Ham Gravy
Ham gravy is that warm blanket of comfort food we all crave, particularly around the holidays or during chilly family gatherings. Smooth and rich, this sauce elevates simple dishes like mashed potatoes and biscuits to something truly special. It’s a humble recipe, yet it holds the power to transform your leftovers into a second act that sparks joy on any plate.
My journey with ham gravy began one chilly Thanksgiving when I found myself with leftover ham drippings that seemed too precious to waste. After a little experimentation in the kitchen, I discovered that a few basic ingredients could create a deeply flavorful sauce that hugged every morsel of food. Since then, this recipe has become a staple in my home—one that I’m excited to share with you! Whether you’re looking to spruce up breakfast or create a side that steals the show, this ham gravy is a simple, budget-friendly solution that’s sure to delight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: It only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish!
- Irresistible Flavor: The savory, smoky essence of the ham drippings gives it an unbeatable, robust flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A glossy finish makes everything it touches look gourmet.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for drenching over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or even a hearty breakfast!
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing ham drippings means you’re making the most out of your ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides richness and acts as the base for the gravy.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the gravy and gives it a nice smooth texture.
- 2 cups ham drippings: The star of the show; the flavor comes primarily from these leftovers. If you don’t have enough, add broth to reach the amount needed.
- Black pepper to taste: Enhances the savory flavor; feel free to adjust based on your personal spice preference.
How to Make Ham Gravy
Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Stir it gently for about a minute until it starts to foam—this means it’s ready to absorb the flour.
Whisk in the Flour: Gradually add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour while whisking continuously. Cook this mixture—often referred to as a roux—for about 2 minutes, until it’s smooth and lightly golden. You’ll notice a nutty aroma forming; that’s your cue!
Add the Ham Drippings: Slowly pour in the 2 cups of ham drippings while whisking steadily to avoid lumps. If you don’t have enough drippings, feel free to top it up with chicken or vegetable broth to reach the full amount.
Simmer & Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens to your liking. Finally, season with black pepper to taste—this adds the finishing touch!
Stirring continuously is key to ensuring that your ham gravy remains smooth and lump-free. You’ll see the sauce transform as it simmers, becoming thicker and more delicious by the moment.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. When refrigerating, place the gravy in an airtight container and enjoy it within 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally; you may need to add a splash of water or broth to restore its original luscious consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid scorching the butter by keeping the heat low and stirring continuously while adding flour.
- If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a bit more broth until the desired consistency is reached.
- For a creamier texture, consider stirring in ¼ cup of heavy cream right before serving.
- Don’t skip the black pepper; it enhances the savory experience. Feel free to experiment with other spices too!
- If you’re making this ahead of time, be aware it may thicken in the fridge. Just reheat and add a splash of liquid as needed to bring it back to life.
Creating ham gravy can be a delightful affair that transports you back to cherished family meals. It’s a small effort that yields a big impact, transforming simple dishes into something special. You can even tailor it to your preferences with additional herbs or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of drippings?
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
How can I add more flavor to my gravy?
Can I make ham gravy ahead of time?
More Dinner Recipes
- Chicken Fried Steak Fingers With Gravy
- Three Ingredient Chicken Gravy
- Chicken Fried Steak
- Boneless Chuck Roast
- Slow Roasted Turkey Breast
👉 If you make my Ham Gravy recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
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Ham Gravy
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This ham gravy features irresistible flavors with a simple five-minute prep. It pairs perfectly with various dishes, making it a great go-to for quick dinners or comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups ham drippings (add broth if needed to reach this amount)
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Whisk in the flour gradually, stirring continuously until smooth and lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the ham drippings slowly while whisking to prevent lumps. Add broth or water if necessary to total 2 cups of liquid.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring until thickened to your preference. Season with black pepper.
Notes
For a smoother gravy, ensure to whisk vigorously when adding liquid.
If you want a richer flavor, consider adding more ham drippings or a splash of cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
