Costco Kevin’s Gravy is Perfectly balanced with a rich, savory taste and crafted with wholesome ingredients, Kevin’s gravy has become a must-have for holiday meals or cozy weeknight dinners.
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How to make Costco Kevin’s Gravy
Costco Kevin’s Gravy is a ready-to-serve turkey gravy sold at Costco, made by Kevin’s Natural Foods. It is a refrigerated, heat-and-serve gravy with a rich, savory turkey flavor, typically made from natural ingredients without artificial additives.
Ingredients
- Turkey stock or broth – 2 ½ cups (homemade stock or low-sodium turkey broth for clean flavor).
- Arrowroot powder or tapioca flour – 2–3 teaspoons (as a paleo-friendly thickener in place of traditional flour).
- Coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk – ⅓ cup (for creaminess without using dairy).
- Avocado oil or olive oil – 1 ½ tablespoons (healthy fat substitute for butter).
- Turkey drippings – ½ cup (optional, for rich turkey flavor).
- Fresh garlic – 1 clove, minced.
- Onion powder – ½ teaspoon (savory substitute to fresh onion).
- Fresh thyme or sage – 1 teaspoon, finely chopped (Kevin’s products are known for vibrant herbs).
- Salt – to taste.
- White pepper or black pepper – ¼ teaspoon (white pepper gives a subtly milder flavor).
- A splash of lemon juice (balances the richness).
- Coconut aminos – ½ teaspoon (for a hint of umami).
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish).
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Stock
If you’re using turkey drippings:
- After roasting your turkey, strain the liquid from the pan to separate any solids and fat.
- Combine the turkey drippings with homemade or store-bought turkey stock to create a flavorful base.
- If turkey drippings aren’t available, use high-quality turkey stock or broth.
Step 2: Create the Base of the Gravy
- Heat avocado oil or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (avoid browning the garlic).
- Slowly stir in the turkey stock (or stock-drippings mixture) and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, mix arrowroot powder or tapioca flour with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry (this prevents clumps when thickening the gravy).
- Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering stock, stirring continuously. Arrowroot will thicken the mixture quickly, so keep stirring to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Add Flavor
- Stir in coconut milk (or almond milk) to create a creamy texture without dairy.
- Mix in the seasonings: onion powder, thyme or sage, salt, and pepper. Adjust the flavors to suit your taste—start light and build.
- Add optional enhancers like coconut aminos for slight umami and lemon juice for brightness.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
- Allow the gravy to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to meld flavors and thicken.
- Once done, remove from heat and serve hot over turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, or stuffing.
Tips for Success
- Choose high-quality stock: The base of the gravy carries the most flavor, so homemade turkey stock or a clean, low-sodium prepared stock works best.
- Use arrowroot or tapioca flour carefully: These thickeners are paleo-friendly but can make the gravy slimy if overused. Whisk thoroughly and use sparingly.
- Avoid overheating coconut milk: If using coconut milk, reduce the heat after adding it since prolonged exposure to high heat can cause separation.
- Layer the flavor: Fresh herbs like thyme and sage make the gravy taste brighter and cleaner compared to dried herbs. Add a small squeeze of lemon juice for balance.
- Make it ahead: This gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving. Stir it as you reheat to maintain consistency.
What to serve with
Costco Kevin’s Gravy is a rich, savory turkey-based gravy that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile option for holidays like Thanksgiving, casual family dinners, or even weeknight comfort meals.
1. Roasted Turkey: Kevin’s Gravy is practically made to drizzle over tender slices of roasted turkey. Serve alongside stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes for a beautifully balanced holiday plate.
2. Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Drizzle Kevin’s gravy over chicken breast or thighs to add flavor and moisture to a lean protein. Pair it with steamed vegetables and sweet potatoes for a healthy dinner.
3. Pork Chops or Roasted Pork Tenderloin: The savory notes of Kevin’s gravy also work well with pork dishes, particularly roasted or grilled cuts. Add a side of sautéed green beans or roasted root vegetables for a hearty plate.
4. Meat Substitute Dishes (Vegetarian Option): For those following a plant-based diet, serve Kevin’s gravy with vegetarian turkey-style roasts, mushroom steaks, or even lentil loaf. Its flavor pairs well with earthy and nutty vegetarian mains.
Ingredients Substitutes
When making a homemade version of Costco Kevin’s Turkey Gravy, substituting certain ingredients is a great way to either match its wholesome, paleo-friendly style or adapt it based on dietary preferences or availability.
1. Thickener
Costco Kevin’s Gravy avoids traditional flour as it’s gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Instead, it uses alternative thickeners for a smooth consistency.
Traditional Option: All-purpose flour (used in many classic gravies).
Substitutes:
- Arrowroot powder: Paleo-friendly and gluten-free; creates a smooth texture and thickens quickly.
- Tapioca starch: Great as another paleo-friendly thickener, especially for those on keto.
- Cornstarch: Works well, but it’s not paleo-friendly.
- Potato starch: Gluten-free and an excellent option for thickening without clumping.
- Cassava flour: A paleo-approved substitute that adds body to the gravy.
- Alternative (low-carb): If you’re trying to avoid starch completely, simmer the gravy longer so natural stock reductions can thicken it over time.
2. Dairy-Free Creaminess
Kevin’s Turkey Gravy skips dairy to stay paleo-compliant, using milk alternatives for richness. If your original recipe calls for cream or milk, you can swap it out with the following.
Traditional Option: Heavy cream or whole milk.
Substitutes:
- Coconut milk: Unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk replicates the creamy texture without dairy and fits paleo or keto diets.
- Unsweetened almond milk: A lighter option that works well, though it isn’t as rich as coconut milk.
- Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
- Oat milk: For those who prefer plant-based substitutes, oat milk provides a mild creaminess but isn’t keto-friendly.
3. Base (Broth)
The base of Kevin’s gravy is turkey stock, which provides the backbone of the flavor. If turkey stock isn’t available, try these substitutions.
Traditional Option: Turkey stock (homemade or store-bought).
Substitutes:
- Chicken stock: A mild yet flavorful alternative that mimics the taste of turkey stock.
- Vegetable stock: Suitable for vegetarians and vegans but will lack the depth that turkey drippings give.
- Bone broth: Rich in nutrients, bone broth fits paleo and keto diets and makes the gravy deeply flavorful.
- Water with bouillon: Combine water with turkey bouillon cubes or powdered turkey base for an easy stock substitute.
Final Thoughts
Costco Kevin’s Gravy is more than a holiday staple—its clean, savory flavor enhances everything from classic roasted turkey to creative comfort food recipes.
More Costco Recipes:
- Homemade Costco Turkey Gravy Recipe
- Homemade Costco Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Copycat Costco Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Copycat Costco Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
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