bright green herb leaves are sprinkled over the soup. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, and the bowl has a light wooden handle attached. The bowl sits on a chunky cream knitted cloth and a folded blue and beige checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a dreamy, creamy texture with lots of depth. I love how the fresh herbs and tamari really elevate the mushrooms, making every spoonful full of inviting flavor. Pro tip: fresh thyme and rosemary make all the difference, but dried can work if that’s what you have on hand.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness without overpowering the mushrooms.
Shallot: Offers a subtle, sweet onion flavor that melts beautifully when cooked down.
Cremini mushrooms: These small brown mushrooms bring the deep umami notes; regular white mushrooms can be a substitute but creminis pack more flavor.
Tamari: A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that adds salty, savory depth – don’t skip it!
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses a gentle warmth that complements the herbs perfectly.
Fresh thyme leaves: Brings a fragrant, gentle earthiness.
Fresh rosemary: Offers a piney, woodsy note that pairs beautifully with mushrooms.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the gravy to that perfect creamy consistency.
Vegetable broth: The liquid base for the gravy, lending savory flavor and smoothness.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and balance all the flavors.

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

One of my favorite things about this creamy mushroom gravy recipe is how easy it is to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Don’t be shy to tweak the herbs or swap in your favorite mushroom varieties!

Use mixed mushrooms: I once made a batch with cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, and it added an incredible variety of textures and flavors.
Make it gluten-free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch; just whisk it in slowly to avoid clumps.
Add a splash of white wine: For a bit of acidity and extra depth, add 1/4 cup of white wine before adding the broth; just let it reduce first.
Make it spicy: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic if you like a little heat.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Shallots and Mushrooms

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot – you’ll want to cook it gently until it softens, which takes about 4 minutes. This base is critical because it releases that subtle sweetness. Then, toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms. Stir them occasionally and let them release their moisture and brown lightly. This takes roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Be patient here; getting a good caramelization on the mushrooms builds the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters and Thicken

Once the mushrooms are tender and golden, stir in the tamari, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and chopped rosemary. The tamari adds umami and salt, so you might want to hold back some salt until the end. After everything is fragrant and combined, sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushrooms. Stir continuously for about a minute — this “toasts” the flour a bit and prevents a raw taste, while also preparing it to thicken the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer Until Thick and Creamy

Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, making sure to mix well and avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook down for about 20 minutes, whisking often. You’ll notice the gravy thickening and the flavors marrying wonderfully. Once it’s reached that perfect creamy consistency, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t rush this step — allowing it to simmer fully brings out that luscious texture I adore.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Don’t Skip Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh thyme and rosemary late in the cooking process keeps their flavor bright and aromatic, which really lifts the gravy.
Perfect Mushroom Browning: Resist stirring too often when cooking mushrooms; letting them sit in the pan for bits helps create that golden-brown color and intense flavor.
Whisk to Avoid Lumps: When adding broth to the flour-coated mushrooms, constantly whisk to get a silky smooth gravy without clumps.
Taste Before Salting: Tamari is salty, so add salt at the end to avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe

A white bowl holds creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth and soft texture, forming the base layer. On top, there is a thick brown mushroom gravy with visible mushroom slices and small herb pieces, covering the center. The dish is finished with scattered fresh green herbs over the mashed potatoes and gravy. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a blue and white checkered cloth and a large green sage leaf. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this mushroom gravy with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or a little more fresh thyme on top — it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a swirl of coconut cream or a drizzle of truffle oil when I want to impress guests, but that’s totally optional.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this gravy with classic creamy mashed potatoes, but I also love spooning it over garlic mashed cauliflower or a parsnip puree for a lighter twist. It’s equally delicious draped over roasted winter vegetables or as a sauce on vegan lentil loaf or mushroom wellington.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday meals, I like to serve this gravy in a small gravy boat with fresh herb sprigs tucked alongside. Another fun idea is to use it as a rich dip for warm, crusty bread alongside a vegan cheese board — everyone always asks for the recipe right away!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mushroom gravy in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, which makes it fantastic for batch cooking on busy weeks.

Freezing

This gravy freezes really well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it lasts up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it’s gotten too thick. Whisking often helps maintain that creamy texture.

FAQs

Is this Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan! It uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, no dairy or animal products involved.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

You can substitute dried thyme and rosemary, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Add these earlier in the cooking process to release their flavors.
How do I make the gravy gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a bit of cold water first and add near the end to avoid clumps.
What can I serve with this mushroom gravy?

This gravy pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, vegan loafs, or even biscuits. It’s a versatile sauce that elevates many dishes!
How long does the gravy keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this gravy will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Mushroom Gravy Recipe turns the simplest dishes into memorable meals. It’s cozy, comforting, and so versatile that I keep coming back to it over and over. Whether you’re cooking a holiday feast or just want to upgrade your weeknight dinner, this gravy is an easy win that feels special every time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why my family can’t get enough. Go ahead, make a batch and see for yourself — I promise you won’t regret it!