Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. While the turkey is often the star of the show, a flavorful gravy can elevate the entire meal. But who has time to make gravy from scratch when there are so many other dishes to prepare? Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious store-bought gravy options available. But with so many brands and flavors to choose from, finding the perfect gravy can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of store-bought turkey gravy providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll delve into the different types of gravy analyze popular brands, and even offer some tips on how to enhance your store-bought gravy for an extra touch of homemade goodness.
Navigating the Types of Store-Bought Turkey Gravy:
1. Premade Gravy:
Premade gravy comes in cans, jars, and Tetra Paks, offering convenience and ease of use. Simply heat and serve! However, the flavor can vary significantly depending on the brand and ingredients.
2, Gravy Mixes:
Gravy mixes require you to add water or broth to create the gravy. This option offers more control over the flavor and consistency, allowing you to adjust it to your liking.
3. Concentrated Gravy:
Concentrated gravy is similar to gravy mixes, but it comes in a more concentrated form. This means you’ll need to add less water or broth, resulting in a richer and more flavorful gravy.
Popular Store-Bought Turkey Gravy Brands:
1. Knorr Roasted Turkey Gravy Mix:
This classic gravy mix is a crowd-pleaser, offering a rich and savory flavor that complements the turkey perfectly. It’s also very affordable and readily available at most grocery stores.
2. Great Value Turkey Gravy (Walmart):
Despite its low price, Great Value Turkey Gravy delivers a surprisingly good flavor. It’s a solid option if you’re on a budget or looking for a basic gravy to enhance with your own seasonings.
3. Heinz HomeStyle Chicken Gravy:
While technically a chicken gravy, Heinz HomeStyle Chicken Gravy works well with turkey too. It has a darker color and a slightly sweet flavor that some may find appealing.
4. Campbell’s Chicken Gravy:
Campbell’s Chicken Gravy is another versatile option that can be used with turkey. It’s a bit thinner than some other brands, but it has a good flavor and is easy to find.
5. Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy:
Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy is a popular choice among those who appreciate the store’s high-quality products. It has a rich, roasted flavor and a smooth texture.
Tips for Enhancing Your Store-Bought Turkey Gravy:
1. Add Herbs and Spices:
A sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs can elevate the flavor of your store-bought gravy. Try adding thyme, rosemary, sage, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a warm and festive touch.
2. Use Chicken or Turkey Broth:
Instead of using water to make your gravy, opt for chicken or turkey broth for added depth of flavor. This will complement the turkey and make the gravy taste more homemade.
3. Add a Touch of Cream or Butter:
A tablespoon of cream or butter can enrich the texture and flavor of your gravy, making it smoother and more decadent.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own custom gravy. Add a splash of white wine, a dollop of Dijon mustard, or even some roasted vegetables for a unique and flavorful twist.
With so many delicious store-bought turkey gravy options available, finding the perfect one for your Thanksgiving feast is easier than ever. Whether you prefer the convenience of premade gravy or the control of a gravy mix, there’s a perfect option out there for you. By following the tips above, you can enhance your store-bought gravy and create a truly memorable Thanksgiving meal that your guests will love.
We tried five jarred premade gravies. The best tasting one was a surprise.
My husband recoils at the notion of jarred gravy. To be fair, it can be unsettling when it glops out of its container, viscous and jiggly. Still, it was a mainstay in my childhood home and a great side dish for store-bought roasted chicken. Occasionally, my mother would shred any leftover chicken, mix it with premade gravy, and then serve it with toast. This Thanksgiving, there are a number of reasons why a premade, store-bought gravy could make sense on your table, even if you like making things from scratch (which I do).
Perhaps you’re cooking for one. Maybe you’re creating a heat-and-eat menu in an attempt to de-stress the entire scene. Perhaps you just don’t like making gravy in particular. For whatever reason, the grocery store offers a wide variety of jarred gravy options. We’ve tasted five well-known brands to find which ones are the best value:
- Great Value (Walmart’s in-house brand)
- Heinz
- Bell’s
- Campbell’s
- Trader Joe’s
Freshly made mashed potatoes were used to test each gravy since they serve as an excellent, neutral vehicle for gravy. I had some presumptions about which brands I would love the most (and least) going into this taste test, but you know how assumptions work. Advertisement.
Saltiest turkey gravy: Heinz
I mean, they’re all salty—it’s store-bought premade turkey gravy. But salt was at the forefront of each bite here. In spite of this drawback, the Heinz product tasted more like turkey than Trader Joe’s. Advertisement.
Is Heinz Home Style Roasted Turkey Gravy A Good Substitute for Homemade Gravy? An Honest Review
FAQ
How do you make store-bought turkey gravy taste better?
Is Bell’s turkey gravy good?
What is the best turkey gravy to buy?
The best turkey gravies to buy have a strong turkey flavor that comes through without being overpowered by spices. It should have the characteristic rich color and medium-thick texture of home-made turkey gravy. Versatile options that can be used in broths and other items are also a good idea. Remember, everything doesn’t have to be overly complex.
How do you make a good store bought Turkey Gravy?
To make a great store bought turkey gravy, you need to start with a good base. For example, Campbell’s Creamy Chicken Gravy starts out with chicken broth and cream cheese. To create the sauce, you combine these two liquids until they form a smooth mixture. Then, you stir in a bit of butter and some flour.
What is the best store-bought gravy?
Read on for the eight best store-bought gravies, according to our taste test. 1. Trader Joe’s Ready-to-Use Turkey Gravy This ridiculously easy gravy from our grocery store boo tastes like Thanksgiving stuffing and chicken noodle soup combined.
How much does McCormick turkey gravy mix cost?
McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix Average Price: around $1.79/30z Why We Choose It: The McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix is our favorite because of its savory goodness, its creamy texture, and its easy-to-make recipe. It quickly cooks up a rich and satisfying meal. Besides, this store-bought gravy doesn’t contain MSG or artificial flavors, so your diet is safe.