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Simple Gravy

Rich and smooth gravy made in the microwave using the glass Anyday dish, delivering classic flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for adding a delicious finishing touch to your favorite dishes, ready in minutes.
Simple Gravy
PT4M PT5M

Prep Time

4 minutes

Cook Time

5-6 mins

Free Time

to decide what to watch on Netflix

When stove and oven space are precious resources on Thanksgiving, it's time to get resourceful. This simple gravy comes together in a fraction of the time, yet with the same depth of flavor from chicken stock, black pepper, and sage. Make it ahead, then reheat to perfection with a quick spin in — what else? — the microwave.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Medium Shallow Dish

Look no further for making poached eggs, desserts, dips, and small portions of meat or fish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

4-6
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups (500ml) stock (beef, chicken, turkey or vegetable)
  • ½  teaspoon black pepper
  • ½  teaspoon salt
  • 2 sage leaves


Preparation

  1. Place the butter and cornstarch in an Anyday dish, and microwave until butter melts completely. Whisk to combine.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients to the Anyday dish and cover with lid (knob lifted). 
  3. Cook in the microwave for 5-6 minutes, (stirring halfway to prevent overflowing). Whisk the gravy, which should have thickened while cooking. If needed, continue cooking until it thickens to your liking in 30-second intervals. NOTE: the gravy will continue to thicken as it cools.
  4. Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Herb-infused flavor: Add rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder for a more robust, aromatic gravy.
  • Earthy mushroom twist: Cook some mushrooms in the butter before adding the cornstarch for a rich, earthy depth of flavor.
  • Creamy consistency: Substitute half of the liquid with heavy cream for a velvety, creamy gravy.
  • Caramelized onion twist: Add caramelized onions for a sweet and savory flavor boost.

Recipe notes

  • Reheating Notes: If you make this ahead, place the gravy in the Anyday dish with the lid on (knob lifted) and reheat on high in 30 seconds intervals, stirring after each.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Simple Gravy in the Microwave

What is simple gravy?

Simple gravy is a quick and flavorful sauce made with butter, cornstarch, stock, and spices. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal where you need a rich, savory sauce. This microwave version cooks 2-3 times faster than when done on the stovetop, and there’s no stirring required!

Can I make gravy in the microwave?

Absolutely! Using an Anyday dish, you can make this simple gravy in the microwave in just a few minutes. It’s a convenient way to save stovetop space during busy holiday meal prep while still achieving a smooth, flavorful gravy.

Why does the recipe use cornstarch instead of flour?

We call for cornstarch in this recipe because it thickens the gravy more quickly and efficiently in the microwave than flour. It also creates a smoother, glossier texture without the need for prolonged cooking time. Additionally, cornstarch is gluten-free, making it a great option for those who avoid gluten in their diet.

Can I make this gravy vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken, beef, or turkey stock to make a vegetarian version of this gravy. The flavors from the butter, sage, and pepper will still provide a rich and savory taste. Discover more sauce recipes by exploring our collection here!

Can I make this gravy without butter for a dairy-free version?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with your favorite dairy-free alternatives such as margarine or plant-based butter. The gravy will still thicken and have a rich flavor from the stock and seasonings.

How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?

To avoid lumps, make sure to whisk the melted butter and cornstarch thoroughly before adding the stock. For a smooth and silky texture, whisk well after cooking to incorporate the thicker gravy towards the bottom.

How long can I store simple gravy in the fridge?

Simple gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an Anyday dish. Once the gravy is ready, allow it to cool, then cover it with the lid and store in the refrigerator. The silicone edge on the lid helps keep the gravy fresh and ready to reheat in the microwave.

Can I freeze simple gravy?

Yes, you can freeze simple gravy! Use our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays to portion the gravy and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the microwave in an Anyday dish. For more tips on freezing and reheating, check out our blog here.

What’s the best way to reheat simple gravy?

The best way to reheat gravy is in the microwave using an Anyday dish. If reheating from the fridge, reheat for 1-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it reaches your desired temperature. If reheating from frozen, microwave for 1-2 minutes per portion, stirring halfway through, until fully heated. Keep in mind the gravy may thicken as it cools, so stir as needed to reach the perfect consistency.