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.

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
- Step 1: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter along with the pan drippings, if using.
- Step 2: Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and onion powder until no flour streaks remain, creating a smooth mixture.
- Step 3: Cook the flour-butter mixture (roux) for 1 to 2 minutes, whisking occasionally to remove the raw flour taste.
- Step 4: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and broth while whisking continuously to combine smoothly.
- 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

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.
PrintEvaporated 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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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

