What Is the Secret Ingredient for Good Gravy?

The secret ingredient for exceptional gravy is pan drippings . These flavorful juices, rendered during the cooking of ham, contain a concentrated mix of fat , seasonings , and umami-rich browned bits. Incorporating these drippings into your gravy adds depth and a smoky, savory flavor that’s hard to replicate. Other "secret" ingredients include: Worcestershire sauce for complexity. A splash of coffee or wine for richness. Heavy cream or butter for a velvety texture. These small additions can transform ordinary ham gravy into a dish bursting with flavor. What Can I Do With the Liquid From a Ham? The liquid from a ham is a treasure trove of flavor and shouldn’t go to waste. Here are several ways to use it: Ham Gravy : Use the liquid as the base for your gravy by incorporating flour or cornstarch for thickening. Soup or Stew : Add it to soups, such as split pea or bean soup, to infuse them with a smoky depth. Cooking Vegetables : Simmer green beans, collard greens, or potatoes in the liquid for extra flavor. Rice or Grains : Replace water or stock with ham liquid when cooking rice, quinoa, or couscous. Freeze for Later : Store the liquid in small portions and freeze it to use in future recipes. Repurposing ham drippings ensures you maximize flavor and avoid waste in your kitchen.

What Makes Gravy More Tasty?

Several tips can help you create a more flavorful gravy: Use Ham Drippings : These drippings add a smoky, savory base to the gravy. Deglaze the Pan : Loosen the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan with broth, wine, or coffee. These bits are packed with flavor. Enhance Seasonings : Taste as you go and adjust with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. For a bold twist, try a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper. Incorporate Aromatics : Sauté onions or garlic in the drippings before making the roux. This adds complexity and a richer taste. Use Quality Liquids : Replace water with chicken stock, vegetable broth, or even milk for more depth. Finish with Butter or Cream : Stirring in butter or cream at the end creates a silky, luxurious finish. Experimenting with these techniques and ingredients will make your ham gravy more delicious and memorable.

How to Make Ham Gravy Less Salty?

If your ham gravy is too salty, don’t panic—there are several ways to fix it: Dilute It : Add unsalted broth, water, or cream to the gravy. This will balance out the saltiness without sacrificing flavor. Add a Sweet Element : Stir in a small amount of sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Sweetness counteracts saltiness effectively, but don’t overdo it. Include Potatoes : Simmer peeled potato slices in the gravy for 10–15 minutes. Potatoes absorb excess salt and can be removed before serving. Incorporate Starch : Adding a slurry made with cornstarch or flour can tone down the salty flavor while thickening the gravy. Balance with Acid : A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can neutralize the salty taste, but use sparingly to avoid altering the flavor too much. By using these methods, you can salvage overly salty gravy and still serve a delicious meal.

Ham Gravy Recipe: Master the Perfect Ham Gravy Step by Step

Name: Ham Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1/4 cup ham drippings (strained); 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free); 2–3 cups liquid (water, chicken stock, or milk); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream or butter for extra richness; Optional: A splash of Worcestershire sauce

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup ham drippings (strained)
2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
2–3 cups liquid (water, chicken stock, or milk)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon heavy cream or butter for extra richness
Optional: A splash of Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Collect and Prepare Drippings
- After cooking ham, strain the drippings to remove impurities and skim excess fat. Deglaze the pan with water or broth to collect all the flavorful bits.
Heat the Drippings
- Pour the prepared drippings into a skillet or saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Create a Roux
- Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free) into the drippings. Whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
Incorporate the Liquid
- Gradually pour in 2–3 cups of liquid while whisking. Let the mixture thicken slightly before adding more liquid to achieve your desired consistency.
Season and Simmer
- Add salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings like Worcestershire sauce. Lower the heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Final Adjustments
- If too thick, add more liquid. If too thin, simmer longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe Notes:

Use gluten-free cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
For a creamy gravy, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or butter toward the end of cooking.
Southern red eye gravy can be made by adding black coffee to the drippings instead of water or broth.

Variations:

Southern Red Eye Gravy: Add black coffee and a pinch of sugar to the drippings.
Creamy Ham Gravy: Use milk or heavy cream as the liquid and add butter.
Gluten-Free Ham Gravy: Use cornstarch as the thickener instead of flour.

Serving Suggestions:

Pour over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or rice.
Use as a sauce for vegetables or proteins like fried chicken or pork chops.

Author: Heston
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food

Keywords: Ham gravy recipe, ham drippings gravy, Southern gravy, easy ham gravy