Whip up this easy Ham Gravy when making a delicious ham for your holiday meal. In just a few minutes you can whip it up with the extra juice, along with some simple ingredients, which you can use on everything from homemade biscuits to mashed potatoes.
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Ham Gravy: A Southern Staple
Ham Gravy, also called “Red Eye” gravy, is said to have been invented when Andrew Jackson demanded gravy as red as his drunken cook’s eyes.
However, other theories suggest that the gravy got its name from its appearance when sitting in a bowl, or from the caffeine in some recipes, which may cause some people’s eyes to turn red after eating it.
Whatever the case, ham gravy is popular in Southern US cuisine, and is often eaten with biscuits and mashed potatoes, or used in cooking.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
- Super Quick: This easy ham gravy only takes a few minutes to prepare. It doesn’t take long to whisk and simmer your gravy.
- Easy Ingredients: Aside from the leftover drippings from your ham, the ingredients in this recipe are likely already in your kitchen, like butter and flour.
- Versatile: You can use this delicious gravy as a topping on a number of dishes, or even cook with it. Better than turkey gravy or chicken gravy, make a ham and then fill your gravy boat with this delicious ham gravy full of ham flavor.
If you’re looking for more ham dinner recipes, try these: Honey glazed Carrots, Honey Baked Ham, Ham and Potato Casserole, and Breakfast Biscuit Casserole.
With over 200 easy and delicious dinner ideas, you'll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again.
What is the Secret to Good Gravy?
It can be hard to get the perfect consistency for this recipe. To make sure it’s not too lumpy, strain it through a sieve, or minimize them by whisking the gravy. If it’s too runny, add a little extra all-purpose flour, or use cornstarch instead of flour to make it thicker.
Ingredient Notes to Make Ham Gravy
You can make an easy homemade ham gravy recipe from drippings without much effort, as it has deceptively few ingredients to help you make the most of your holiday ham. This is a great recipe for using ingredients you already have for a great Thanksgiving or Easter dinner. It is a family favorite comfort food.
- Ham Dripping: The drippings from your cooked ham will serve as the base for this gravy.
- Flour: The perfect amount of flour will keep your gravy from getting too runny.
- Seasoning: Seasonings will add flavor to your ham gravy. It is simple to make memories at first bite.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions to Make Gravy for Ham Dinner
Some extra optional ingredients can be the special secret to your homemade gravy:
- Wine: Try adding a splash of wine to your gravy. The alcohol will boil out as it simmers, leaving you with a sophisticated, rich flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Some fresh herbs from your garden can help season your ham gravy.
- Gravy without ham drippings: Make ham gravy without drippings, use better than bouillon ham base to make this recipe. This is great for ham steak or if your ham does not have much juice.
How to Make Ham Gravy Recipe with Ham Drippings
The perfect ham gravy only takes a few minutes to make. Pour it over your favorite homemade meals for a sweet and savory taste of Southern cooking. It is the perfect side for your Easter ham.
These are the basic steps for making ham gravy. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
STEP 1: Melt the Butter
First, melt butter in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat.
STEP 2: Whisk
Then add the flour to the melted butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes, or until golden.
STEP 3: Ham Drippings
Next, pour the ham juices into the sauce pan slowly, while whisking constantly. Once all of the drippings are incorporated, continue whisking until there are no lumps.
STEP 4: Thicken the Gravy
Turn the stove to low to medium heat, and whisk together the half and half and All Purpose Seasoning Blend. Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until gravy has thickened.
Recipe FAQs about Easy Baked Ham Gravy from Drippings
Expert Tips for Making This Easy Ham Gravy Recipe
- 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.
What to Serve with Ham Gravy
Ham Gravy
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
Expert Tips
- 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.