Copycat Trader Joe's Turkey Gravy Recipe

With a little creativity, you can elevate Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy into something uniquely yours. Adding fresh herbs, turkey drippings, or even a splash of wine can transform this store-bought base into a rich, homemade-style masterpiece.

How to make Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy

Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy is a ready-made, heat-and-serve turkey-flavored gravy sold at Trader Joe’s, typically in a shelf-stable box. It’s made with turkey-style seasonings, thickened with starch, and designed to be poured over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or other holiday dishes.

Ingredients

Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy: 1 carton (about 17.6 oz)
Turkey Drippings (optional): Adds depth and richness
Fresh Herbs: Such as thyme, sage, or rosemary for added aroma (1-2 teaspoons finely chopped)
Butter: 1-2 tablespoons for a richer texture
Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste
Salt: To taste (depending on your preference and dietary needs)
White Wine or Dry Sherry (optional): A splash for heightened flavor
All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch (optional): For thickening, if desired

Instructions

Prepare the Gravy Base: Pour the contents of the Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy carton into a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Incorporate Turkey Drippings (optional): If you have turkey drippings on hand, gradually whisk them into the warming gravy for added flavor depth.
Enhance Flavor with Wine (optional): Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry to the saucepan and stir.
Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in your choice of fresh herbs. Thyme, sage, or rosemary work beautifully to enhance the gravy’s aroma.
Enrich with Butter: Add 1-2 tablespoons of butter to the mixture, stirring continuously until melted and well-incorporated.
Season: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt if necessary.
Thicken (optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk this into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.
Simmer and Serve: Allow the gravy to simmer gently on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve hot over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.

Tips

Always Taste Before Serving: Since gravy can be quite flavorful on its own, it’s important to taste it before adding extra salt or seasonings.
Keep It Warm with a Water Bath: If you need to keep the gravy warm before serving, try placing the saucepan in a hot water bath to maintain a steady temperature without thickening too much.
Customize to Your Preference: Feel free to experiment with different flavors—perhaps a hint of garlic powder or onion flakes—depending on what complements your overall meal.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal, especially during the holidays. While it pairs perfectly with classic Thanksgiving staples, its creamy, savory richness makes it an excellent complement to a variety of dishes.

1. Roast Turkey

This one’s obvious! Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy was made to shine alongside a succulent roast turkey. The gravy enhances the flavors of the turkey with its rich, savory profile.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy and mashed potatoes are a match made in comfort food heaven. The smooth and fluffy texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect base for this savory gravy.

How to Serve: Create a well in the center of each serving of mashed potatoes and pour in the gravy until it overflows.

Pair with: Classic buttery mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes for an added punch of flavor.

3. Stuffing (or Dressing)

Stuffing loves a good gravy, and Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy provides the moisture and flavor boost that makes this side dish extra satisfying.

Pro Tip: Lightly drizzle the gravy over the stuffing right before serving to ensure it doesn’t dry out. You can also serve the gravy in a gravy boat for guests to self-serve.

Pair with: A classic bread-based stuffing with celery, onions, and sage, or a cornbread stuffing for a Southern twist.

Ingredients Substitutes

Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy is convenient and delicious, but what if you want to customize or substitute ingredients to suit dietary preferences, flavor profiles, or work around availability?

1. Substitute for Turkey Drippings

Turkey drippings are often added for depth and richness. If you don’t have turkey drippings (or prefer not to use them), try these alternatives:

Chicken or Turkey Broth: Use low-sodium chicken or turkey broth to get a similar base flavor without the need for cooked drippings.
Vegetable Broth: If you’re making a vegetarian gravy, use vegetable broth. Add some mushroom or roasted vegetable puree for a heartier flavor.
Rendered Fat: Add rendered poultry fat from chicken thighs or another meat roast for extra richness.

2. Substitute for Fresh Herbs

Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy recipe often calls for fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. Here are alternatives:

Dried Herbs: Replace fresh herbs with dried versions. Use half the amount (e.g., ½ teaspoon dried thyme for 1 teaspoon fresh thyme).
Herbs de Provence or Italian Seasoning: These premixed herb blends work well to add an aromatic taste.
Substitute Herbs Based on Preference: If you’re not a fan of sage or rosemary, opt for parsley, tarragon, or chives.

3. Substitute for Butter

Butter enriches the gravy’s texture and provides a silky finish. If you need an alternative due to dietary restrictions or preferences:

Plant-Based Butter: For a vegan option, use a non-dairy butter like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Creamery butter.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Adds richness without dairy. You may need to adjust the quantity to maintain the gravy’s thickness.
Coconut Oil: A small amount of refined coconut oil can work in savory recipes without adding noticeable coconut flavor.

4. Substitute for Flour or Cornstarch

If thickening agents like flour or cornstarch aren’t suitable (due to gluten intolerance or other needs), try these substitutes:

Arrowroot Powder: A great gluten-free alternative that thickens sauces quickly. Use in a 1:1 ratio in place of cornstarch.
Potato Starch: Works similarly to cornstarch and gives a smooth texture to gravy.
Tapioca Flour or Starch: Ideal for gluten-free, dairy-free recipes.
Pureed Vegetables: Blending cooked potatoes, cauliflower, or even carrots into the gravy can help thicken it naturally while adding a subtle flavor boost.

5. Substitute for White Wine or Dry Sherry

A splash of white wine or dry sherry is sometimes added to enhance the flavors of Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy. Here’s what to use if you’re out of it or prefer something non-alcoholic:

Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute with water (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) for a tangy, bright substitute.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: A neutral, savory option that works if you don’t want to add acidity.
Unsweetened Apple Juice: For a slight tang, unsweetened apple juice or pear juice can substitute for wine in small quantities.

6. Substitute for Salt

If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can still make flavorful gravy without traditional salt:

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Add complexity and umami while keeping the sodium lower.
Liquid Aminos: A lower-sodium, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
Herb Salt Substitutes: No-salt seasoning blends like Mrs. Dash can enhance flavor without adding sodium.
Nutritional Yeast: A secret weapon for bringing umami and cheesy flavors to vegan gravies while avoiding salt.

7. Substitute Milk (If Using Milk for Creaminess)

Although Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy doesn’t typically contain milk directly, some people like to add extra creaminess. Here’s how to make substitutions:

Plant-Based Milks: Use unsweetened oat, almond, or cashew milk for a non-dairy alternative. Choose varieties with a neutral flavor (not vanilla-flavored).
Coconut Milk: Adds richness without overwhelming the flavor, especially for alternative vegan gravies.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for extra richness, swap in a splash of heavy cream instead.

8. Substitute for Black Pepper

Although black pepper is a staple for seasoning, there are alternative spices that can achieve a similar depth:

White Pepper: Less sharp than black pepper but equally aromatic, ideal for lighter-colored gravies.
Paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smokiness without overpowering the flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: Use sparingly for a slight heat boost.

9. Substitute for Turkey Gravy Carton Base

If you don’t have the pre-made Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy on hand, you can recreate the base at home using pantry items:

Homemade Turkey Gravy Base: Combine turkey stock or broth, sautéed onion, garlic, butter, and flour for a homemade version. Flavor it with herbs, salt, and pepper.
Chicken Broth or Stock: Chicken stock is a close substitute for turkey stock, and can be used as the base for your gravy. Add poultry seasoning for a turkey-like taste.
Vegetarian Gravy Base: Use mushroom broth or roasted vegetable stock with thickening agents like flour, cornstarch, or pureed vegetables for a meatless version.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy is incredibly versatile and works well with everything from traditional holiday dishes to creative comfort food recipes.

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Copycat Trader Joe’s Turkey Gravy Recipe