Classic Red Eye Gravy for Ham
A traditional Southern red eye gravy made with ham drippings and strong black coffee. Thin, brothy, and packed with bold flavor—perfect for pouring over ham, biscuits, or breakfast casseroles.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 5 MINUTES
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Breakfast, BREAKFAST | BRUNCH, gravy
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: Breakfast, COMFORT FOOD
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup strong black coffee
- 2–3 tablespoons ham drippings
- Optional: 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
- Cook ham in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
- Pour in the black coffee to deglaze the skillet, scraping up all the browned bits.
- Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in butter if using, for a smoother finish.
- Serve immediately over ham, biscuits, grits, or casseroles.
Notes
- This gravy should be thin and brothy, not thick
- Use strong coffee for the best flavor
- Best made fresh and served immediately
- Add a pinch of sugar if you want to balance bitterness
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/red-eye-gravy-for-ham/