This Frugal Gravy Beats the Fancy Ones
Updated: Aug 30
You won't believe how simple & inexpensive this gravy is - it's the one I reach for most!
Recently I tried 7 popular frugal gravy packets from the store, and I found my new favorite! Ranging from brown, turkey, and country styles, there are occasions for each, but I wanted to find 1 gravy for all my foods. Read this week's post to learn the good and bad about each gravy.
Which Popular Frugal Gravy Packets Did I Try?
Going down the "packet aisle" at the store is always interesting to me. It's a place where you can find taco seasoning blends, pesto, gravy, and even hollandaise! Not all packets are great, but most are decent enough and can become great when paired with other ingredients.
Below you will find the 7 packet gravies I tried:
Pioneer Country Gravy
Great Value Chicken Gravy
Great Value Reduced Sodium Brown Gravy
Great Value Brown Gravy
Great Value Turkey Gravy
Which one was my favorite? Keep reading for my full review!
Reviews For 7 Popular Frugal Gravy Packets
Pioneer Country Gravy - peppery with a perfect consistency. Wouldn't know this wasn't homemade! Would be great in mashed potatoes, biscuits & gravy & even spaghetti squash.
McCormick Country Gravy - too thick for me and not enough pepper. I'd mix the packet into mashed potatoes (not as a gravy) that need a little help thickening up. Save the sodium & fat and go with the Pioneer Country Gravy instead.
Great Value Chicken Gravy - very neutral and plain tasting. OK consistency, would be good on mashed potatoes.
Great Value Turkey Gravy - light in flavor, OK consistency, wish it had more turkey flavor and was a little thicker.
Great Value Reduced Sodium Brown Gravy - rich dark brown color, and more taste than the regular Great Value Brown Gravy.
Great Value Brown Gravy - basically no taste, heavy salt flavor. Very light in color and wouldn't buy it again for anything.
Winner Winner, Country Style Dinner
As you may be able to guess from the reviews above, the Pioneer Country Gravy was by far my favorite. This wasn't a surprise to me - I've always loved country-style gravy. Although I knew that going in, I set my bias aside and truly tried each gravy like never before.
Trying each gravy on its own, as well as on ham & turkey. Each time, I found the country gravy to be "the best" as far as consistency and taste. If you are like me and are looking for a "universal gravy" give the Pioneer Country Gravy a try and let me know what you think by tagging me on social media.
How To Get The Right Thickness For Gravy
I recommend using milk and a little bit of sausage grease if you have any on hand. Slowly add the liquid into the gravy. Stirring constantly. Lift up the whisk as it cooks to check the consistency. Once it is close to where you want it, reduce the heat. Many gravies will thicken slightly as they cool.
Storage & Reheating Gravy
Allow gravy to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best to reheat the gravy in a saucepan on the stove so you can easily add more milk if needed. You can use the microwave as well; I would reheat in 30-second increments if using the microwave, and add liquid if needed. I do not recommend putting the gravy on the food and reheating all together - that doesn't allow for adding liquid if needed.
Hungry for more? Read all my previous recipes here.
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