After years of searching for a reliable vegan white gravy mix, I finally created my own — and I’m sharing it with you.
Simple and affordable, this mix makes a perfect base for a Southern-style pepper gravy, can be customized with herbs and spices, and is shelf-stable for pantry storage.
The mix takes only minutes to prepare, and turning it into gravy takes about 10 minutes. Make a double or triple batch to keep on hand in an airtight container for quick meals.
This recipe is easy to fit into most eating plans: it’s vegan, dairy-free, oil-free, and can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. There’s even a no-salt option if you need it.
And best of all — it tastes delicious.
Why you’ll love this vegan country white gravy recipe
This homemade mix gives you the convenience of a store-bought packet at a fraction of the cost. It uses common pantry staples, and you choose the ingredients that match your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Use it as a base for pepper gravy, herb gravy for garlic potatoes, or a vegan sausage gravy — you’re in complete control of the final flavor.
Does store-bought gravy mix have dairy?
Some commercial gravy mixes do include dairy derivatives. Check the ingredient list and allergy warnings for dairy, eggs, wheat, and nuts. To be certain a mix is meat- and dairy-free, look for a clearly labeled vegan product.
How can you thicken gravy?
The dry mix itself is a thickener. If your gravy is too thin, simply add a bit more mix and cook until it reaches the texture you like.
What can you substitute milk for in gravy?
Many gravies use nondairy milk substitutes, but you can also use water or broth depending on the style. The mix thickens liquids well; for a chicken-style or brown gravy, water works fine.
What is vegan gravy mix made of?
The base is intentionally minimal: oat flour (or ground rolled oats), ground black pepper, and salt or a salt substitute. From there you can add optional flavorings to match the dish you’re serving.
What kind of milk is best for white gravy?
Thicker nondairy milks like soy give a creamier result, but most unsweetened plain plant milks will work because the mix thickens them. I usually avoid rice milk because it’s thin and less flavorful. Oat milk is a good second choice, followed by cashew or almond milk.
Can I make this vegan gravy gluten-free?
Yes. Use rolled oats or oat flour labeled gluten-free. If you prefer, substitute a fine gluten-free flour blend, brown rice flour, or another finely ground gluten-free flour.
How to use the mix to make plant-based white gravy
Lightly toast about 1/4 cup of the dry mix in a sauté pan until it smells nutty. Add about 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened plain plant milk or water and heat over medium-high, whisking constantly until it just begins to boil and thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little more liquid.
Flavor variations
Add one or more of these to customize the gravy:
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- poultry seasoning
- nutritional yeast
- smoked paprika
- red pepper flakes
- coarse ground pepper
- fresh or dried herbs
- soy sauce or tamari
- mushroom powder or sautéed mushrooms
- vegan sausage crumbles
Is it good on mashed potatoes?
Yes — it makes a creamy gravy for mashed potatoes. For more texture and flavor, stir in sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or vegan sausage crumbles.
How long does this gravy mix last?
Stored in an airtight container, the mix will keep for several months. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I reheat gravy?
Yes. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat in a sauté pan with a splash of nondairy milk, stirring over medium heat until the texture and thickness are restored.
What is a southern cream gravy? Can I make it vegan?
Traditional Southern cream gravy uses a roux of butter or bacon grease and white flour plus whole milk or cream. This recipe recreates that comfort-food flavor without oil or dairy, using whole grain oat flour or ground rolled oats and unsweetened plant milk. It pairs well with biscuits, “chicken” alternatives, mashed potatoes, or a battered and air-fried tofu or cauliflower steak.
What’s your favorite way to eat gravy?
Vegan biscuits and gravy are a favorite here. For oil-free biscuits, substitute plain unsweetened vegan yogurt for oil in your biscuit recipe (you may need to adjust liquid). Warm the biscuits, split them, and ladle on generous amounts of gravy. Serve with tofu scramble and a side of greens for a hearty meal.
Is it possible to make vegan biscuits that are oil-free?
Yes. Replace the oil in a biscuit recipe with plain unsweetened vegan yogurt. The tops may crack a bit, but they’ll be delicious when split and smothered in gravy.
How can I use the mix to make vegan sausage gravy?
Sauté 4–6 vegan sausage patties (homemade or store-bought) and chop them while cooking. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the white gravy mix into the pan and toast briefly, then add about 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk, stir constantly over medium-high heat until thickened. For mushroom gravy, start by sautéing 2–3 cups chopped mushrooms, then follow the same steps.
More vegan staples you need to try
- Instant Pot jalapeño hot sauce
- Easy vegan parmesan with oats
- Vegan bouillon without salt or oil
- Vegan chicken bouillon powder
- Instant Pot vegan yogurt
- Gluten-free vegan sausage patties
- Instant Pot almond milk
- Avocado cashew cream cheese
- Oat sausage crumbles
- Thick homemade almond-cashew milk
- Vegan coconut bacon
Gluten-Free & Vegan White Gravy Mix Recipe
Kathy Hester
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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1 Blender
Ingredients
Base Mix Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free oat flour or ground rolled oats or another gf flour
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper optional
- 1/2 tsp salt optional
Flavor Options – use none, one, or a combo to get the flavor you want
- 1 tablespoon Vegan Chickeny Bouillon Powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herb or combo dill, basil, oregano, thyme, etc.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Instructions
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Blend all ingredients into a smooth powder. Omit salt if you need a low-sodium mix.
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Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.