Really Easy Vegan Gravy or Cheese Sauce: A Kitchen Staple Reimagined

There are some recipes that, once mastered, become the bedrock of your culinary repertoire. For me, this incredibly simple vegan gravy, which doubles beautifully as a cheese sauce, is one of them. I remember the first time I successfully whipped up a batch, needing a last-minute topping for some roasted root vegetables. The pantry was bare of traditional dairy, and the clock was ticking. With just a handful of staples, I conjured a rich, savory sauce that was so satisfying, it felt like magic. It’s the kind of recipe that rescues weeknight dinners and elevates humble dishes to something truly special, proving that dairy-free doesn’t mean flavor-free.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: Few minutes (to thicken)
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 2 cups
• Yield: 2 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

This recipe is a testament to the power of pantry staples and relies on a minimal ingredient list for maximum impact.

• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup nutritional yeast (adjust to your desired cheesiness and savory depth)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Spices, to taste (such as onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, or any blend you enjoy)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only a few basic kitchen tools.

• A medium saucepan
• A whisk
• A small bowl

Instructions

The magic happens quickly with this sauce, so have your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

1. Begin by heating the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You want it to get nice and warm, but not necessarily boiling.
2. While the broth is warming, take a small amount of the hot liquid from the saucepan and pour it into a small bowl. Be careful not to take too much, just enough to create a slurry.
3. Add the cornstarch to the small bowl with the hot broth. Whisk vigorously until it’s completely smooth and no lumps remain. This is crucial for a silky-smooth sauce. Set this mixture aside.
4. Now, return your attention to the saucepan with the remaining vegetable broth. Stir in the nutritional yeast and your chosen spices. Continue stirring until the nutritional yeast has fully dissolved. This is where you build the savory, cheesy foundation of your sauce.
5. Once the nutritional yeast and spices are incorporated, it’s time to thicken the sauce. Give your cornstarch slurry a quick re-whisk to ensure it hasn’t settled at the bottom of the bowl, then slowly pour it into the warm broth mixture in the saucepan.
6. Whisk constantly as the sauce heats up. You will notice it begin to thicken almost immediately. Continue to cook and whisk for a few minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner gravy, cook for less time; for a thicker cheese sauce, let it simmer and thicken further.
7. Finally, taste your sauce and season generously with salt and pepper as needed. The amount of salt will depend on the sodium content of your vegetable broth and your personal preference.

Expert Tips & Tricks

This sauce is forgiving, but a few pointers can elevate it even further.

• Nutritional Yeast is Key: Don’t skimp on the nutritional yeast. It’s what provides that unmistakable “cheesy” or umami flavor. If you’re new to it, start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste. The flavor profile is nutty, savory, and slightly cheesy, without any dairy.
• Spice it Up: The “spices, to taste” is your playground. For a classic gravy, onion powder and garlic powder are essential. For a more cheese-like sauce, a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of mustard powder can enhance the flavor. Smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth.
• Cornstarch Slurry Technique: Always whisk the cornstarch into a cold or lukewarm liquid before adding it to a hot liquid. This prevents lumps. Using a portion of the hot broth for the slurry is a clever shortcut that works beautifully here.
• Consistency Control: If your sauce becomes too thick, you can easily thin it out with a splash more vegetable broth or water. If it’s not thick enough, you can make a separate, smaller slurry of cornstarch and water and whisk it in.
• Make Ahead Magic: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It will thicken further upon cooling. Gently reheat it on the stovetop with a little extra vegetable broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This versatile sauce is a champion for a reason. It can grace a multitude of dishes.

Serve this luscious sauce immediately over baked potatoes, steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, green beans, and Brussels sprouts are fantastic pairings), fluffy rice, or hearty noodles. It also makes an incredible base for a quick vegan mac and cheese.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reuse, gently reheat it over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Freezing is not generally recommended as the texture can change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

While this sauce is a flavor powerhouse, it’s also relatively light. Exact nutritional values will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and the amount of nutritional yeast and spices you incorporate.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	123.7	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	16g
Total Fat	1.8g	2%
Saturated Fat	0.2g	1%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	13.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	20.9g	6%
Dietary Fiber	6.6g	26%
Sugars	0g	0%
Protein	9.7g	19%

Note: The “Calories from Fat” and associated Daily Value percentages are typically calculated based on a 2000-calorie diet. These figures are approximate and can vary significantly based on ingredient choices.

Variations & Substitutions

While the base recipe is phenomenal as is, there are always ways to put your own spin on it.

• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming you use a gluten-free vegetable broth.
• Creamier Texture: For an even richer, creamier sauce, you can substitute a portion of the vegetable broth with unsweetened plant-based milk such as cashew or oat milk.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny drop of liquid smoke for a delicious smoky undertone, perfect for drizzling over barbecue-inspired dishes.
• Herbaceous Delight: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley directly into the sauce for added complexity.
• Spicy Kick: A dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful warmth.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is nutritional yeast and why is it in this recipe?
A: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that has a cheesy, nutty, umami flavor. It’s the key ingredient that provides the savory depth and “cheesy” notes in this vegan sauce, making it a staple in plant-based cooking.

Q: Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?
A: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener. You would typically use a 1:1 ratio for thickening, but it’s best to create a roux first by melting a tablespoon of vegan butter or oil in the saucepan, whisking in a tablespoon of flour, cooking for a minute, and then gradually whisking in the hot broth. The process is slightly different but achievable.

Q: How do I make this sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, ensure you are whisking it while it simmers after adding the cornstarch slurry. If it’s still too thin, prepare a small slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce until thickened.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
A: While this recipe focuses on a smooth sauce, you could blend in cooked vegetables like roasted cauliflower or butternut squash for added nutrients and flavor, though it would alter the texture and appearance.

Q: How long does this sauce last?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce should last for 3-4 days.

Final Thoughts

This “Really Easy Vegan Gravy or Cheese Sauce” is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary liberation. It’s the kind of versatile sauce that proves you don’t need dairy to achieve incredible richness and flavor. Whether you’re topping a humble pile of mashed potatoes, adding a decadent drizzle to roasted vegetables, or creating a quick vegan mac and cheese, this sauce is sure to become a go-to. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite spices, and discover the delightful simplicity of plant-based comfort food. I encourage you to share your creations and any personal twists you discover!