Affordable Homemade Gravy & Sauces from Scratch
Sometimes, the secret to a standout meal isn’t the main dish—it’s what you pour over it. From rich gravies to sweet and tangy sauces, these simple add-ons can totally transform your cooking. And the best part? You can make them all at home using pantry staples.
Today, I’m sharing a versatile base gravy mix. This mix forms the foundation of three delicious gravies: brown onion, mushroom, and peppercorn. I will also show you how to make two homemade sauces packed with flavor. These include a classic BBQ sauce and a sweet, sticky apricot sauce.
These recipes are affordable, quick to prepare, and perfect to add to any weeknight meal.
Why Make a Base Gravy Mix from Scratch?
Gravy is one of those finishing touches that can completely transform a meal—adding richness, flavour, and that cozy, home-cooked feel. But many store-bought gravies or ready-made packets are full of preservatives, artificial flavors, excess sodium, and thickeners. By making your own base gravy mix from scratch, you take control of the ingredients. You save money. You also reduce food waste.
This dry mix is shelf-stable, easy to make in batches, and ready in just minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a quick sauce without starting from scratch every time.
Brown Gravy Mix
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp flour
- 4 tbsp beef stock powder If using oxo cubes, crush and add the same measured amount
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This mix will keep for several months.
To use:
- Whisk 2 tablespoons of the mix with 1 cup of cold water until smooth. Pour into a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling. Adjust thickness by adding more water or dry gravy mix as needed.
Notes
Delicious Variations
The beauty of this base gravy mix is how easily it transforms into different gravies and sauces depending on your meal. Here are some tried-and-true favourites:1. Brown Onion Gravy
For a rich, savoury onion gravy:- Sauté ½ a finely diced onion in a bit of oil or butter until golden and soft.
- Add 2 tbsp of the gravy mix and 1 cup of cold water.
- Whisk well and bring to a simmer until thickened.
2. Mushroom Gravy
Perfect for vegetarians or mushroom lovers:- Sauté ½ cup of sliced mushrooms until soft and browned.
- Add in 2 tbsp of the base mix and 1 cup of cold water.
- Simmer, stirring often, until the gravy thickens and the mushrooms are tender.
3. Peppercorn Sauce
For something bold and slightly spicy:- Make up the base gravy using 2 tbsp mix and 1 cup cold water.
- Stir in 1 tbsp of crushed green peppercorns (in brine or freshly crushed).
- Simmer for a couple more minutes to infuse flavor.
Why Make BBQ Sauce from Scratch?
Store-bought BBQ sauces often contain a long list of preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavorings. Making your own at home lets you control the ingredients. You can adjust the flavors exactly to your liking. You can do all this while using pantry staples you probably already have.
Plus, it’s surprisingly quick! From start to finish, you can have a flavorful BBQ sauce ready in under 10 minutes.
🔁 Adjusting to Taste: Flavor Profile Tips
BBQ sauce is endlessly customizable. Here’s how to tweak it:
- Sweeter: Add more brown sugar or a splash of honey.
- Tangier: Increase the vinegar or add a squirt of lemon juice.
- Smokier: Add ½ tsp liquid smoke or use smoked paprika instead of regular.
- Spicier: Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes.
- Thicker: Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes until it reduces to your preferred consistency.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato sauce (ketchup)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp blackstrap molasses
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir continuously with a whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Do not boil or simmer—just gently heat to combine.
- Let cool, then store in a sterilized jar in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Notes
Making Apricot Sauce from Scratch: Sweet, Tangy, and Incredibly Easy
Homemade apricot sauce is one of those hidden kitchen gems—it’s simple, affordable, and transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. This sauce is perfect for glazing meats. You can also dip spring rolls in it. It adds a sweet contrast to savoury dishes. It brings a bright, fruity flavour with a subtle tang. I love it in a toasted sandwich you can watch me use it in this video Freeze Now, Toast Later! Genius Make-Ahead Sandwich Hack
It is also perfect to serve over your favourite pizza, I love it with chicken and onions on my pizza. Here is my perfect no rise pizza dough recipe “No Time? No Problem! The Easiest No-Rise Pizza Dough Ever”
And the best part? You don’t need anything fancy. Just a can of apricots and a few pantry staples.
Flavor Variations
This sauce is incredibly flexible. Here are some easy ways to change it up:
- Spicy Apricot Sauce: Add a chopped red chili or a teaspoon of chili flakes while simmering.
- Ginger-Apricot Glaze: Stir in 1 tsp of fresh grated ginger for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Soy-Garlic Fusion: Replace half the vinegar with soy sauce for a more umami-forward, Asian-inspired version.
Homemade Apricot Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 x 410g can apricots drained
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan. Use a stick blender to blend everything until smooth.
- Simmer on low/medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. The sauce is done when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Cool and store in the fridge for up to 1 month or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Final Thoughts: Simple, Budget-Friendly, and Packed With Flavour
Making sauces from scratch doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With just a few basic pantry staples, you can create restaurant-worthy gravies. Some simple prep helps elevate any meal.
These homemade options not only taste better than store-bought. They also give you control over the ingredients. There are no preservatives, no artificial flavours, just real food.
So, the next time you’re looking to add flavour to your dinner, skip the packet mix or bottled sauce. Reach for your base mix or whip up one of these sauces—you might never go back!
