Delicious Ham Gravy Recipe

Growing up in my family’s Southern kitchen, I learned a big secret. The secret to an unforgettable holiday meal isn’t just the main dish. It’s the incredible ham gravy that brings everything together. My grandmother’s easy ham gravy recipe has been a treasured tradition. It transforms an ordinary ham into a culinary masterpiece.

This ham gravy recipe is more than just a sauce. It’s a labor of love that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. With only four simple ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful gravy. Your family will ask for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a Sunday roast or a holiday feast, this easy ham gravy will make your meal spectacular.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and simple ham gravy recipe (15 minutes total preparation)
• Only 4 essential ingredients needed
• Perfect complement to roasted ham
• Low-calorie option with just 62 calories per serving
• Versatile sauce that enhances multiple dishes

Ingredients for Ham Gravy

Making a tasty homemade ham gravy starts with picking the right ingredients. My love for cooking shows me that quality matters a lot. It makes a big difference in making a great ham gravy recipe.

Let’s explore the key ingredients for ham gravy. These ingredients turn a simple meal into something amazing. A good gravy starts with a few important parts that mix well together.

Essential Ingredients for Flavor

• Ham drippings (2 cups)
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons)
• Whole milk or heavy cream (1/4 cup)
• Unsalted stock (1 cup)

Optional Ingredients to Enhance Taste

Adding a few extra ingredients can make your homemade ham gravy even better. I enjoy trying new flavors to make my gravy stand out.

This ham gravy recipe is very flexible. You can change the ingredients to fit your taste, making each batch special.

Pro tip: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best homemade ham gravy flavor.

Cooking Method

Making creamy ham gravy is an art that turns a simple meal into a feast. I’ll guide you through making ham gravy that will wow your family and friends. The secret is to make a smooth, tasty sauce that goes well with your ham.

Step-by-Step Gravy Preparation

Here’s how to make delicious ham gravy in easy steps:

1. Start by melting ¼ cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat
2. Gradually whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to create a smooth roux
3. Cook the roux for about 1 minute, stirring constantly
4. Slowly add ¾ to 1 cup of ham drippings while whisking
5. Pour in 1 cup of whole milk and keep whisking
6. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the gravy is the right thickness

Tips for Perfect Gravy Consistency

To get the perfect creamy ham gravy, use a few tricks. Use a whisk to prevent lumps and keep stirring. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon just right.

Pro tip: If your gravy is too thick, add a bit more ham drippings or milk. If it’s too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water and stir it in slowly.

A homemade gravy takes just 10 minutes to make and makes about 2 cups. Each serving has about 47 calories. By following these steps, you’ll make a creamy ham gravy that makes your meal special.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing southern ham gravy with the right dishes can make any meal special. I’ve found amazing ways to highlight this holiday ham gravy at your dinner table.

My top picks for southern ham gravy pairings include classic comfort foods. These dishes will make your guests very happy. Here are some great options:

• Creamy mashed potatoes: The perfect base for rich gravy
• Green bean casserole: A traditional side that gravy takes to the next level
• Sweet potato casserole: Adds depth to this beloved holiday dish
• Roasted vegetables: Brings out their flavor with a good gravy drizzle

Classic Southern Side Dishes

In the South, we know how to pair side dishes with holiday ham gravy. I love serving corn pudding with my gravy. It creates a perfect mix of flavors that screams comfort and tradition.

Unexpected Gravy Companions

Don’t stick to just traditional sides! Try your holiday ham gravy on cornbread, biscuits, or as a dipping sauce for crispy rolls. This gravy’s versatility will amaze and please your dinner guests.

Pro tip: A little southern ham gravy can turn even the simplest side dish into a memorable meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect easy ham gravy can be tricky. Even experienced cooks can make mistakes. A few simple errors can ruin your delicious ham gravy recipe.

Preventing Overcooking Disasters

Overcooking can ruin a great ham gravy. It can make the gravy too thick, taste burnt, or even form a skin. The solution is to cook slowly and carefully.

Use low heat and stir constantly. This keeps the gravy smooth and silky.

Ingredient Quality Matters

The quality of your ingredients affects your ham gravy’s taste. Cheap or low-quality ingredients can make a big difference. Here are some tips for choosing the right ingredients:

• Use fresh, high-quality ham drippings
• Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels
• Select fresh herbs and seasonings

“The difference between good and great gravy is in the details of your ingredients.” – Culinary Wisdom

By focusing on these important details, you can make your easy ham gravy truly special. Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get!

Storing Leftover Ham Gravy

After making your homemade ham gravy, it’s important to know how to store it. This way, you can enjoy it for days. It’s actually quite simple!

To store your homemade ham gravy, follow a few key steps. You’ll need an airtight container and to keep it at the right temperature. Here’s what I suggest:

• Refrigerator storage: Keep leftover ham gravy in a sealed container
• Maximum refrigeration time: 3-4 days
• Freezer storage: Up to 4-6 months

Best Practices for Refrigeration

Here’s how to refrigerate your leftover ham gravy:

1. Cool the gravy completely before storing
2. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid
3. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator
4. Label the container with the date of preparation

How to Reheat Ham Gravy

When reheating leftover ham gravy, be gentle to keep it smooth. I suggest a low and slow approach:

• Use a saucepan on low heat
• Stir frequently to prevent scorching
• Add a splash of milk or water if the gravy seems too thick
• Heat until warm throughout, typically 3-5 minutes

Pro tip: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and texture issues.

Variations of Ham Gravy

Creating delicious southern ham gravy is fun and easy. I love trying new flavors to keep things exciting. The beauty of creamy ham gravy is that you can make it your own.

Let me share two amazing variations to take your ham gravy to the next level. Each one adds something special, making the sauce unforgettable.

Southern-Style Creamy Ham Gravy

In the South, we make gravy extra special. My southern ham gravy recipe is a twist on the classic. It uses full-fat dairy and a pinch of cayenne for a kick. Straining the drippings makes it smooth.

Mushroom Ham Gravy Twist

If you love earthy flavors, try this mushroom version. The secret is choosing the right to match the ham’s taste.

Sautéing mushrooms before adding them to the gravy makes a big difference. It brings out a rich, complex flavor that turns ordinary ham gravy into something amazing.

Delicious Ham Gravy Recipe

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• Author: Doria
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups

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Description

This Delicious Ham Gravy is a rich, savory sauce made from ham drippings, broth, and seasonings, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or roasted meats. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a comforting Southern-style meal, this easy gravy adds a deep, smoky flavor to any dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn leftover ham juices into a mouthwatering gravy in minutes!

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Ingredients

• ¼ cup ham drippings (or butter if drippings are unavailable)

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups chicken or ham broth

• ½ cup milk or heavy cream (optional for creamier gravy)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• Salt to taste (if needed)

• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra depth)

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the ham drippings. If using butter, melt it until slightly bubbly.

2. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a golden-brown roux.

3. Slowly pour in the broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

4. Add black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well.

5. Let the gravy simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

6. If using milk or heavy cream, stir it in and cook for another 2 minutes for a creamier texture.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt if necessary.

8. Remove from heat and serve hot over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or ham slices.

Notes

• If the gravy is too thick, add more broth to reach the desired consistency.

• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.

• This gravy pairs beautifully with leftover ham, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Sauces & Gravies
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: ¼ cup
• Calories: 80 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Ham gravy, homemade gravy, Southern-style gravy, ham drippings sauce, easy gravy recipe, holiday gravy

Serving Ideas

Discover new ways to use your ham gravy recipe beyond just holiday meals! I’ve found many creative uses for this tasty sauce. It can make everyday dishes more exciting.

• Drizzle over warm biscuits for a hearty breakfast
• Use as a rich topping for open-faced sandwiches
• Pour over roasted vegetables for extra flavor
• Serve alongside mashed potatoes

Elevating Everyday Meals

Ham gravy is incredibly versatile. I enjoy turning leftover gravy into quick meal upgrades. Try adding it to rice, using it as chicken sauce, or mixing it with pasta for a flavor boost.

Unique Culinary Combinations

Don’t stick to traditional ways of serving ham gravy. I’ve tried using it in unexpected dishes like:

1. Shepherd’s pie topping
2. Savory pot pie filling
3. Casserole moisture enhancer
4. Dipping sauce for appetizers

With just a few minutes of prep, your ham gravy can be a kitchen secret. It adds depth and richness to many recipes.

Healthier Alternatives

Creating tasty ham gravy doesn’t mean you have to give up on health. I’ve found ways to make homemade ham gravy that’s good for you without losing flavor.

Looking for healthier ham gravy options? There are many ways to make this classic dish better for your diet. My top tips help everyone enjoy a tasty sauce, no matter their dietary needs.

Low-Fat Gravy Options

Making ham gravy with less fat is easier than you think. Here are some tips:

• Use low-sodium broth as a base
• Replace butter with olive oil
• Skim excess fat from pan drippings
• Use lean ham trimmings

Gluten-Free Considerations

Want to make homemade ham gravy without gluten? Experts say cornstarch is a great flour.

Make a cornstarch slurry with 3 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. It’s a smooth, gluten-free thickener. Remember, always taste before adding salt, as broths can have different sodium levels.

Nutritional Insights

My gluten-free gravy recipe has some nutritional benefits per serving:

• Calories: 41 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 3g

Whether you’re watching your diet or need to accommodate dietary restrictions, these easy ham gravy alternatives show that tasty doesn’t have to be hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many home cooks wonder about making the perfect ham gravy. I’ve found that mastering this recipe is easier than it seems.

Thickening Your Gravy

Getting the right consistency in ham gravy is key. If it’s too thin, just simmer it for a bit longer. This will help it thicken naturally.

Another way to thicken it is by making a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Then, slowly whisk this into your gravy as it simmers.

Exploring Meat Variations

This ham gravy recipe is a staple of southern cooking. But you can also try it with beef, chicken, or pork. Each meat will give your gravy a unique taste.

The basic steps are the same, making this recipe versatile for any kitchen.