A keto gravy that only takes five minutes to make, has less than 1 carb per serving, and can be made with beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie broths, meat drippings, or bouillon cubes.
You are going to love how quickly this savory, thick low carb gravy comes together.
Serve this keto gravy with Keto Meatloaf and Keto Rolls for a complete and filling meal. For more recipe ideas check out our Keto Recipes section.
Keto Gravy
This is our go-to recipe for all things gravy. This keto gravy recipe only requires a few ingredients, including broth (or cooled turkey drippings) – and you can switch up the type of broth you use in this Five Minute Keto Gravy to make it work for the meal you are serving.
Also, this gravy recipe is fail proof (as long as you keep stirring while it cooks and thickens) and it's ready in five minutes.
This easy low carb gravy recipe is smooth and savory and a huge hit in my house of picky eaters – so I had to share it with you.
It's recipe is simple enough that I’ll make it any time of year when we want gravy.
Low Carb Gravy
And my oldest daughter and I love gravy so much, that we make it anytime my husband makes "faux" mashed potatoes, otherwise known as mashed cauliflower.
This low carb gravy isn't overpowering and it adds just enough extra texture and flavor, that it works well on other sides like Keto Stuffing. Serve it with turkey and keto cranberry sauce for the perfect holiday meal.
Keto Gravy Ingredients
Butter - Butter makes this recipe what it is. It adds flavor, fat, and really helps pull everything together. You can use dairy-free butter if you like, but if you do, you'll want to leave out the additional salt due to how salty dairy-free is.
Broth or Drippings - You can use broth, drippings, or bone broth to make this gravy. The trick is making sure it's at room temperature, or cold, so the xanthan doesn't clump.
Onion Powder - Did you know onion powder lends to a savory flavor? It really adds depth to anything that it's added to.
Garlic Powder - Helps with the flavor and depth of the gravy. You can leave it out if you like.
Xanthan Gum - This is what makes the gravy silk smooth, and thick. If you can't have xanthan, you can use 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder, but you'll want to update the macros for this recipe.
Salt and Pepper - For flavor. Add more or less to taste.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I will try to get back to you.
Using xanthan gum in gravy
The trick with using xanthan gum is that you have to add it to cold ingredients or make a slurry with it, or it will clump up in the gravy – the same with most starches.
Make sure to add your xanthan to a cold liquid. All the ingredients in this low carb gravy should rise in temperature together while you are whisking it over the stove.
How to make keto gravy
- Gather all your ingredients. Make sure they are all cold, or at room temperature. If you are using meat drippings, bring it to room temperature before you begin.
- Add all the ingredients to a small pot and whisk until the xanthan is absorbed. There may be a few clumps on the top, but don't worry, those will cook out.
- Turn on your stove to medium-high heat. Bring your gravy to a boil and continue to whisk for one minute. It should take about five minutes from start to finish.
- Remove the gravy from the stove. Serve hot.
For the full list of ingredients, see the keto gravy recipe card below.
Dairy-Free Keto Gravy
You can use dairy-free butter in place of the butter in this keto gravy recipe to make dairy-free keto gravy. Dairy-free butter tends to be salty.
Add salt to taste after you've made the gravy to control the level of saltiness.
Tips for making keto gravy
There are a couple of quick tips that YOU MUST READ. They will really help you make the perfect fail-proof keto gravy.
Start with cold ingredients (or room temperature).
Put all the ingredients in the pot THEN heat. If you don’t your xanthan will clump.
You can use regular butter, or dairy-free butter.
All broth options work (chicken, turkey, veggie, beef).
If you use turkey or other meat drippings, like bone broths, let it come to room temperature first. Also, test to see how strong the flavor is, you might want to add water.
If you don’t have broth or turkey drippings, you can use bullion cubes to make broth.
Again, follow these simple tips and you will have the perfect easy low carb gravy.
Can you make keto gravy in advance?
Yes, you can make it a day or two ahead. You'll need to reheat it in a pan on the stove, or in a microwave at low heat. We often have leftovers and it reheats well.
Can you freeze keto gravy?
Yes, you can freeze it. When you are ready to enjoy it, bring it to room temperature. It will separate a little. Just whisk it to combine when you reheat it.
What did you pour the keto gravy on top of in your photos?
I poured this keto gravy over leftover mashed cauliflower. There a a couple of tricks to getting nice, thick mashed cauliflower:
I found that squeezing as much liquid from the cauliflower rice helps, and using high fat add-in's like butter and sour cream help (don't use oils). Also let them cool to room temp and refrigerate them as if they were leftovers.
Extra moisture released when I reheat them helps to keep them thicker (like when they are cold). I know it sounds like a lot of steps, but it's really easy. You're basically making them for leftovers because they are better as leftovers.
I forgot to add the xanthan before I cooked the other ingredients, what do I do?
If you forgot to add the xanthan before cooking, mix the xanthan in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of cold broth or cooled turkey drippings, then add it to the hot ingredients.
Keep boiling the gravy, and stirring until you reach the desired thickness.
I usually make gravy with the leftover broth (a.k.a drippings) from cooking meats and when I developed this recipe we didn’t have any so I had to compromise. Broth it was!
Easy right? You can add extra spices (like pepper, sage, etc.) if you like. But really, it’s perfect as is. Simply place the ingredients in the pan cold or at room temperature, whisk, and serve!
More Keto Dinners with Gravy:
Instant Pot Whole Chicken - We also love serving gravy with chicken. This Instant Pot Whole Chicken is so simple to make. Chicken in the instant pot using this recipe turns out juicy and delicious, every time. You can use the leftover liquid in the bottom of the IP to make this low carb gravy.
Instant Pot Pot Roast - Learn how to make a delicious and easy Instant Pot Pot Roast that you can serve to your family or dinner guests - they will all be impressed by this homestyle roast with carrots and potatoes, all topped with a silky homemade gravy.
Chicken and Brussel Sprouts - Chicken and Brussel Sprouts, plus a few other simple ingredients, create an easy sheet pan chicken dinner that is delicious and quick. We really like serving this keto friendly dinner with gravy, hint, hint.
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LET'S GET SOCIAL, you can follow Four Score Living on Pinterest. You can also leave a comment below if you have any questions.
This low carb gravy would be amazing served over Keto Meatballs. Add some Keto Broccoli Salad to the side for a complete meal. Really, any low carb vegetables are good with gravy.
Did you make this keto gravy? Please stop back by and let me know what you thought.
Keto Gravy
A keto gravy that only takes five minutes to make, has less than 1 carb per serving, and can be made with beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie broths, meat drippings, or bouillon cubes. You are going to love how quickly this savory, thick low carb gravy comes together.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free butter)
- 2 cups broth (veggies, chicken, turkey and beef work)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a small pot and whisk until the xanthan is absorbed. There may be a few clumps on the top, but don't worry, those will cook out.
- Turn on your stove to medium-high heat. Bring your gravy to a boil and continue to whisk for one minute.
- Remove the gravy from the stove. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are cold or at room temperature before you begin.
- You can use dairy-free butter in place of the butter in this keto gravy recipe to make dairy-free keto gravy. Dairy-free butter tends to be salty. Add salt to taste after you've made the gravy to control the level of saltiness.
- Store gravy in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- There are only 7 carbs in this entire recipe, leaving less than a carb per serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: ¼ cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 60Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 135mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands.
For more ideas for what to make, check out our low carb meals.
Paul ross
I have a tip for using xanthan gum combine with a little melted butter or oil and add it to the hot gravy while mixing with a stick blender or electric whisk works perfectly everytime with no lumps or clumps
Chrystal
Thanks for sharing Paul!
stan
Thank you for a simple recipe. All other sites give 4 pages of garbage before telling i have to cook chicken to get drippings. Well at 77 I just want a simple recipe. I live alone. Go to the simple saying keep it simple, stupid.
Chrystal
I'm so glad you like it Stan.
Best,
Chrystal
DRS
I used drippings from a roast I had in the crockpot. And this recipe is Awesome!! I could drink the gravy. Thanks for posting.
Chrystal
I'm so glad you like it! Thank you for taking time to stop by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Stacy
Can you freeze this gravy?
Chrystal
Yes, you can freeze it. When you are ready to use it, bring it to room temperature. It will separate a little. Just whisk it to combine when you reheat it.
Best,
Chrystal
Charlena
What did you pour the Keto Gravy on top of in your photos? That's what I want to know. I hope you didn't trick us by putting that Keto Gravy over regular mashed potatoes.
Chrystal
Hi Charlena,
I poured the gravy over mashed cauliflower. To be honest, it is leftover mashed cauliflower so it's firmer then if they were fresh. I hope that helps.
Best,
Chrystal
Jenn
Its mashed cauliflower
Trish
I normally make gravy using 1/4 cup fat (from the roasting pan), 1/4 cup flour, and 2 cups broth or broth/milk combo.
Would it work to use the fat in place of the butter, in this recipe?
Thanks!
Chrystal
Hi Trish,
You can use the fat from the roasting pan in place of the butter. It works great. Just note that the texture will be a little different.
Best,
Chrystal
Mika
Omg I love you for this recipe ? seriously it’s easy and yummy I was so happy to find this
Chrystal
Awe, I am so glad. It's super easy and you can do so much with it. Enjoy!
Best,
Chrystal
Andy
Will bone broth work just as well as regular broth and if so in the same amounts?
Chrystal
You can use bone broth. You might need to add a little water, depending on how strong the flavor of your bone broth is.
Best,
Chrystal
Sue
Is there any reason you couldn't use turkey fat instead of butter?
Sue
Sorry . . . I see you answered a similar question already!
Chrystal
Glad you saw it 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!
Best,
Chrystal
Jody
Can I use Arrowroot in place of Xathum Gum?
Chrystal
Yes, just make sure to mix it in with the cold ingredients. Any clumps will dissolve as it heats.
Best,
Chrystal
Dinesen
Very good job and thanks for sharing such a blog.
Best regards,
Dinesen Raahauge
Chrystal
I am so glad you like it.
Best,
Chrystal
jeanie
I was really anxious to use xantham gum but this realllly easy recipe was so yummy! I will defintely use this again. Thanks for all the tips about using room temperature ingredients. Nothing separated or got lumpy - frickin awesome! Thanks!
Chrystal
You are very welcome. I am so glad you liked it.
Best,
Chrystal
Kathy Cooke
Great! Easy! I used homemade chicken stock and probably added 1/2-3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Chrystal
I am so glad you liked it. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Vanessa
Finally a gravy recipe that doesn’t require meat drippings!! Loved it - tasted and looked like just your normal Thanksgiving gravy would! I poured this over some “fries” made out of coconut flour and topped with cheese curds for a keto poutine. Thanks for sharing!
Sherri
I'm assuming I can make this at least one day ahead and then let it come to room temperature before heating?
Chrystal
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. We often have leftovers and it reheats well.
Karen G
This recipe is so good. I am so grateful to find keto recipes for things I love, like gravy, that taste like the original. Thank you for this, I actually ate the leftover gravy as though it were a soup, sooo good!!
Chrystal
I am so glad you like it. Thank you for letting me know.
Terri
Can this be turned into a dry make ahead mix for gravy and add wet ingredients at the time you want to cook it.
Chrystal
I honestly having tried it. You could probably mix bouillon granules/powder with the xanthan, and keep measured servings of it, and add the butter and water when you're ready to make it.
Best,
Chrystal
Janel
Can you cut the butter in half?
Chrystal
Yes, you can cut it in half.
Best,
Chrystal
Barb Quintasket
I made this gravy last night and it was delicious! I added a tablespoon of soy sauce because I served it over a low carb almond chicken dish. I printed the recipe and shared it with friends and family. Thank you!!
Chrystal
You are very welcome. I am so glad you like it.
Best,
Chrystal
Jamee
Great tasting recipe! Thanks so much for this!
Ria
Will using chicken stock work instead of broth? Thanks 🙏🏻
Chrystal
Yes, chicken stock works great in this recipe.
Darlene
I just discovered this recipe and can't wait to try but please tell me that 3 grams of trans fat per serving is in error. Where could you get trans fat from ingredient list?
Chrystal
Hi Darlene,
There's trans fat in butter, about .5g per tablespoon.
Best,
Chrystal
J
Could I make this and then keep it warm in the crock pot with cooked turkey slices for later?
Chrystal
I haven't tried keeping it warm in a crockpot. I'm not sure how the xanthan would react after staying warm that long. It's probably best to reheat it.
Judy
I will be using your recipe for our Thanksgiving tomorrow. It sounds yummy and so quick to make!
Darr Reilly
This recipe is awesome. So easy to make. I was dreading it and with the use of cold ingredients to dissolve the xantham gum, it was a piece of cake, (keto of course!). Thanks so much.
Becky
Can you do a post on your Faux Mashed Potatoes? They look delicious!
Chrystal
Yes! I will add it to my list. I found that squeezing as much liquid from the cauliflower rice helps, and using high fat add-in's like butter and sour cream help (don't use oils). Also let them cool to room temp and refrigerate them as if they were leftovers. Extra moisture released when I reheat them helps to keep them thicker (like when they are cold). I know it sounds like a lot of steps, but it's really easy. You're basically making them for leftovers because they are better as leftovers 🙂
Janice
I was using a beef stock “pod” that needed to dissolve in boiling water but the recipe says it all has to be cold. So, I creamed the xantham and spices into the butter, poured the cold water over top, brought it to a boil while I whisked and then added the pod. Worked great.
Chrystal
Thank you for sharing what you used.
Best,
Chrystal
Loren
Can you use a heavy cream or milk instead of broth to make a white country style gravy?
Chrystal
We haven't tried it in this recipe, but you might like the country style gravy from this chicken fried steak recipe: https://www.fourscoreliving.com/keto-chicken-fried-steak/
Best,
Chrystal