Red-Eye Gravy

Name: Red-Eye Gravy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 8 oz country ham slices; 1/2 cup strong brewed black coffee; 1/2 cup water; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

A sharp, thin pan sauce made from country ham drippings and strong black coffee, a Southern tradition ladled over ham and grits for a deeply savory breakfast or supper.

15 minEasyServes 490 cal/serving

Southern AmericanSauceStovetopStandardLow CarbGluten-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

8 oz country ham slices
1/2 cup strong brewed black coffee
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

1

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz country ham slices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and the fat has rendered. Transfer the ham to a plate and keep warm.
2

With the skillet still over medium-high heat, pour in 1/2 cup strong brewed black coffee and 1/2 cup water. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon.
3

Let the liquid simmer vigorously for 4 to 5 minutes until it reduces slightly and the raw coffee aroma cooks off.
4

Remove from heat and swirl in 1 tbsp unsalted butter to give the gravy a little richness. Season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
5

Taste and adjust seasoning. Pour the gravy directly over the country ham slices and serve alongside grits or biscuits.

Questions

Can I make Red-Eye Gravy dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Red-Eye Gravy keep?

Refrigerated in a sealed jar, it keeps four to five days. Dairy sauces separate when frozen; reheat gently with a splash of milk instead of freezing.

Can I halve or double Red-Eye Gravy?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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