Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Mushroom Gravy (Rich, Savory & From Scratch)

Sarah Smith
Jan 21
2 min read

Sliced mushrooms in a creamy sauce with herbs in a pan. A wooden spoon stirs the mixture, creating a cozy, appetizing vibe.

This mushroom gravy is rich, deeply savory, and made completely from scratch with real mushrooms, butter, and broth. Sautéing the mushrooms until golden builds a bold, earthy base, while a simple roux creates a smooth, velvety texture that coats everything beautifully. It’s the kind of cozy sauce that tastes slow-simmered, even though it comes together quickly on the stovetop.

It’s perfect spooned over Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Slow Cooker Beef Brisket, or Classic Homestyle Meatloaf, and it pairs especially well with comfort sides like Garlic Mushrooms or Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread. If you enjoy from-scratch sauces like Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup or cozy skillet recipes, this mushroom gravy fits seamlessly into your comfort food rotation.

Why You’ll Love This

Made completely from scratch
Deep mushroom flavor without canned soup
Smooth, velvety texture
Perfect for holidays or cozy dinners
Easy to adapt for vegetarian meals

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Calories: ~140
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g

Ingredients

12 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), finely sliced
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups beef or vegetable broth
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Optional: splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

Instructions

Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add mushrooms and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and the moisture has cooked off.
Stir in garlic and thyme and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use beef broth for a deeper, steakhouse-style flavor
Add caramelized onions for extra richness
Thin with extra broth if the gravy thickens too much
Blend partially for a smoother gravy while keeping the texture

Make-Ahead & Storage

Mushroom gravy can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of broth if needed to loosen.

FAQ

Can I make this vegetarian? Yes — simply use vegetable broth and skip Worcestershire if needed.

Can I freeze mushroom gravy? It can be frozen, but the texture is best fresh. Reheat slowly and whisk well after thawing.

Final Thoughts

This mushroom gravy is one of those simple, from-scratch recipes that instantly elevates cozy meals. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays or drizzling it over weeknight comfort food, it delivers rich flavor with minimal effort.