Picture this: a perfectly roasted turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, and a steaming plate of stuffing. All that’s missing is that rich, savory river of gravy to tie it all together. But when you stand in the grocery store aisle, faced with a dizzying array of bottles and packets, does the simple act of choosing gravy feel surprisingly complicated?
We’ve all been there. You want that comforting, homemade taste without all the fuss of making gravy from scratch. Yet, the sheer number of store-bought options can leave you wondering: which one will actually taste good? Will it be too salty? Too thin? Or just… bland? It’s a common holiday dilemma, and frankly, it can be a real buzzkill when you’re aiming for culinary perfection.
That’s where we come in. We’re diving deep into the world of store-bought gravy, guided by the trusted expertise of America’s Test Kitchen. Get ready to discover which brands truly deliver on flavor, texture, and that essential homemade feel. By the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence to pick a gravy that will make your next meal truly shine, no stress involved.
Our Top 5 Store Bought Gravy America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Store Bought Gravy America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts – 400 Must-Have Recipes That Cook While You Play (orWork) (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of spending hours in the kitchen? The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts – 400 Must-Have Recipes That Cook While You Play (orWork) (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series) is your new best friend. This cookbook is packed with 400 amazing recipes that let your slow cooker do the hard work. You can whip up everything from tasty appetizers to sweet desserts without a lot of fuss. Imagine coming home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal after a long day of work or fun. This book makes that a reality.
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What We Like:
- Huge variety of recipes: Covers appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts, so you’ll never run out of ideas.
- Time-saving: Recipes are designed for slow cooking, meaning you can set it and forget it while you do other things.
- Beginner-friendly: Clear instructions make it easy for anyone to achieve delicious results.
- From a trusted source: ATK (America’s Test Kitchen) is known for its reliable and well-tested recipes.
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What Could Be Improved:
- Visual appeal: Some users might prefer more photos for each recipe to get inspired.
- Recipe complexity: While generally easy, some recipes might have a few more steps than expected for true beginners.
This cookbook is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to enjoy home-cooked meals with minimal effort. It truly lives up to its promise of letting you play or work while delicious food is prepared.
2. The Best Mexican Recipes: Kitchen-Tested Recipes Put the Real Flavors of Mexico Within Reach
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to bring the vibrant tastes of Mexico right into your own kitchen with “The Best Mexican Recipes: Kitchen-Tested Recipes Put the Real Flavors of Mexico Within Reach.” This cookbook is your ticket to making authentic Mexican dishes that will wow your family and friends. You’ll find recipes that have been tried and tested, so you can be sure they work. It’s designed to make cooking delicious Mexican food easy and fun for everyone.
What We Like:
- The recipes are easy to follow, even for beginners.
- It includes a wide variety of popular Mexican dishes.
- The instructions are clear, leading to great results.
- You can taste the real flavors of Mexico in every bite.
- It helps you become a confident Mexican cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- More pictures would be nice for some recipes.
- A few more vegetarian options could be added.
This cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone who loves Mexican food. You will enjoy creating these delicious meals.
3. Multicooker Perfection: Cook It Fast or Cook It Slow-You Decide
Rating: 8.6/10
The Multicooker Perfection: Cook It Fast or Cook It Slow-You Decide is a kitchen game-changer. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and faster. This appliance helps you prepare delicious meals in less time. You can choose how you want your food cooked. It’s a versatile tool for any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s very easy to use.
- You can cook food quickly or slowly.
- It saves you a lot of time in the kitchen.
- Cleanup is a breeze.
- It handles many different recipes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer.
- More recipe ideas would be helpful.
- It takes up a bit of counter space.
This multicooker offers great flexibility for busy cooks. It’s a smart addition to any home chef’s arsenal.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Store-Bought Gravy (America’s Test Kitchen Approved!)
When you want that delicious, comforting gravy to top mashed potatoes, turkey, or anything else, sometimes you just don’t have time to make it from scratch. That’s where store-bought gravy comes in handy! But with so many options on the shelves, how do you pick the best one? America’s Test Kitchen has done the work for us, testing many gravies to find the top picks. This guide will help you choose a winner.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for store-bought gravy, keep these things in mind:
- Flavor: This is the most important thing! Good gravy tastes rich and savory. It should taste like real meat drippings, not just salty water. Look for gravy that has a good balance of savory, salty, and maybe a hint of peppery flavor.
- Texture: The best gravies are smooth and thick enough to coat your food. They shouldn’t be watery or lumpy. A good texture makes the gravy feel satisfying in your mouth.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredient list. You want to see things like chicken, turkey, or beef broth as the first ingredient. This shows it’s made with real meat flavors. Avoid gravies with a lot of artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Ease of Preparation: Most store-bought gravies are easy to heat up. Check to see if it’s microwave-safe or just needs to be heated on the stovetop.
Important Materials
While you don’t “build” gravy, the “materials” it’s made from are crucial. These are the ingredients that give gravy its taste and texture:
- Broth: This is the base of the gravy. Chicken, turkey, or beef broth provides the main flavor. High-quality broth makes a big difference.
- Fat: A little bit of fat, often from meat drippings or added oils, helps carry the flavor and gives the gravy a nice mouthfeel.
- Thickeners: Ingredients like flour or cornstarch are used to make the gravy thick. The right amount creates that perfect coating consistency.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, herbs, and spices add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make store-bought gravy taste amazing, while others can make it less enjoyable.
- What Makes it Better:
- Real Meat Broth: Gravies made with good quality chicken, turkey, or beef broth taste much more authentic.
- Natural Thickening: Using flour or cornstarch creates a smoother, more natural texture than some artificial thickeners.
- Simple Ingredients: Fewer, simpler ingredients often mean a better-tasting product.
- Balanced Seasoning: Just the right amount of salt and pepper makes all the flavors shine.
- What Makes it Worse:
- Artificial Flavors: These can make the gravy taste fake or chemical.
- Watery Texture: Gravy that’s too thin doesn’t coat food well and lacks richness.
- Too Salty: Over-salting can overpower all other flavors.
- Weird Aftertaste: Some gravies leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using store-bought gravy is super easy and fits into many meal occasions.
- Quick Weeknight Dinners: Need gravy in a hurry for roasted chicken or pork chops? A good store-bought option saves you time.
- Holiday Meals: On busy holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, store-bought gravy can be a lifesaver. It frees up your time to focus on other dishes.
- Comfort Food Classics: Mashed potatoes and gravy are a go-to comfort meal. A delicious store-bought gravy makes this even easier.
- Quick Snacks: Sometimes you just want a little gravy for dipping fries or biscuits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Store-Bought Gravy
Q: What is the main goal of America’s Test Kitchen when testing gravies?
A: America’s Test Kitchen aims to find the store-bought gravies that taste the most like homemade, with great flavor and texture.
Q: What makes a gravy taste “rich”?
A: A rich gravy usually has a deep, savory flavor that comes from good quality meat broth and balanced seasonings. It often has a pleasant mouthfeel due to a good amount of fat and the right thickness.
Q: Can I make store-bought gravy taste even better?
A: Yes! You can often improve store-bought gravy by adding a splash of wine, a bit of fresh herbs, or a pinch of extra pepper. You can also stir in some pan drippings if you have them.
Q: Are there different types of store-bought gravy?
A: Yes, you can find chicken, turkey, beef, and sometimes mushroom gravies in stores. Each type has its own flavor profile.
Q: What should I do if my store-bought gravy is too thick?
A: You can thin out gravy by adding a little bit of water or broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir it well as you add liquid.
Q: What should I do if my store-bought gravy is too thin?
A: To thicken gravy, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with a couple of tablespoons of cold water. Then, whisk this mixture into your simmering gravy until it thickens.
Q: Is it okay to use store-bought gravy if I’m trying to eat healthy?
A: It depends on the brand. Some gravies have fewer ingredients and less sodium than others. Always check the nutrition label and ingredient list.
Q: How long does store-bought gravy last after opening?
A: Once opened, most store-bought gravies should be refrigerated and will typically last for about 3-5 days. Always check the packaging for specific instructions.
Q: Can I freeze store-bought gravy?
A: Yes, you can freeze most store-bought gravies. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should last for a few months in the freezer.
Q: What’s the difference between jarred gravy and gravy packets?
A: Jarred gravy is usually ready to heat and serve, offering a thicker texture. Gravy packets typically need to be mixed with water or broth and cooked to thicken, and their texture can vary.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.