Country Ham-Redeye Gravy
A classic Southern gravy featuring crispy country ham drippings blended with coffee and water, offering a rich, savory flavor perfect for breakfast or brunch served over ham slices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place ham slices in a cold cast-iron skillet.
- Cook over medium heat until fat is crisp, turning several times for even cooking.
- Remove ham to a warm platter.
- Pour excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- Stir sugar into the fat and meat drippings in the skillet.
- Add coffee and water; heat to boiling. Serve over ham slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use thick slices of country ham to ensure they stay juicy. If you don't have strong coffee, a dark roast or espresso will work well as a substitute. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the gravy for extra flavor. If you prefer a sweeter gravy, adjust the sugar to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Country Ham-Redeye Gravy over the ham slices with biscuits or cornbread on the side for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Pot O' Beans for a complete Southern experience. You could also add sautéed greens or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of water or coffee to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Ham-Redeye Gravy contains roughly 232 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of ham for this recipe?
While country ham is traditional for its bold flavor, you can use other types of ham, like smoked or spiral-cut ham. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since they may not require as long to crisp up.
What if I don't drink coffee?
If you prefer not to use coffee, you can substitute it with strong brewed tea or a mix of beef broth and a little soy sauce for a savory flavor. This will alter the taste slightly, but it will still create a delicious gravy.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the meal more substantial, consider serving it with fried eggs or over grits. Another Breakfast Casserole would also complement the flavors nicely, creating a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).