Lucious Keto Gravy With Cream Cheese

If you’re craving a luscious, crowd-pleasing gravy that fits a low-carb or keto lifestyle, you’ve landed in the right kitchen. I started tinkering after Thanksgiving with turkey leftovers, chasing that familiar holiday warmth without loading up on carbs.

The result is a deeply flavorful Keto Gravy with cream cheese shines over roasted meats, sausage, mashed cauliflower, or even that turkey dinner encore. And yes, I’m sharing my favorite tricks for thickening without flour, because who has time for gritty gravy? This is my go-to guide for a truly indulgent, keto-friendly sauce you’ll want to spoon straight from the pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Keto Gravy is rich, silky, and surprisingly versatile. The cream cheese melts into the sauce, giving it that velvety mouthfeel you crave on a cozy roast or a plate of mashed cauliflower. It’s naturally low in carbs, yet didn’t skip on flavor—thanks to a base built from stock, cream, and a touch of butter.

The thickness is customizable, so you can go smooth and pouring or a little heartier for dunking leftovers. It’s become my staple for holiday meals and weeknight comfort alike, because a great gravy can elevate everything from turkey to turkey leftovers.

Ingredients For Keto Gravy With Cream Cheese

• 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional; adds sweetness and depth)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)
• 2 cups stock or broth (homemade if you’ve got it for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese (softened; full-fat for creamy richness)
• Thickener options: psyllium husk powder, xanthan gum, or guar gum (start with 1 teaspoon psyllium or 1/4 teaspoon xanthan/guar and adjust)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Worcestershire sauce to taste (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional; for finishing)
• A small pat of butter (optional, for finishing)

Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions How To Make Keto Gravy

Step 1: Sauté onion in butter until soft and fragrant

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the onion and cook until translucent and scented, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 2: Add broth or stock, then heavy cream

• Pour in the stock or broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in the heavy cream and let it mingle with the onions for a few minutes.

Step 3: Mix in cream cheese

• Add the softened cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth into the sauce.

Step 4: Blend ingredients

• If you want an ultra-silky texture, use an immersion blender right in the pot and blend until smooth. If you prefer a bit more body, a few quick pulses with a regular blender work too.

Step 5: Place ingredients back in skillet

• Return the smoothened gravy to the skillet (if you used a blender) and keep it over low heat to marry the flavors.

Step 6: Season with salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce

• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce if using, and adjust for savory depth.

Step 7: Add thickener (Psyllium Husk – my preference)

• Sprinkle in psyllium husk powder a little at a time, whisking constantly, until you reach your desired thickness. If using xanthan or guar gum, sprinkle sparingly and whisk vigorously to avoid clumps.

Step 8: Top with additional butter (optional) and any additional fresh herbs

• Stir in a final pat of butter for gloss and richness, if desired.
• Finish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for brightness.

 

Nutritional Information

• Servings: 4
• Per serving (approximate):
  • Calories: 210–290
  • Fat: 18–26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3–6 g
  • Fiber: 0–1 g
  • Protein: 4–6 g

Notes: Values vary with the exact thickeners and dairy choices. Cream cheese and heavy cream drive the fat content, so adjust portions if you’re tracking macros closely.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese for a lighter texture.
• Swap in light sour cream for a tangier finish but lower fat.
• If dairy-free, try a coconut cream base with a dairy-free cheese alternative and gluten-free thickener.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or herbs (rosemary, thyme) for extra depth without upping carbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Spoon over roast chicken, turkey, pork, or beef; pair with mashed cauliflower or roasted veg for a complete meal.
• Use as a luxurious binder for keto shepherd’s pie topping or as a sauce for roasted veggies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not whisking vigorously enough when adding the cream cheese; lumps are not your friend.
• Over-thickening with gums or psyllium, which can make the sauce gummy.
• Skimping on salt—gluten-free or not, flavor comes from proper seasoning.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking as it warms to keep it smooth. The sauce can separate slightly when reheated, so whisk vigorously and adjust with a splash of stock if needed. It also freezes well in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

This keto gravy is my unsung hero for every big roast or simple weeknight dinner. It’s creamy, cozy, and surprisingly adaptable, with plenty of room to tailor it to what you’ve got in the fridge. Whether you’re draping it over turkey, beef, or cauliflower mash, you’ll taste the loving effort in every spoonful.

FAQs

Can you put cream cheese in gravy?

Yes—cream cheese adds silkiness and body, enriching the sauce with minimal carbs.

Can I have cream cheese while on keto?

Absolutely—cream cheese is a keto-friendly dairy option when used in moderation.

What thickens keto gravy?

Cream cheese, psyllium husk, xanthan or guar gum, and yogurt/sour cream are all effective keto-thickening choices.

Can you have gravy on a keto diet?

Yes—choose a low-carb gravy made with keto-friendly ingredients like stock, cream, cheese, and appropriate thickeners.