Can You Buy Frozen Sausage Gravy? A Definitive Guide

Sausage gravy is a beloved staple in many homes, especially throughout the Southern United States. This savory sauce typically consists of cooked pork breakfast sausage and a creamy, white gravy or béchamel sauce. It’s most commonly served over freshly-baked biscuits to make the quintessential Southern breakfast dish – biscuits and gravy. With its rich, meaty flavor and luxuriously smooth texture, it’s easy to see why sausage gravy has reached such popularity over the years. But what if you don’t have time to whip up a batch from scratch? That’s where store-bought frozen sausage gravy comes in handy.

An Overview of Frozen Sausage Gravy

Frozen sausage gravy provides a quick and convenient alternative to making your own from scratch Most major grocery stores carry some version of frozen sausage gravy in the refrigerated or frozen breakfast aisle. It typically comes packaged in plastic pouches or tubs that you can easily thaw and heat before serving. The main advantage of the frozen kind is that it saves you time and effort while still delivering that classic sausage gravy flavor However, frozen gravy may use lower quality ingredients and often contains preservatives and stabilizers to extend shelf life.

Here are a few pointers when selecting store-bought frozen sausage gravy

• Check the ingredients list – Look for gravy made mainly from pork sausage, flour, milk, and seasonings. Avoid products with lots of unnatural additives.

• Seek out low-sodium options – Many frozen gravies are high in sodium. Opt for lower sodium varieties when possible.

• Consider grain-free – Some brands offer grain-free options made with almond or coconut flour instead of wheat.

• Look for pre-portioned packets – For smaller servings, pouches are more convenient than tubs.

• Focus on flavor – Make sure it tastes good! Read reviews and choose trusted brands with lots of sausage flavor.

Well-known national brands like Jimmy Dean, Purnell’s, and Bob Evans all offer frozen sausage gravy that can be purchased at most large supermarkets. However, you may also find options from regional brands worth trying.

Where to Buy Frozen Sausage Gravy

Luckily, frozen sausage gravy can be found at most major grocery stores and mass merchandise retailers. Here are some of the top places to buy it:

• Walmart – Walmart has a wide selection of frozen sausage gravy from brands like Purnell’s, Jimmy Dean, Bob Evans, and its own Great Value store brand. An average 15 oz tub of frozen gravy costs around $3-$5 at Walmart.

• Kroger – Kroger stores and their subsidiaries (Ralph’s, Harris Teeter, etc.) stock popular options like Purnell’s or Jimmy Dean frozen gravy, as well as Kroger’s Private Selection house brand. Expect to pay $3-$4 for a 15 oz package.

• Target – Target’s freezer section features brands like Bob Evans and Purnell’s frozen gravy. Their Good & Gather brand also offers a cheaper house-brand version. Prices range from $2.50-$5 for around 15 oz containers.

• Publix – Shop Publix’s frozen breakfast aisle for gravy options from Jimmy Dean, Bob Evans, Purnell’s, and their GreenWise house brand. A 15 oz tub averages about $4-$5 at Publix.

• ALDI – ALDI offers tasty frozen sausage gravy under its Bremer and Park Street Deli brands for just $2-$3 per 15 oz package.

• Sam’s Club – Sam’s Club sells large, cost-efficient packs of Member’s Mark or Jimmy Dean frozen gravy. A 64 oz pack costs around $9.

• Costco – Shop Costco’s freezer section for Kirkland brand frozen sausage gravy in big packs at bulk discount prices.

• Amazon – Online retailers like Amazon and Boxed carry a wide variety of frozen gravy brands available for delivery right to your door.

The bottomline is frozen sausage gravy is readily available at any large grocery chain, warehouse club, or online retailer. And purchasing it pre-made can be much more convenient than preparing your own from scratch.

How to Cook Frozen Sausage Gravy

Cooking frozen sausage gravy is simple. Here is a basic how-to:

• Thaw – If frozen, thaw gravy overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours on the counter. For faster thawing, microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each.

• Heat – Empty gravy into saucepan and heat on medium, stirring frequently, until bubbly and steaming hot.

• Adjust consistency – If gravy seems too thick, stir in small splashes of milk to reach desired consistency. For thinner gravy, add more milk.

• Season – Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or spices if desired. Sausage gravy benefits from a bit of extra seasoning.

• Serve hot – Spoon gravy over freshly baked biscuits, toast, eggs, potatoes, chicken, or anything you fancy! Enjoy immediately while hot.

• Store leftovers – Cool leftover gravy and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently before serving again.

Be sure to follow heating instructions on packaging and stir frequently to prevent scorching. Reheating frozen gravy is quick and easy for a fast, tasty breakfast.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Frozen Gravy

While frozen sausage gravy offers convenience, many Southerners still prefer homemade. Here’s a quick comparison:

Homemade Gravy

• Made from scratch with quality ingredients

• Richer sausage flavor

• Creamy, smooth, luxurious texture

• No preservatives or stabilizers

• Fully customizable and seasonable

• Requires more hands-on cooking time

Store-Bought Frozen Gravy

• Quick, convenient, ready-to-heat

• Provides consistent results each time

• May use lower quality meats and thickeners

• Often contains additives, MSG, fillers

• Flavor and texture varies by brand

• Saves prep and cook time

Ultimately, homemade gravy delivers superior flavor and texture, but frozen can be a tasty, time-saving alternative. Keep a few pouches on hand for quick weeknight breakfasts!

Tips for Serving Frozen Sausage Gravy

Once heated, frozen sausage gravy on its own may seem a little boring. Jazz it up with these serving suggestions:

• Top fluffy biscuits, cornbread, or toast

• Pour over scrambled eggs or a breakfast skillet

• Serve with fried potatoes or hashbrowns

• Ladle over boneless fried chicken breast

• Flavor eggs benedict by spooning on toasted English muffins

• Mix in crumbled bacon, sausage, or diced ham

• Stir in sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms

• Garnish with chopped scallions, parsley, or shredded cheese

• Drizzle with hot sauce or maple syrup for a flavor twist

With a little creativity, frozen gravy can be transformed into a hearty, soul-warming breakfast. Get the whole family to dig in!

Make Ahead and Freezer Tips

For ultimate convenience, consider batch cooking sausage gravy to stock the freezer:

• Allow gravy to cool completely after cooking.

• Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1 inch headspace.

• Flatten bags to remove excess air before sealing.

• Label bags with contents and freeze date.

• Frozen gravy keeps 4-6 months in the freezer.

• Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating on the stovetop or microwave.

Making ahead means you always have homemade tasting gravy ready in minutes. It also allows you to customize flavors and control ingredients.

When you need sausage gravy in a hurry, stocking up on a few frozen options can be a real timesaver. Major grocery stores provide plenty of reputable brands to choose from at affordable prices. Just thaw, heat, adjust seasonings, and serve over your favorite breakfast foods. While homemade gravy from scratch is tough to beat, quality store-bought varieties now give it a run for its money in terms of flavor and ease. With the convenience of frozen, anyone can enjoy this Southern staple anytime. So next time you get a hankering, rest assured that delicious sausage gravy is as close as your grocer’s freezer aisle.