This savory Ham Gravy is the ultimate finishing touch for your holiday ham. Made with the rich drippings from your roasted ham and a handful of simple pantry staples, it comes together in minutes. It is smooth, flavorful, and perfect for spooning over slices of ham, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
Gravy is just that finishing touch that completes a meal. Two family favorites are my Easy Brown Gravy and my rich Pork Gravy.
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Why this Ham Gravy Recipe is a Keeper
This recipe for ham gravy from drippings is super easy, uses the drippings from oven baked ham and it’s packed full of flavor. Try this recipe when serving your Easter ham.
- Classic Comfort: It is rich, savory, and pairs perfectly with biscuits, mashed potatoes, or when I’m making a small ham.
- Pan Drippings: Use ham drippings to make this gravy, making sure nothing goes to waste. Plus 2 cups of ham drippings make a great ham base.
- Versatile: Works as a holiday centerpiece in a gravy boat or a weeknight flavor boost to biscuits.
- Quick and Easy: It’s so easy and comes together in minutes once the ham is cooked.
- Delicious Flavor: The dish tastes amazing served with ham, and is a hit every time.
How Do I Make the Ham Gravy Taste Less Salty?
Since ham is already pretty salty, you should taste it before you add any more salt. If it’s too salty, you can try adding a little brown sugar to even it out.
Pro Tip to Make Gravy From Baked Ham
Deglaze the Pan pour a splash of broth, water, or even coffee into the skillet and scrape up browned bits. This adds depth and prevents a burnt taste.
Ingredient Notes for Old-Fashioned Ham Gravy
Ham gravy is the perfect companion to your holiday ham, biscuits, or mashed potatoes. It transforms the flavorful drippings left behind in your roasting pan into a silky, savory sauce that ties the whole meal together. Rooted in Southern tradition, this gravy is quick to make and endlessly versatile.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Ham Drippings: These drippings carry all the smoky, salty, and savory notes from your roasted ham, giving the gravy its depth of flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux base.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy, ensuring it coats beautifully without being runny.
Variations for Easy Homemade Ham Gravy
For a different take I love this recipe with chopped up ham. When you make a gravy it enhances a meal.
- Wine Splash: Add a touch of white wine for a sophisticated, rich flavor. The alcohol cooks off, leaving depth behind.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or parsley can brighten the gravy and add freshness.
- Cornstarch: A great gluten-free option that thickens quickly.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory punch and enhances umami.
How to Make Ham Gravy from Ham Drippings
This homemade ham gravy recipe comes together in just 3 quick and easy steps. This recipe is so good, it’s a great one to use if you’re planning on baking a spiral ham.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, and cook until golden.
- Add Drippings: Slowly add the drippings from the pan. Whisk until there are no lumps.
- Thicken the Gravy: Turn the heat to low and add the half-and-half and All Purpose Seasoning. Simmer until it has thickened to the desired consistency.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Homemade Ham Gravy
The best gravy recipe for ham flavor is already super easy, but there are a few things you could do ahead of time.
- Keep: Save ham drippings from a glazed ham or a baked ham in the fridge up to 2 days before making easy homemade ham gravy. Be sure to make a ham ahead of time to be able to save the drippings.
- Measure: Pre-measure flour and seasonings so they’re ready to whisk in.
- Gravy: Make gravy a day ahead and reheat gently before serving ham with this quick homemade gravy.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Gravy for Ham Dinner
Alternatively, you can make this make this old-fashioned ham gravy recipe in the crock pot or microwave.
- Slow Cooker: Add drippings and broth to keep warm during a holiday meal.
- Microwave: Small batches can be thickened in short bursts, whisking the gravy between.
Store Homemade Gravy, Reheat and Use Leftover Ham
- Storing: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, whisking in a splash of broth or water to restore texture. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between.
- Using Leftovers: Pour over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or rice. Use as a sauce for casseroles. Stir into soups or stews for added depth. Pour the gravy over roasted vegetables for savory flavor.
Common Questions About This Easy Ham Gravy Recipe
It’s best to make the gravy with the drippings. But, if you want to make this ham gravy without drippings, you need to use ham broth. Feel free to use better than bouillon ham base, chicken stock or turkey broth to make Turkey Gravy.
If your gravy is lumpy, strain it through a sieve to make sure it’s silky smooth before adding it to a country ham recipe. This truly is the best gravy for Pineapple Ham.
No they are not the same. A ham gravy is a creamy sauce perfect for holiday ham and sides that you make after baking a ham. Red-eye gravy is a Southern classic it is salty, smoky, and bitter from coffee. It is served more like a condiment than a thick gravy.
Expert Tips for Making Best Ham Gravy
- Stir your Gravy: Whisk constantly when adding flour to drippings to avoid lumps.
- Thicken: If best gravy for ham needs thickened, you can thicken gravy with cornstarch slurry.
- Season: Taste before seasoning, glazed ham drippings can vary in saltiness.
- Liquid: Slowly pour in the ham drippings and half-and-half to control thickness.
- Finish: Make the recipe extra smooth. Finish with butter for a glossy, smooth texture that’s a really good gravy works well for brown sugar ham and potatoes.
- Gluten-Free Ham Glaze: Make gluten-free gravy with cornstarch or gluten free flour.
- Serve this Recipe: Serve ham gravy with Orange Cranberry Sauce, Copycat Honey Baked Ham and Mashed Potatoes.
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Ham Gravy
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Ham drippings
- ¼ cup Half and half
- 1 Teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning Blend
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes, or until golden.
- Pour the ham drippings into the sauce pan slowly, while whisking.
- Once all of the drippings are incorporated, continue whisking until there are no lumps.
- Turn the heat down to low and add the half and half and All Purpose Seasoning Blend.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until gravy has thickened. Taste for seasoning before serving
Christina’s Notes
- Differently-Cooked Hams will result in different flavors for your gravy. For instance, drippings from a glazed ham, pineapple ham, or brown sugar ham will give you a sweet gravy. You can use a boneless ham, a whole ham or a spiral ham.
- Adjust the Amount of Flour to adjust the thickness of your gravy. Make sure to cook to remove flour taste when using flour. You can make ham gravy with cornstarch too.
- Worcestershire Sauce and Bouillon Cubes will add a savory punch to this delicious recipe.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.