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A classic Southern gravy made with just two essential ingredients: country ham drippings and strong black coffee. This savory, thin sauce is the perfect companion for country ham, grits, or fluffy biscuits.
For 4 servings
Render Fat from Ham
Deglaze the Skillet
Simmer and Finish
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A classic Southern gravy made with just two essential ingredients: country ham drippings and strong black coffee. This savory, thin sauce is the perfect companion for country ham, grits, or fluffy biscuits.
This southern recipe takes 10 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 80.82 calories per serving with 7.05g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Serve Immediately
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the black pepper for a spicy kick.
Whisk in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar or maple syrup at the end to balance the coffee's bitterness and the ham's saltiness.
Sauté 1 tablespoon of finely minced shallot in the ham drippings for a minute until softened before deglazing with the coffee.
The caffeine from the brewed coffee can help improve focus, concentration, and overall mental alertness, making it a classic breakfast eye-opener.
Coffee is a primary source of antioxidants in many diets. These compounds help combat oxidative stress in the body.
There are a few theories. The most popular one is that when the gravy settles, the fat forms a circle on top of the darker coffee liquid, resembling a red eye. Another theory suggests it was a morning 'eye-opener' due to the caffeine.
Red-Eye Gravy is a traditional, indulgent sauce. It is high in sodium due to the country ham drippings. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. On the plus side, it is relatively low in calories per serving.
A single 1/4 cup serving of Red-Eye Gravy contains approximately 80-95 calories, depending on the amount of fat rendered from the ham and if butter is added.
Country ham is very salty, so this can happen. You can try to dilute the gravy with a little more black coffee or a splash of water. A tiny pinch of sugar can also help balance the saltiness, but use it sparingly.
Traditional Red-Eye Gravy is made with salt-cured country ham. Using other types like city ham or black forest ham won't provide the same intensely salty and savory flavor base that is characteristic of this dish.
The ham drippings are essential for authentic flavor. However, in a pinch, you could use 2 tablespoons of bacon grease and a pinch of smoked salt to mimic the flavor, though it won't be the same.
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat until warm. The fat may separate upon chilling; just whisk it back together as it heats.