Ham Gravy Recipe: A Flavorful Way to Elevate Your Ham Dinner

There’s something special about pairing a hearty ham dinner with a rich, flavorful gravy. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply enjoying a comforting family meal, this ham gravy recipe is sure to impress. The savory goodness of ham drippings combines with a simple roux to create a smooth, creamy gravy that’s perfect for drizzling over your ham, mashed potatoes, or even biscuits.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making the best ham gravy—from gathering your ingredients to serving it up in style. You’ll also learn how to adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. Let’s dive in!

What is Ham Gravy?

Ham gravy is a flavorful sauce made primarily from the drippings of a cooked ham, which infuses the gravy with a rich, savory taste. It’s often made with a basic roux (butter and flour) and then enriched with ingredients like milk, half-and-half, or cream. The key to a good ham gravy is using the drippings, which are packed with flavor from the ham.

Why Should You Make Ham Gravy?

If you’ve ever had a perfectly glazed ham with a side of gravy, you know how well the flavors work together. Here are some reasons why you should make ham gravy from drippings:

• Enhanced Flavor: The drippings contain concentrated flavors from the ham, which is the base of the gravy.
• Easy to Make: Ham gravy is quick and simple to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for Leftovers: It’s a great way to use up leftover ham drippings after a big holiday meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best ham gravy, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

Ingredient	Purpose
Butter	Base of the roux, adds richness and depth to the flavor.
All-purpose flour	Thickens the gravy, creating the perfect consistency.
Ham drippings	The star of the show! Adds savory, meaty flavor to the gravy.
Half-and-half	For a creamy texture, but you can substitute with milk or heavy cream for a richer version.
Salt & Pepper	For seasoning—adjust to taste.

Optional Add-ins:

• Bacon grease: If you have some on hand, it adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Cornstarch: An alternative thickener to flour, useful for gluten-free versions.

How to Make Ham Gravy?

Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious ham gravy. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you might think!

1. Create a Roux: Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and create a golden roux.
2. Add the Ham Drippings: Slowly pour in 2 cups of ham drippings while whisking continuously. Pouring slowly helps prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes smooth.
3. Add Creaminess: Stir in 1/4 cup of half-and-half (or cream if you want it extra creamy). Continue whisking until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Simmer: Let the gravy simmer on low for 3–5 minutes to allow it to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning.
5. Serve: Once your gravy is thick and smooth, transfer it to a gravy boat or serving dish. Serve it alongside your ham, mashed potatoes, or any dish that could use a flavorful sauce!

Tips for Perfect Ham Gravy

• Watch the Roux: Ensure the roux is cooked to a golden color before adding the ham drippings. A pale roux will leave the gravy with a raw flour taste, while a dark roux adds more depth and richness.
• Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add more half-and-half (or milk). If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
• No Drippings? No Problem: If you don’t have enough ham drippings, you can substitute with ham broth or even a quality chicken broth to get the savory flavor you need.

Variations of Ham Gravy

While the classic ham gravy is delicious, you can customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Ham Gravy: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy. Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 2 tablespoons of flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk, in place of the half-and-half. Ensure your drippings are free of dairy, or opt for a ham broth.
• Spicy Ham Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your gravy a bit of a kick.

How to Serve Ham Gravy

Ham gravy isn’t just for ham! Here are some great serving suggestions:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, ham gravy adds flavor and richness to creamy mashed potatoes.
• With Biscuits: Drizzle over freshly baked biscuits for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
• On Ham Sandwiches: Leftover ham sandwiches are taken to the next level with a drizzle of this gravy.
• Over Rice: Perfect with a side of rice for a hearty meal.

What to Serve With Ham Gravy

Here are some side dish ideas that pair perfectly with ham and gravy:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a great side to balance the richness of the ham and gravy.
• Casseroles: Serve with creamy casseroles like macaroni and cheese or sweet potato casserole.
• Salads: Lighten up the meal with a crisp green salad or coleslaw.

Final Thoughts

Making ham gravy is a great way to use up the flavorful drippings from your ham. This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for any ham dinner. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or just a regular family meal, this gravy will bring your dish to the next level. The best part? It’s versatile, so you can customize it based on your dietary preferences.

So, next time you cook a ham, don’t forget to save those drippings and make this easy, creamy ham gravy. Your guests will be asking for seconds!