Turkey gravy is a delicious accompaniment to turkey and other dishes, adding flavor and moisture. Many people use jarred gravy for convenience, but may find it lacking in depth of flavor. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to enhance store-bought turkey gravy and make it taste homemade.
In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to common questions about adding ingredients to jarred turkey gravy to improve the flavor. Then, we’ll go into more detail about the best additions and provide tips for upgrading your gravy.
Quick Answers
What types of ingredients can I add to jar turkey gravy? Some great options are aromatics like onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. You can also add stock for more flavor, cream for richness, and wine or brandy for complexity.
What herbs go well in turkey gravy? Classic herb choices include thyme, sage, rosemary, and marjoram. Fresh or dried herbs can be used.
Should I use broth or stock? Both work well! Choose chicken, turkey or vegetable broth or stock. Turkey stock adds the most complementary flavor.
How much extra flavoring should I add? Start with small amounts and adjust to taste. For dry herbs and spices, try 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon at first. For wet ingredients like stock, add a few tablespoons at a time.
Aromatic Vegetables
One of the best ways to boost the flavor of jarred turkey gravy is by sautéing aromatic vegetables before adding the gravy. Onions, shallots, carrots, celery, mushrooms and garlic all add depth.
Onions
Diced onions lend a rich, savory flavor to gravy. Yellow, white or sweet onions all work well. Cook them over medium heat until softened and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Adding just 1/4 cup diced onion per jar of gravy makes a difference.
Garlic
Minced or pressed garlic infuses gravy with delicious flavor. Use 1-2 cloves per jar, cooking briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms add earthy, umami flavor to gravy. Slice and cook over medium-high heat until browned. Go for strong-flavored varieties like cremini or shitake. Use 2-3 tablespoons per jar.
Carrots and Celery
For extra aroma and sweetness, add finely diced carrots and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 2-3 tablespoons of each per jar is plenty.
Shallots
For a more subtle flavor than onions, use minced shallots instead. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant before adding your gravy. Start with 1-2 tablespoons per jar.
Herbs and Spices
Dried and fresh herbs are an easy way to impart big flavor. Spices like pepper, sage, thyme and more can also amplify the savory flavor of gravy.
Fresh Herbs
Chopped fresh sage, thyme, rosemary and parsley taste incredible in turkey gravy. Use about 1-2 teaspoons chopped leaves per jar. Add them at the end for brightness.
Dried Herbs and Spices
Poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, black pepper, and nutmeg can all enhance the flavor. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per jar and adjust to your taste.
Smoked Paprika
A touch of smoked paprika will give your gravy a delicious savory edge. Use just a pinch or up to 1/4 teaspoon per jar.
Chili Powder or Cayenne
For a little heat, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper. Start small as they can become spicy fast.
Broth and Stock
Replacing some of the water or milk in jar gravy with broth or stock is one of the most effective ways to boost flavor.
Turkey Stock
For the biggest flavor impact, use turkey stock. Simmer turkey wings, necks and giblets to make your own, or use canned or boxed. Add up to 1/2 cup per jar.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth makes a tasty, budget-friendly addition. Swap up to 1/2 cup water or milk per jar for chicken broth.
Vegetable Broth
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead. It adds savory flavor without the meatiness. Sub up to 1/2 cup per jar.
Dairy for Richness
Heavy cream, half and half or cream cheese can make your gravy richer and creamier. But go easy, as it’s easy to make it too heavy.
Heavy Cream
For ultimate richness, stir in a splash or two of heavy cream after cooking. Two tablespoons per jar is plenty.
Half and Half
Half and half adds creaminess without going overboard. Use up to 1/4 cup per jar for a silky texture.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese whisked into hot gravy makes it luxuriously thick and smooth. Use up to 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese per jar.
Wine, Brandy and Vinegar
Small amounts of wine, brandy, sherry or vinegar contribute complex, potent flavor to gravy.
Red or White Wine
For a sophisticated flavor, stir in a splash of dry red or white wine. Add just 1-2 tablespoons per jar.
Brandy
Brandy lends sweet, boozy notes. Use sparingly, starting with 1 teaspoon per jar.
Sherry
Nutty sherry makes an amazing addition to turkey gravy. Add up to 1 tablespoon per jar.
Balsamic Vinegar
A splash of balsamic vinegar adds tang and complexity. Use just 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per jar.
Thickeners
If your gravy isn’t thick enough, these ingredients can help it achieve the perfect consistency.
Flour
For a quick-fix thickener, whisk in a bit of all-purpose flour. Start with 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is an ideal gravy thickener. It has less impact on flavor than flour. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dissolved in a bit of cold water.
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Believe it or not, instant mashed potatoes can thicken gravy beautifully. Use 1-2 teaspoons and whisk vigorously. Don’t overdo it.
Tips for Upgrading Jar Turkey Gravy
– Cook aromatics like onions, carrots, garlic and mushrooms before adding jar gravy for extra flavor.
– Whisk in broth, stock or cream instead of all of the water or milk for richer flavor.
– Fresh or dried sage, thyme, rosemary are perfect turkey gravy herbs. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
– For a smooth, lump-free gravy, create a slurry by dissolving cornstarch or flour in a bit of cold water before adding.
– Heat the gravy over low heat and add enhancements slowly, tasting frequently until you achieve the ideal flavor.
– The desired gravy consistency is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Thicken with cornstarch, flour or instant mashed potatoes as needed.
Recipe Ideas
Now that you know how to easily upgrade store-bought turkey gravy, here are some recipe ideas to try:
Simple Mushroom Turkey Gravy
– 1 jar turkey gravy
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Sauté onions and mushrooms. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 5 minutes.
Herbaceous Gravy with White Wine
– 1 jar turkey gravy
– 1 shallot, minced
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 1 tsp minced fresh sage
– 1/2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
Cook shallot 1 minute. Add wine and simmer 2 minutes. Stir in herbs and gravy.
Rich and Creamy Turkey Gravy
– 1 jar turkey gravy
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry*
Cook garlic 1 minute. Stir in cream, broth and thickened slurry. Heat through.
*To make cornstarch slurry: Dissolve 1 tbsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water.
Spiced Up Turkey Gravy
– 1 jar turkey gravy
– 1/2 cup turkey stock
– 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
– pinch cayenne pepper
– salt and pepper to taste
Whisk in stock and spices. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Choosing the Best Jarred Turkey Gravy
While you can upgrade just about any store-bought turkey gravy, starting with a quality product can make a difference in the final flavor. Here are some tips for picking the best jarred turkey gravy:
– Check the ingredients list. Look for real turkey stock near the top. Avoid products with a lot of artificial flavors.
– Choose low-sodium options so you can better control seasoning.
– Select turkey gravies without thickeners like cornstarch or flour added so you can better control consistency.
– Opt for whole turkey gravy rather than “gravy with turkey flavor” which likely has less real turkey taste.
– Look for brands without hydrogenated oils, if possible.
– Consider splurging on higher-end, natural turkey gravies for fresher, purer flavor.
Conclusion
It’s easy to take store-bought turkey gravy from dull to delicious with just a few simple additions. Aromatics like onions and garlic, fresh or dried herbs, spices, broth, cream and wine can pack your gravy with flavor. Thickeners like flour or cornstarch can adjust the consistency. Follow the tips and recipe ideas to whip up the perfect gravy for your Thanksgiving or holiday table this season!