Evaporated Milk Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Evaporated milk gravy is a rich and creamy sauce perfect for enhancing biscuits, mashed potatoes, or roasted meats. This simple recipe uses pantry staples and a few easy steps to create a comforting homemade gravy that’s ready in minutes.

A white plate holds three main layers: on the left side, a large scoop of creamy mashed potatoes topped with light brown gravy and small green herb leaves; in the center, four slices of cooked white turkey breast arranged overlapping, covered with the same light brown gravy sprinkled with black pepper and herbs; on the right side, a pile of bright green cooked string beans mixed with small bits of browned onions. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a hint of a bowl and a sprig of green herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp pan drippings (optional)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 can (12 fl oz / 360 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) broth

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter along with the pan drippings, if using.
  2. Step 2: Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and onion powder until no flour streaks remain, creating a smooth mixture.
  3. Step 3: Cook the flour-butter mixture (roux) for 1 to 2 minutes, whisking occasionally to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and broth while whisking continuously to combine smoothly.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer, whisking frequently. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the gravy is smooth, creamy, and thickened. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to adjust the consistency.

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer gravy, use homemade pan drippings from roasted meats instead of butter alone.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or sage for a more complex flavor.
  • Use vegetable broth to keep the gravy vegetarian-friendly.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the flour to 4 tablespoons.

Storage

Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the gravy thickens too much during reheating.

How to Serve

A white gravy boat filled with smooth, light brown gravy that has a creamy texture, topped with a small sprig of fresh green thyme and sprinkled with coarse black pepper. The gravy boat sits on a white marbled surface with part of a white plate holding green beans blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this gravy without pan drippings?

Yes, pan drippings add extra flavor, but you can simply use butter and the seasonings for a delicious gravy.

What can I use instead of evaporated milk?

You can substitute with regular milk or half-and-half, but keep in mind the gravy may be slightly less creamy.

Print

Evaporated Milk Gravy Recipe

This rich and creamy Evaporated Milk Gravy is a quick and easy sauce perfect for pouring over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or meats. Made with a simple roux of butter and flour, combined with savory pan drippings, evaporated milk, and broth, it delivers comforting flavor with a smooth, velvety texture. Ready in just about 15 minutes, this gravy is a delicious addition to any meal.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups (serves 4) 1x
  • Category: Sauce/Gravy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp pan drippings (optional)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Liquids

  • 1 can (12 fl oz / 360 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 1/2 cups / 360 ml / 12 fl oz broth (chicken or beef broth works well)

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and drippings: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter along with the pan drippings if you are using them. This will create a flavorful base for the gravy.
  2. Add flour and seasonings: Stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and onion powder into the melted butter mixture until there are no streaks of flour visible. This forms the roux that will thicken your gravy.
  3. Cook the roux: Continue cooking the flour and butter mixture for 1 to 2 minutes while whisking occasionally to eliminate the raw flour taste. This process ensures a smooth, cooked flavor in your gravy.
  4. Add evaporated milk and broth: Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and broth while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps and combines the liquids with the roux.
  5. Simmer and thicken: Bring the gravy to a vigorous simmer, whisking frequently to avoid sticking. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the gravy becomes creamy and thick. If it becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk or broth as needed.

Notes

  • Use pan drippings from cooked meat to add extra depth of flavor, or omit for a lighter taste.
  • Adjust seasoning to your preference by adding more salt, pepper, or onion powder.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount with cornstarch).
  • Serve this gravy warm over biscuits, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or pork chops.
  • Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, thinning with milk if necessary.

Keywords: Evaporated milk gravy, creamy gravy, Southern gravy, biscuits and gravy, pan drippings gravy, easy gravy recipe, stovetop gravy

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