This Ultra Luxe, Store-Bought Gravy Is Worth Every Penny—I Buy It Every Thanksgiving

For me, there are a few non-negotiables when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner: a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, mountains of fluffy mashed potatoes, and a rich, silky gravy that pulls it all together. It's the gravy, in particular, that I get most excited about. I am talking about a savory, umami-packed elixir that takes my turkey and stuffing from good to transcendent. 

Sometimes, however, making gravy from scratch can feel like a major hassle, especially on Thanksgiving when my stove and oven are already working overtime. So I wanted to know if there was a store-bought gravy that didn't taste like a packet of bouillon.

Sara Haas, RDN, LDN, insists there is! A food and nutrition expert, recipe developer, consultant-dietitian, and chef, Sara is no stranger to good food. When I sent this question to colleagues, she immediately came back to me with a recommendation for the Williams Sonoma Turkey Gravy Base. At $16.95 for a single jar or $33.90 for a set of two, it's definitely a splurge. But the Classic Recipe version is worth every penny if you can't handle making the gravy this year. 

Why This Store-Bought Gravy Is Worth the Splurge

Rather than just a one-note jarred sauce, Williams Sonoma Turkey Gravy Base is a high-quality building block that lets you craft a truly gourmet gravy with minimal fuss.

Sara, who was first introduced to the gravy by her mom, says it’s “less of an open-and-serve situation and more of a base.” A thoughtful blend of turkey stock, fat, and seasonings give the base a rich, umami-forward flavor with an equally luxe texture that’s similar to homemade. It's also an easy way "to extend homemade gravy,” notes Sara. Its cost may feel prohibitive, so it's "not an everyday item,” she admits, “but it’s a fun splurge for the holidays or entertaining. While the price is a '1,' the ease and flavor are a '10." 

The Best Way To Use This Gravy

Sara's mom, the real Thanksgiving guru, has been using this gravy base for years, and she's perfected a few clever tricks for taking it to the next level. Rather than just mixing the Turkey Gravy Base with milk per the instructions, she'll often make a quick broth on the stove while the turkey roasts.

Since a turkey doesn't always have enough drippings, this quickie broth adds a ton of flavor. Sara herself skips the milk altogether and instead cooks up the turkey giblets on the stove along with the gravy base, some water, and whatever drippings she gets from the turkey pan. This simple step adds another layer of turkey flavor that makes the gravy shine. 

I'll be the first to admit that $16 for a jar of gravy feels like a lot. But it's $16 well-spent, especially when entertaining a crowd. This base is the ideal solution for those who want the rich, homemade taste of traditional turkey gravy without the hassle and commitment of making it from scratch. It just goes to show that a little help from a gourmet food brand can make your life easier. No more powdered packets or stressful gravy prep! We can instead treat ourselves and our guests to a sauce worthy of the main event.

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