Authentic Red Eye Gravy

Whip up authentic red eye gravy recipe, Southern style! This easy black gravy recipe uses ham drippings & coffee for a savory sauce perfect over biscuits. Get the family recipe!

Recipe Introduction: Red Eye Gravy, Y'all!

Ever stare into your pan after frying ham and think, "there's gotta be something more i can do with these drippings?" well, darlin', you're in the right place.

We're diving headfirst into a red eye gravy recipe that'll make you wanna slap yo' mama... in a good way, of course!

This ain't just any gravy, mind you. this is red eye gravy southern soul food! it's a classic black gravy recipe that's been passed down through generations.

It originated in the south, probably as a way to use every last bit of that precious ham. think of it as southern frugality at its finest, transformed into something truly delicious.

This redeye gravy recipe is seriously easy. seriously! we're talking less than ten minutes easy. this recipe makes enough to generously drizzle over biscuits for two or three folks, maybe even four if you're all polite.

Why This Red Eye Gravy Recipe Rocks

Honestly, this ham and red eye gravy is amazing. it's salty and savory, and that hint of coffee just wakes you up .

The perfect thing to pair with your eggs benedict on a sunday morning. speaking of benefits, and what the user is looking for when they use this keyword, think of this as a serious sodium boost after a heavy night out and if that is not enough, the slight caffeine is there to bring you back to life.

It's also the kind of thing that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Reminds you of simpler times, you know? Plus, it's a killer way to impress your friends.

Now, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this Southern comfort in a pan.

Alright, let's talk ingredients, sugar. This Red Eye Gravy Recipe is so simple, it's almost embarrassing. But trust me, simple doesn't mean boring. We're going for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, okay?

The Nitty-Gritty: Ingredients for Your Red Eye Gravy Recipe Easy

Main Ingredients

• Ham Drippings : 2 tablespoons (30ml). Listen, this is key . We're talking the leftover goodness from frying your country ham. If you don't have that, well... you'll need to fry some ham! Just a little bit of the drippings is what you need to make the black gravy recipe
• Strong Coffee : 1 cup (240ml). This ain't the time for weak coffee, babe. Think dark roast, brewed strong. The Red Eye Gravy Recipe Coffee needs a real kick.
• Butter : 1 tablespoon (14g) (Optional). Honestly, I usually add it. Makes it richer.

Quality? for the ham, look for country ham with a good cure. it’ll have a nice salty tang. the coffee? use whatever you love.

Just make it strong! we are talking about sauces and gravies so the quality matters

Seasoning Notes

Okay, spices are minimal here. It’s all about that ham and coffee combo.

• Essential: Black pepper is nice. A pinch is all you need.
• Flavor Enhancers: Honestly, the ham and coffee do the work.
• Substitutions: None, really! Unless you wanna get wild and add a tiny bit of red pepper flakes for heat. But I didn't tell you that. People use Homemade Tomato Gravy in replacement, but I find the taste different. We are not doing any Biscuits and Tomato Gravy Recipe here.

Equipment Needed

Seriously, this is easy stuff.

• Skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal. Makes the Red Eyed Gravy Recipe taste better. But any heavy-bottomed skillet will do.
• Measuring spoons and cups : For getting those measurements right.
• Whisk or spoon : To stir things up.

Household Alternatives? If you don't have a whisk, a fork works. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Honestly, this redeye gravy recipe is so forgiving, it's almost impossible to mess up. just keep an eye on the heat and you'll be golden.

My granny always said this red eye gravy southern recipe was the cure for anything. maybe she was right! especially when served with ham and red eye gravy

Alright y'all, let's get cookin'! today we're tackling a real southern gem: authentic red eye gravy . this ain't your fancy-schmancy gravy; it's a simple, honest-to-goodness sauce that'll make your biscuits sing.

Trust me, this red eye gravy recipe easy is so easy, even your granddad could whip it up!

Prep: Let's Get Organized!

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. honestly, there's not much to it. we're talking about measuring out 2 tablespoons of those glorious ham drippings – that's the stuff leftover from frying your country ham, y'all! then measure 1 cup of strong, brewed coffee, y'hear? got it? optional, if you are feeling fancy you can add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.

Lastly, a pinch of black pepper. boom! you're ready.

Pro Tip: Use a mug for the coffee and a tiny bowl for the pepper so it's all within arms reach.

Red Eye Gravy Recipe : Step-by-Step

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty, y'all! This Red Eye Gravy recipe coffee edition is so quick, you'll be lickin' your plate clean in no time!

1. Fry your country ham slices. Save 2 tablespoons of the drippings .
2. Over medium heat, pour in that cup of strong coffee. Careful, it might splutter!
3. Simmer for 5- 7 minutes , until the gravy has thickened.
4. Take it off the heat. Now stir in that butter (if you're using it) until it melts.
5. Season with pepper, and a little salt. Remember, those drippings are already salty!

Red Eye Gravy Southern : Pro Tips and Tricks

Now, here's where the magic happens, the key is the quality of the coffee, use a good one.

• Don't Burn It : Burnt drippings taste awful. Keep the heat at medium.
• Less is more here. Remember, you can add salt later.
• The Secret Ingredient : A little touch of time and affection goes a long way!

And if you feel like really livin' large you can turn it into a Black Gravy Recipe by adding more coffee!

Honestly, folks, that's all there is to it! this red eyed gravy recipe is a testament to simple, delicious southern cooking.

It is best if you eat it as soon as you are finished with it. i can assure you that if you are having a bad day, this will comfort you.

Serve this Ham And Red Eye Gravy over biscuits, grits, or even fried green tomatoes. It's the perfect sauces and gravies to start your day or end a night, y'all!

Alright, let's talk about making the best ever red eye gravy recipe ! it's not just about the recipe itself.

It's about how you serve it and what you do with those delicious leftovers.

Recipe Notes

So, you’ve nailed the red eye gravy recipe easy . now what? let's chat about serving, storing, and even tweaking it a bit.

This isn't just any gravy; it’s pure southern soul food, and ham and red eye gravy are a match made in heaven.

Serving Suggestions: Dress it Up!

Okay, presentation matters. think about how you can take your redeye gravy recipe from "meh" to "omg!". first off, warm those plates! seriously, it makes a difference.

Ladle that glorious black gravy recipe – yep, that's what some folks call it – over freshly split biscuits. now, don't be shy.

A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top? chef's kiss!

For sides, honestly, you can't go wrong with creamy grits. or, if you're feeling fancy, try it as a dipping sauce for fried green tomatoes.

Trust me, it's a game-changer! for drinks, sweet tea is the obvious choice. but a strong, black coffee works wonders too, especially considering this is a red eye gravy recipe coffee .

Storage Tips: Making it Last

Leftover red eye gravy recipe southern ? lucky you! in the fridge, it'll keep for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Honestly, though, it's best fresh. freezing isn't really recommended. the texture can get a bit weird.

Reheating? easy peasy! just gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. you might need to add a splash of water or coffee if it's thickened up too much.

Don't boil it, though! you'll lose that beautiful gravy from ham drippings flavor.

Variations: Let's Get Creative

Want to put your own spin on things? i get it! for a dietary adaptation , you could try using turkey bacon drippings instead of ham.

It's a little lighter, but still tasty. though not really a dietary adaptation, you could swap the coffee. in a pinch, you can use strong brewed tea as a substitute for coffee, but the flavour will be different.

For a Seasonal Twist , during the summer, a chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor works wonders.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness

Alright, let's be real. this isn't exactly health food. but it's not terrible either! you get some protein from the ham drippings, and coffee has antioxidants, right? sodium is definitely high, so go easy on the salt when you're cooking.

And remember, everything in moderation!

Final Thoughts

Look, sauces and gravies like this are all about comfort. don't overthink it. just have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process.

And hey, if your redeyed gravy recipe isn't perfect the first time, who cares? keep practicing. share it with friends and family.

That's what it's all about! making homemade biscuits and tomato gravy recipe , tomatoes gravy recipe , and tomato roux sauce is not the same, but they are as enjoyable! so get out there and try some new homemade tomato gravy recipes , easy tomato gravy recipe , easy tomato gravy , homemade tomato gravy , southern tomato gravy , tomato gravy recipe southern easy !

Frequently Asked Questions

What is red eye gravy? I've heard about it, but what's the deal?

Red Eye Gravy is a classic Southern gravy made from pan drippings (usually ham), coffee, and sometimes a touch of butter. It's got a savory, salty flavor that's just perfect for dunking biscuits in or drizzling over grits. Think of it as Southern comfort food at its finest, like a warm hug from Granny!

Why is it called "red eye" gravy? That's a bit strange, innit?

There are a couple of theories! Some say the name comes from the thin layer of oil that separates on top of the gravy, resembling a red eye. Others believe it refers to the "red eye" one might get from staying up all night, or from being woken up early to make this delicious gravy. Whatever the reason, the name is as unique as the gravy itself!

Can I make this red eye gravy recipe ahead of time?

Red Eye Gravy is best served fresh, right after you make it. It tends to lose its luster and the flavors can become a bit muddled if it sits for too long. If you absolutely need to prep, you can fry the ham and reserve the drippings, and brew the coffee in advance. Just combine them and make the gravy right before serving for the best flavour, yeah?

My red eye gravy recipe turned out too salty! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

Country ham is naturally quite salty, so the drippings can easily make the gravy too salty. The best way to avoid this is to taste the gravy before adding any extra salt. If it's already too salty, try adding a splash of water or unsalted coffee to dilute it. A tiny bit of butter or a pinch of sugar can also help balance the flavors. Failing that, serve it with something that will soak it up, like grits or mashed potato.

I don't have country ham. Can I still make this red eye gravy recipe?

Absolutely! While country ham drippings are traditional, you can use drippings from other types of ham or even bacon. The flavour profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious. You could even use oil but you won't get the same umami flavor and you will need to supplement it with smoked salt or liquid smoke. A drizzle of maple syrup will balance the flavours, too.

What's the best way to store leftover red eye gravy, if I have any?

If you happen to have any leftover red eye gravy (unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of coffee or water to thin it out as it can thicken up in the fridge. Give it a good whisk before serving.

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