Mushroom Gravy for Mashed Potatoes

Nov 9, 2023 · Modified: Nov 18, 2023 by Munchkin Time · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Homemade mushroom gravy for mashed potatoes is a quick and easy recipe that can be ready in under 30 minutes. Made from scratch using aromatics, veggies, and a roux, what you get is a thick, flavorful gravy ready to be used on top of everything!

I love it smothered over Instant Pot mashed potatoes on any weeknight, but it’s also one I like to make around the holidays.

This is a great way to surprise your guests with a thick, luscious gravy served over mashed potatoes without needing a powdered packet or turkey drippings. It's a vegetarian gravy loaded with flavor and way too easy not to make from scratch.

There’s nothing better than a side dish of classic mashed potatoes doused in gravy, for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!

Still, despite the name, this quick and easy mushroom gravy is definitely not just for mashed potatoes! it’s just as good year-round served with chicken and mashed potatoes!

It’s one of my mom’s delicious recipes that my family absolutely loves! You’ll know by my mom’s turkey brine and vanilla custard cake that she’ll never steer you wrong.

It’s a big hit in my family and I am sure it will be in yours too!

Ingredients Needed

Oil & butter: I use grape seed oil with the butter but you can use whatever you have. Avocado or olive oil are both great options. Use unsalted butter that way you can control the amount of added salt in your gravy. Otherwise, you may end up with salty gravy!
Diced onion: A yummy aromatic that gets sautéed initially to create the base flavor in the gravy.
Grated carrot: Adds a bit of sweetness and texture to the gravy.
Sliced mushrooms: The star of the mushroom gravy! Use button, cremini, or chopped portobello mushrooms. You can even use a combination of a couple of different kinds.
All-purpose flour: When flour is mixed with the butter and oil it forms a roux which helps to thicken the gravy.
Heavy whipping cream: This is what makes turns the roux into gravy. A rich, creamy gravy.
Salt & pepper: A bit of seasoning to taste.
Parsley: A sprinkling for garnish when serving.

How to make mushroom gravy

Step 1: Heat oil and melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.

mushrooms and carrots added to the skillet

Step 2: Once the onion is cooked, toss in the grated carrot and sliced mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and stir occasionally as they cook for about 5 minutes. The mushrooms and carrots are cooked through.

Flour sprinkled over the sauteed veggies

Step 3: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously until paste forms. Then, slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir until smooth, bringing it to a gentle boil. Make sure to scrape the bottom bits of the pan for added flavor. Season to taste, if needed.

Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the gravy into a gravy boat or sauce dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy smothered all over your mashed potatoes!

Recipe Tips

To switch up the flavor a bit, you can use vegetable, chicken, or beef stock instead of heavy cream. It’ll be a bit less creamy, but a versatile way to change the flavor to suit your tastes.
Stir the gravy until there are no flour lumps. You don’t want to serve any gravy with lumps of flour in it!
Make it gluten-free and omit the flour. To thicken the gravy, make a cornstarch slurry and add it in at the end.
Although there is no need to add any turkey drippings from your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey, you can absolutely use them if you want!

FAQs

Can this vegetarian gravy be made vegan?

Absolutely! Use just oil or oil and vegan butter to start and replace the heavy whipping cream with vegetarian stock or broth.

How to reheat mushroom gravy?

This gravy is best enjoyed right away, but if you do save some for later, you’ll want to make sure to heat it through on the stovetop before serving it again. It will thicken as it cools, but thin out as it’s reheated but you can add a splash of liquid to loosen it up again.

What else can I use this gravy for?

All kinds of things! Over mashed potatoes of course, but it’s also great with chicken, beef, and pork. Pour it over an open-faced sandwich, or over a slice of meatloaf. This yummy gravy for mashed potatoes recipe has endless possibilities!