Store-Bought Gravy That’s Worth Every Penny—A Must-Have for Thanksgiving!

When I think about Thanksgiving, there are certain essentials that just can’t be overlooked: a beautifully roasted turkey, heaps of creamy mashed potatoes, and a velvety gravy that ties everything together. It’s the gravy that really excites me; a deeply flavorful sauce that elevates the turkey and stuffing from delicious to divine.

Yet, creating homemade gravy can often seem daunting, especially during Thanksgiving when every burner on the stove is in use. I wondered if there was a premium store-bought gravy that could bypass the typical instant-gravy taste.

Enter Sara Haas, RDN, LDN, a culinary and nutrition expert, recipe creator, and consultant-dietitian. Well-versed in the art of fine dining, Sara was quick to recommend the Williams Sonoma Turkey Gravy Base after I reached out to my peers. Although it’s pricey at $16.95 for one jar or $33.90 for two, the Classic Recipe is a must-have if you’re skipping homemade gravy this year.

Why Splurge on This Store-Bought Gravy?

Williams Sonoma Turkey Gravy Base isn’t just any jarred sauce—it’s a superior foundation that allows you to whip up a gourmet gravy with little effort.

Introduced to the gravy by her mother, Sara explains that it’s “more of a base than a ready-to-serve sauce.” Crafted with a rich mix of turkey stock, fats, and seasonings, this base delivers a sumptuous umami flavor and a luxurious texture akin to homemade. It’s an excellent way to enhance your own gravy, according to Sara. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, she believes it’s a “wonderful indulgence for holiday meals or entertaining, where the ease and taste score a perfect ’10,’ despite the cost being on the higher side.”

Optimal Ways to Utilize This Gravy

Sara’s mother, a seasoned Thanksgiving host, has been utilizing this gravy base for years, perfecting several unique methods to enhance its flavor. Instead of following the package directions to simply mix the base with milk, she brews a quick broth on the stove as the turkey cooks.

With turkeys typically yielding insufficient drippings, this homemade broth significantly boosts the flavor. Sara herself forgoes the milk, choosing instead to simmer turkey giblets with the gravy base, some water, and any collected drippings from the turkey. This approach infuses an additional layer of turkey essence that truly makes the gravy outstanding.

I must confess, spending $16 on a jar of gravy might seem steep. However, it’s a worthwhile investment, particularly when hosting. This base serves as the perfect solution for those seeking the rich, authentic flavor of homemade turkey gravy without the extensive preparation. It’s a testament to how a touch of gourmet can simplify your life and enhance your meals—say goodbye to powdered mixes and stressful gravy concoctions, and hello to a premium, crowd-pleasing sauce.

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