How to Make Red Eye Gravy: A Southern Staple for Your Kitchen Table

Red eye gravy. It’s a name that sparks curiosity and maybe even a little bit of confusion for those unfamiliar with this Southern delicacy. But trust me, once you’ve tasted this rich, savory gravy, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too.

Imagine this: You’re sitting down to a plate piled high with fluffy biscuits and perfectly cooked ham, and nestled right next to it is a steaming pitcher of red eye gravy. Its deep brown color hints at its bold, coffee-infused flavor, ready to elevate your meal to a whole new level of deliciousness. That’s the magic of red eye gravy. It’s simple, comforting, and bursting with Southern charm.

The What and the Why of Red Eye Gravy

Red eye gravy, also known as ham gravy or coffee gravy, is a Southern staple that originated in the American South. It gets its unique name from the way the coffee mingles with the ham drippings, creating reddish-brown swirls that resemble a sleepy eye.

This gravy is traditionally made with just three ingredients: pan drippings from fried country ham, strong black coffee, and a touch of black pepper. The saltiness of the ham, the bitterness of the coffee, and the subtle heat of the pepper come together to create a harmonious symphony of flavor that’s truly irresistible.

Why You Should Try Making Red Eye Gravy

• Simplicity: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this iconic gravy in minutes.
• Flavor Bomb: The unique blend of salty, savory, and slightly bitter notes creates a complex flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatility: While traditionally served with ham and biscuits, red eye gravy is surprisingly versatile. You can use it to add a Southern twist to everything from grits and mashed potatoes to fried chicken and even eggs.

The Ingredients: Simple Yet Essential

You’d be surprised how few ingredients you need to make this Southern classic. Here’s what to gather:

Main Ingredients:

• Pan Drippings from Fried Country Ham: This is the heart and soul of your gravy. Aim for about 1/2 cup of drippings.
• Strong Black Coffee: You want a coffee that’s bold and flavorful, as it will be diluted in the gravy. Freshly brewed is best, but strong leftover coffee will work in a pinch.

Seasoning:

• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A pinch or two to taste is all you need to add a subtle kick.

Optional Additions:

• Unsalted Butter: Adding a tablespoon or two of butter to the pan drippings will add richness and a velvety texture to your gravy.
• All-Purpose Flour: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a tablespoon of flour to the pan drippings before adding the coffee.

Red eye gravy ingredients

Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Red Eye Gravy

Making red eye gravy is incredibly easy. It’s all about bringing the ingredients together and letting them simmer to perfection.

1. Prepare Your Pan: After frying your country ham, carefully pour off all but about 1/2 cup of the drippings into a heatproof bowl.
2. Return to Heat: Place the pan with the remaining drippings back on the stovetop over medium heat.
3. Add the Coffee: Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of strong black coffee, whisking constantly to incorporate it into the drippings.
4. Simmer and Reduce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gravy has slightly thickened and reduced.
5. Season and Serve: Stir in a pinch or two of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Pour the gravy into a serving dish and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks from a Gravy Expert

Here are some insider tips to help you make the best red eye gravy:

• Don’t Skip the Scraping: As the gravy simmers, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to your gravy.
• Adjust the Coffee: If you prefer a milder coffee flavor, you can start with a 1:1 ratio of coffee to ham drippings and adjust to your liking.
• Temperature Control: Don’t let the gravy boil too aggressively, as this can make it bitter. Keep it at a gentle simmer for the best results.
• Storage: Red eye gravy is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

FAQs About Making Red Eye Gravy

• Can I Use a Different Type of Coffee? While strong black coffee is traditional, you can experiment with other types. Chicory coffee, for example, will add a unique earthy flavor.
• What if My Gravy is Too Thin? If your gravy isn’t thickening to your liking, you can create a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cold water and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour in a small bowl. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Can I Make Red Eye Gravy Without Ham Drippings? If you don’t have ham drippings on hand, you can substitute them with bacon grease or butter, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. You can also find pre-made ham base or bouillon at most grocery stores, which can be used to add a ham flavor to your gravy.

Pouring coffee into pan to make red eye gravy

Serving Up Southern Hospitality: How to Enjoy Red Eye Gravy

Red eye gravy is traditionally served over biscuits alongside country ham, creating a true Southern breakfast classic. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few more serving suggestions:

• Breakfast of Champions: Drizzle it over cheesy grits, creamy scrambled eggs, or even a breakfast sandwich for a savory kick.
• Southern-Style Sides: Spoon it generously over mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or collard greens for a comforting side dish.
• Dinner Delight: Use it as a sauce for fried chicken, pork chops, or even baked chicken breasts for a burst of Southern flavor.

For a true taste of Southern cooking, try serving your red eye gravy with our recipe for Fried Turkey or Boiled Sausages.

Red eye gravy served with biscuits and ham

A Taste of Tradition, Ready for Your Table

Red eye gravy isn’t just a sauce; it’s an experience. It’s a taste of Southern history and hospitality, meant to be shared with loved ones around a table filled with good food and even better company. So why not give this classic recipe a try? You might just discover your new favorite gravy.