What makes a gravy truly great? Is it the rich, savory aroma that fills your kitchen, or the smooth, velvety texture that coats every bite of your favorite meal? For many of us, a perfect gravy is the secret ingredient to a comforting and delicious dish, especially during holidays or special gatherings.
But let’s be honest, whipping up homemade gravy from scratch takes time and a bit of culinary know-how. When you’re short on time or just want a quick shortcut, reaching for a store-bought option seems like the easy answer. The problem? The grocery store aisles are overflowing with choices, and not all store-bought gravies are created equal. You might end up with something too salty, too thin, or just plain bland, leaving your meal feeling a little… incomplete.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They’ve done the hard work for us, testing out tons of store-bought gravies to find the absolute best. In this post, we’ll dive into their findings, revealing the top picks that will elevate your meals. You’ll learn which brands deliver on flavor and quality, so you can stop guessing and start enjoying fantastic gravy every time.
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 Best Mexican Recipes: Kitchen-Tested Recipes Put the Real Flavors of Mexico Within Reach
Rating: 8.7/10
Craving the vibrant tastes of Mexico? “The Best Mexican Recipes: Kitchen-Tested Recipes Put the Real Flavors of Mexico Within Reach” brings authentic Mexican cooking right to your kitchen. This cookbook focuses on real flavors that are easy for anyone to make. You’ll find recipes that are tested and true, meaning they work! Get ready to impress your family and friends with delicious dishes that taste like they came straight from Mexico. It’s time to unlock the secrets of amazing Mexican food.
What We Like:
- Features kitchen-tested recipes that are reliable.
- Focuses on authentic Mexican flavors.
- Makes complex dishes approachable for home cooks.
- Helps you recreate restaurant-quality meals.
- Offers a wide variety of popular Mexican dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- No specific information on dietary options (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free) is immediately apparent.
- The “N/A” feature listing doesn’t give us much to highlight for improvement in that specific area.
This cookbook is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to explore the delicious world of Mexican cuisine. It truly delivers on its promise to make authentic flavors accessible.
2. Multicooker Perfection: Cook It Fast or Cook It Slow-You Decide
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to revolutionize your kitchen with the Multicooker Perfection: Cook It Fast or Cook It Slow-You Decide! This amazing appliance does it all, making meal prep a breeze whether you’re in a hurry or have all day. You control the cooking speed, so you get exactly the results you want, every time.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly when you’re short on time.
- It also slow cooks meals perfectly for tender, flavorful dishes.
- It’s super easy to use, even for beginners.
- It’s built to last, so you can rely on it for years.
- It’s very lightweight, making it easy to move around.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price might be a bit high for some budgets.
- It can be hard to find, so you might have to look around.
This multicooker truly lives up to its name. You get incredible flexibility in the kitchen, letting you cook exactly how you want.
3. The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts – 400 Must-Have Recipes That Cook While You Play (or Work)
Rating: 9.0/10
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen? Do you wish you could have delicious, home-cooked meals without all the fuss? Then “The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts – 400 Must-Have Recipes That Cook While You Play (or Work)” is the book for you. This amazing cookbook unlocks the full potential of your slow cooker. It’s packed with 400 tasty recipes. You can make everything from yummy appetizers to sweet desserts. Imagine coming home to a perfectly cooked meal, ready to enjoy. This book makes that a reality. It frees up your time so you can do what you love.
What We Like:
- Huge variety of recipes covering all meal types.
- Great for busy people who want to save time.
- Easy-to-follow instructions make cooking simple.
- Delicious results that will impress your family and friends.
- Inspires creativity with new ways to use your slow cooker.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require specialty ingredients not found in every pantry.
- The sheer number of recipes can be a little overwhelming at first.
This cookbook truly delivers on its promise of making mealtime easier and more enjoyable. If you own a slow cooker, this is an essential addition to your kitchen library.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Gravy Perfection from America’s Test Kitchen
When you want that rich, savory flavor to top your mashed potatoes, roast chicken, or stuffing, good gravy is a must. America’s Test Kitchen is known for its reliable recipes and high-quality products. Their store-bought gravy aims to bring that same goodness right to your kitchen. Let’s explore what makes this gravy a great choice.
Key Features to Look For
- Flavor Profile: Does it taste like real, homemade gravy? Look for a savory, rich taste with hints of herbs and spices. It should complement your meal, not overpower it.
- Texture: Good gravy should be smooth and slightly thick. It shouldn’t be watery or lumpy. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredient list. You want to see good quality ingredients like real broth, natural flavors, and minimal artificial additives.
- Ease of Preparation: Most store-bought gravies are easy to heat up. This is a major plus for busy cooks.
Important Materials
The quality of the ingredients used is what really makes a difference. For America’s Test Kitchen gravy, you’ll likely find:
- Broth: This is the base. Beef, chicken, or turkey broth provides the foundational flavor. Higher quality broth means better gravy.
- Fats: Butter or oil adds richness and helps create a smooth texture.
- Thickeners: Flour or cornstarch is used to get that perfect gravy consistency.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, herbs like thyme and rosemary, and sometimes onion and garlic powder create the savory taste.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
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Improvements:
- Real Broth: Using high-quality, low-sodium broth as the main ingredient significantly boosts flavor.
- Natural Flavors: Gravies that use natural flavorings tend to taste more authentic.
- Simple Ingredient List: Fewer artificial ingredients often mean a cleaner, better taste.
- Proper Thickening: The right balance of thickener creates a pleasing texture.
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Reductions:
- Artificial Additives: Too many artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives can make the gravy taste less natural.
- Watery Texture: Not enough thickener or a low-quality broth base can lead to thin, unappetizing gravy.
- Overly Salty: Too much salt can mask other flavors and make the gravy unpleasant.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using America’s Test Kitchen gravy is usually straightforward. You simply heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s perfect for:
- Weeknight Dinners: When you need a quick side dish for roasted meats or poultry.
- Holiday Meals: It’s a reliable option to ensure you have delicious gravy for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Comfort Food: Pair it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or meatloaf for a classic comfort meal.
- Quick Gravy Fix: If you didn’t have time to make gravy from scratch, this is a fantastic shortcut.
With its focus on quality ingredients and classic flavors, America’s Test Kitchen gravy is a smart choice for anyone who wants delicious gravy without the fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Gravy Queries Answered
Q: What makes America’s Test Kitchen gravy stand out?
A: America’s Test Kitchen gravy stands out because it focuses on using good ingredients and achieving a classic, savory flavor that people expect from homemade gravy.
Q: Is this gravy made with real broth?
A: Yes, you can expect this gravy to be made with real broth, which is key to its good flavor.
Q: What is the texture of this gravy like?
A: The texture is designed to be smooth and pleasantly thick, not watery or lumpy.
Q: How do I prepare the gravy?
A: It’s very easy to prepare. You can heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I use this gravy for different types of meat?
A: Yes, depending on the variety (like turkey, chicken, or beef), it’s perfect for matching gravies to your roasted meats.
Q: Are there a lot of artificial ingredients in this gravy?
A: America’s Test Kitchen generally aims for simpler ingredient lists, so you should find fewer artificial additives compared to some other brands.
Q: What dishes is this gravy best served with?
A: It’s great with mashed potatoes, roasted chicken or turkey, stuffing, biscuits, and meatloaf.
Q: Does the gravy have a strong herb flavor?
A: It usually has a balanced flavor with hints of herbs, designed to complement your meal.
Q: Is this gravy a good option for busy weeknights?
A: Absolutely. It’s a quick and easy way to add delicious gravy to your meal without making it from scratch.
Q: Where can I buy America’s Test Kitchen gravy?
A: You can typically find it at grocery stores or directly from the America’s Test Kitchen store online.
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.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!