Best Ham Gravy Recipe: In 15 Minutes!
Why You'll Love This Ham Gravy Recipe
There's something incredibly comforting about a warm, savory ham gravy drizzled over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even a slice of ham. This ham gravy recipe is a cherished favorite in my family, often making an appearance during holiday feasts and Sunday dinners. The rich, smoky flavor of the ham base combined with a smooth, velvety texture makes it an irresistible addition to any meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, ensuring you can whip it up quickly without any fuss.
The Origins of Ham Gravy
The tradition of making ham gravy dates back to times when no part of the animal was wasted. In many Southern kitchens, the drippings from baked or roasted ham were used to create a flavorful gravy. This practice was both economical and delicious, as it allowed cooks to make the most out of their ingredients. Over time, recipes for ham gravy evolved, incorporating different techniques and additional ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture.
Benefits of Making Homemade Ham Gravy
Making your own ham gravy at home has numerous benefits. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option compared to store-bought versions that may contain preservatives and excessive sodium. Additionally, homemade ham gravy is a fantastic way to reduce food waste by utilizing the drippings from your cooked ham. It's also incredibly versatile – perfect for adding a burst of flavor to various dishes.
What Makes This Ham Gravy Recipe Special?
This particular ham gravy recipe stands out because of its simplicity and depth of flavor. Using a combination of the ham drippings, a bit of flour, and some stock, you can achieve a perfectly balanced gravy that’s neither too thick nor too thin. A touch of seasoning rounds out the flavor, making it a delightful accompaniment to your meals.
This old-fashioned ham gravy is incredibly easy to make. With just 4 ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can have a gravy boat full of deliciousness ready for every ham dinner. It’s creamy with the perfect consistency – thick enough to cling to the ham, yet thin enough to seep into all the grooves.
- 1 cup Ham drippings (collected from a baked or roasted ham)
- 2 All-purpose flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 2 Chicken or ham stock (preferably low sodium to control the saltiness)
- 2 Butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- A pinch of dried thyme or sage for added depth
- A splash of heavy cream for a creamier texture
- Collecting the Ham Drippings
After baking or roasting your ham, carefully pour the drippings from the pan into a heatproof bowl or measuring cup. Let the drippings sit for a few minutes to allow the fat to rise to the top. Skim off excess fat if desired, but leave some for added flavor.
- Making the Roux
Melt Butter (Optional): If you prefer a richer gravy, start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add Flour: Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter (or directly to the pan if not using butter). Whisk continuously to combine the flour and fat, creating a smooth paste. This is your roux, which will thicken the gravy. - Cooking the Roux
Continue to cook the roux, whisking constantly, for about 2-3 minutes. The roux should turn a light golden color, which helps cook out the raw flour taste and enhances the flavor of the gravy.
- Adding the Ham Drippings and Stock
Gradually Add Drippings: Slowly pour the ham drippings into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Add Stock: Gradually add the 2 cups of chicken or ham stock, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. - Simmering the Gravy
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Continue to whisk frequently as the gravy thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Seasoning the Gravy
Taste the gravy and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Be cautious with the salt, as the ham drippings and stock can already be quite salty. For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried thyme or sage. If you prefer a creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream.
- Serving the Gravy
Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Serve it hot over your favorite dishes like mashed potatoes, biscuits, or slices of ham.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 60kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4g7%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency: If your gravy turns out too thick, slowly incorporate more stock or water, adding a little at a time until you get the right consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken, or mix in a slurry of flour and water.
Enhancing Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. These simple additions can give your gravy a more complex and delicious taste.
Convenient Make-Ahead Tip: You can easily prepare the gravy in advance and reheat it gently on the stove when you're ready to serve. If it thickens too much during storage, just stir in a bit of stock or water to loosen it up.
Hi there! I’m Chef Elizabeth Gilbert, your go-to writer and culinary guide at easyrecipes.club. I’m absolutely passionate about exploring and sharing the rich flavors of world cuisine. From cozy comfort foods to exotic dishes that’ll transport your taste buds, I’ve got all the tips and tricks to help you whip up delicious meals with ease. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a kitchen pro, I’m here to make cooking fun and accessible for everyone. Let’s get cooking and create some mouthwatering dishes together!
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