Red Eye Gravy

Rich, bold, and steeped in Southern tradition, Red Eye Gravy is the ultimate savory sauce to elevate your breakfast table. Made from the drippings of sizzling country ham and fortified with strong black coffee, this recipe delivers a robust depth of flavor that's unforgettable. A touch of butter and a smooth roux create a silky texture, while just the right blend of salt and pepper balances the dish perfectly. Ready in just 20 minutes, this classic gravy pairs beautifully with warm, flaky biscuits, creamy grits, or the same perfectly browned ham it’s cooked with. Packed with authentic flavor and a hint of nostalgia, Red Eye Gravy is a straightforward recipe that brings the taste of Southern comfort food to your home.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 slices Country ham
• 1 cup Black coffee
• 0.5 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon All-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the slices of country ham. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and the fat renders out into the skillet.

Step 2

Remove the ham from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet to serve as the base for the gravy.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the unsalted butter into the ham drippings, stirring to combine.

Step 4

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. Avoid letting it brown too much.

Step 5

Pour in the black coffee and water, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Allow the gravy to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and let the gravy cool slightly. Serve warm over fresh biscuits, grits, or alongside the cooked country ham.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	434.6 grams (434.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	213

Total Fat 16.70g	21%
Saturated Fat 8.70g	43%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 64mg	21%
Sodium 1392mg	61%
Total Carbohydrate 2.90g	1%
Dietary Fiber 0.20g	1%
Total Sugars 0.70g
Protein 13.90g	28%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 24mg	2%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 327mg	7%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.1%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 5.3%