Red Eye Gravy A Southern Staple Done Right
Red Eye Gravy A Southern Staple Done Right
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever had a morning that needed a serious kick? I know I have! That’s when I reach for this Red Eye Gravy recipe easy .
This Southern gravy recipe brings a bold flavor you won't forget, a rich coffee gravy , balanced by the salty kick of bacon and ham.
Brief Overview
How To Make Red Eye Gravy , originated from the South. It’s a way to use leftover drippings. This ham gravy recipe is super easy.
It takes about 15 minutes total. This recipe yields 4 servings.
Main Benefits
This breakfast gravy recipe is a great way to start your day! It’s packed with flavor. It brings comfort to any meal.
What makes this redeye gravy special is the unexpected coffee. It perfectly complements the smoky bacon.
Right then, let's talk ingredients. We'll need about 4 slices of bacon. About 2 tablespoons of bacon fat are also necessary.
You know, the good stuff left in the pan! Don't forget 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. And 1 ½ cups of strong black coffee is what gives it that awesome kick.
We'll also need ½ cup of water, ½ teaspoon of black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes. And lastly, a little salt, to taste.
Now, for the equipment we'll need. You'll need a big skillet (preferably cast iron). You'll also need a whisk. Honestly, my cast iron skillet is like my best mate in the kitchen.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started
Right, so how to make red eye gravy? It's simpler than you think. This Southern gravy recipe is all about using what you've got. The key is in the coffee.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, it's not rocket science.
- Bacon: 4 slices, thick-cut. That's about 115g . Seriously, get the good stuff.
- Bacon Fat: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml ), reserved. This is liquid gold, people.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ( 25g ). For thickening.
- Coffee: 1 ½ cups strong black coffee ( 355ml ). Strong. We're talking proper coffee here.
- Water/Broth: ½ cup ( 120ml ). Chicken broth adds a little somethin' somethin'.
- Pepper: ½ teaspoon black pepper ( 2.5ml ). Freshly ground, if you're fancy.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch. Optional, for a little kick.
- Salt: To taste. Be careful, bacon's already salty.
Quality bacon makes a huge difference in the flavour of the ham gravy recipe . Seriously, the cheap stuff just won't cut it.
Seasoning Notes
Forget fancy spices. This is down-home cooking.
- Essential spice combinations : Just pepper and salt, really.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics : That strong coffee does all the work! A pinch of red pepper flakes is good if you like a bit of heat.
- Quick substitution options : Not much to sub here. It's simple. If you don't have coffee, well... you're not making coffee gravy .
My nan used to make this redeye gravy every Sunday. Honestly, the smell of the coffee and bacon frying is pure nostalgia. That's how to make red eye gravy the right way.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple.
- Large Skillet: Cast iron preferred. This Southern Gravy Recipe works best in a cast iron skillet.
- Whisk: To avoid lumps. Trust me, you don't want lumpy gravy.
Common household alternatives: Don't have a whisk? Fork will do in a pinch.
Honestly, this bacon gravy recipe is so easy. It will become your breakfast gravy recipe or grits gravy . You'll be showing off your red eye gravy recipe easy to all your mates in no time!
How To Make Red Eye Gravy: Southern Comfort in Minutes
Oh my gosh, let's talk about Red Eye Gravy . This isn't your average gravy. It's got sass, it's got soul, and it's definitely got caffeine! Ever wondered how to make red eye that tastes like it came straight from a Southern grandma's kitchen? Well, buckle up!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
Alright, listen up. Having your stuff ready before you start is key. It's called mise en place, and it's how chefs keep their sanity.
Get your 4 slices of bacon chopped. Measure out the 2 tablespoons of flour , 1 ½ cups of strong black coffee , and ½ cup of water .
Trust me, this little bit of prep saves a world of stress.
The Red Eye Gravy Recipe Easy Step-by-Step
Here's how to nail this coffee gravy , proper Southern style.
- Fry the Bacon: Cook 4 slices of bacon in your skillet over medium heat until crispy. Pull the bacon out, but save that beautiful bacon fat!
- Make the Roux: Turn the heat to medium-low. Add 2 tablespoons bacon fat and 2 tablespoons flour to the pan. Whisk until it's a light golden brown (1- 2 minutes) . Watch it like a hawk so it doesn't burn!
- Add the Coffee and Water: Slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups of coffee and ½ cup of water . Keep whisking like your life depends on it to avoid lumps.
- Simmer and Season: Stir in ½ teaspoon of black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling sassy. Simmer for 5 minutes , letting all those flavors get friendly.
- Taste and Adjust: Season to taste with salt. Remember, the bacon is already salty, so go easy! Stir in the crumbled bacon.
Redeye Gravy Pro Tips from Your Pal
Here are a couple of things I've learned from making this a bazillion times. First, use strong coffee. Like, the kind that'll wake you up just by smelling it.
Second, don't be shy with the salt. Red Eye Gravy loves salt. And lastly, you can totally make this ahead.
Just keep it in the fridge and reheat it gently. It might even taste better the next day!
Honestly, this gravy is fantastic over biscuits, grits, or even just a fried egg. I once even put it on some toast – don't judge me! Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out! You will be a home cook ready to tackle a bacon gravy recipe.
Recipe Notes For Your Kick-Ass Red Eye Gravy
Okay, so you are ready to dive into this Southern classic. Awesome! But before you do, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to make sure your Red Eye Gravy is absolutely banging.
This isn't just any Coffee Gravy , it's your Red Eye Gravy.
Serving Suggestions: Gettin' Fancy (or Not!)
Right, let's talk presentation. Plating is key, even for Southern Gravy Recipe like this. Drizzle your Red Eye Gravy artfully over some fluffy buttermilk biscuits.
Or go full-on Southern comfort and smother a bowl of creamy grits with it. And, honestly, nothing beats a fried egg swimming in this stuff with some crispy bacon alongside.
For drinks, sweet tea is the classic choice. But I reckon a cold beer works a treat too, especially with a bit of spice.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Honestly, Redeye Gravy is best served fresh. But if you've got leftovers, no worries. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure it cools down completely before you refrigerate it. I don't recommend freezing it, the texture can go a bit weird.
For reheating, just gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or coffee.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Want to put your own spin on this Ham Gravy Recipe ? Go for it! If you want to cut some carbs, skip the biscuits and serve it over cauliflower mash.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce. Or, if you're feeling particularly decadent, crumble some blue cheese over the top just before serving.
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Up!
Okay, let's be real. This isn't exactly health food. But a little bit of Red Eye Gravy can go a long way.
It's got some protein from the bacon, and the coffee might give you a little energy boost. Sodium can vary greatly.
This depends on how salty your bacon is, so go easy when adding salt. It's all about balance, innit?
The Home Stretch
So, there you have it! Everything you need to How To Make Red Eye Gravy like a pro. Don't be afraid to experiment and tweak it to your liking.
It's all about having fun in the kitchen. Now get out there and make some magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, spill the tea! What is Red Eye Gravy, anyway? I've never heard of it!
Red Eye Gravy is a Southern US gravy made from the drippings of fried ham or bacon and coffee. It gets its name from the reddish oil that floats on the surface, resembling a bloodshot eye. It's a staple in Southern cooking, often served with grits, biscuits, or ham, for a savoury and comforting treat.
Okay, I'm intrigued. But is it actually easy to make? I'm no Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen.
Absolutely! This recipe is super easy. As the article says: if you can fry bacon, you can make Red Eye Gravy. It's all about the simple technique of creating a roux (the fat and flour mixture), adding the coffee, and letting it simmer. It's a real "bang for your buck" kind of recipe!
Can I tweak the recipe to my liking? Like, what if I want a bit more oomph?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick. You can also adjust the amount of coffee for a stronger or milder flavor – just remember that strong coffee is key to a good red eye gravy!
I'm all about meal prepping. How long will Red Eye Gravy last, and what's the best way to store it?
Red Eye Gravy is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or coffee to thin it out, as it tends to thicken as it cools. Give it a good stir while reheating to ensure it's smooth and lump-free.
Is there a way to make this gravy a bit healthier? It sounds delicious, but also like a heart attack waiting to happen!
You can definitely make some adjustments! Using leaner bacon and blotting off excess fat after cooking will help. You could also use a little less bacon fat when making the roux, supplementing with a touch of olive oil. While it's never going to be "health food," these small changes can make it a bit lighter. Also keep the portion size reasonable.
Right, I'm sold! So, tell me, how to make red eye gravy that really impresses my mates?
The secret is in the details! Use really good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor. Don't skimp on the coffee – a strong, dark roast is crucial. And most importantly, taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. A little salt and pepper can go a long way! Serving it with freshly baked biscuits will also win you major brownie points!
