Before we jump into this classic Southern breakfast, let me just say—thank you for being here. Truly. Sharing these old-fashioned, deeply loved recipes with you is one of my favorite things, and today’s dish is one that tastes like pure nostalgia on a plate. If you grew up with a cast-iron skillet popping on a Sunday morning, this recipe will feel like coming home.
And if you’d love comforting recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe—I’d be thrilled to cook alongside you more often!
What Is Country Ham & Red-Eye Gravy?
This is a true old-time Southern breakfast classic: salty, smoky slices of cured country ham fried until the edges crisp, then simmered in a punchy, savory gravy made from strong black coffee and skillet drippings. It’s simple, rustic, and wildly flavorful.
Red-eye gravy is unique—there’s nothing creamy or thick about it. Instead, it’s thin, bold, and deeply savory, perfect for spooning over hot biscuits or buttery grits.
The smell when this hits the skillet? Incredible!!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Southern flavor with almost no effort
- Ready in minutes—perfect for busy mornings
- Just a handful of ingredients
- Salty, smoky, and tangy—the ultimate comfort breakfast
- Pairs beautifully with biscuits, grits, or even eggs
- Uses tradition as the main seasoning!
What Does Country Ham & Red-Eye Gravy Taste Like?
The ham is salty, savory, and deeply rich—especially when those edges caramelize a little in the skillet. The gravy is thin but bursting with flavor: smoky, tangy, slightly bitter from the coffee, and full of those magical browned bits from the ham.
It’s bold. It’s rustic. It’s anything but boring!!
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- Takes less than 15 minutes
- Uses everyday pantry staples
- One of the easiest Southern dishes to master
- Perfect for holidays or weeknights
- Great with almost any Southern breakfast side
- No special equipment needed
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices country ham
- 1/2 cup strong black coffee
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
For Serving
- Hot biscuits or creamy grits
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
- Tongs
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Additions & Substitutions
Additions
- Brown sugar – adds a touch of sweetness
- A splash of apple cider vinegar – brightens the gravy
- Red pepper flakes – for a spicy kick
- Caramelized onions – stirred in for extra depth
Substitutions
- Instant coffee → Works fine in place of brewed coffee
- Country ham → Thick-cut smoked ham steak (less salty but still delicious)
- Butter → Bacon grease (for extra smokiness)
How to Make Country Ham & Red-Eye Gravy (Step-by-Step)
1. Fry the Country Ham
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ham slices and fry for several minutes on each side until nicely browned on the edges.
Remove ham and set aside—leaving all that flavorful drippings in the skillet!
2. Make the Gravy
Pour black coffee and water into the hot skillet.
Stir, scraping up all the browned bits (this is where the flavor hides!).
Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
3. Enrich (Optional)
Add butter for a richer gravy.
Season with a pinch of black pepper.
4. Warm the Ham
Return the ham slices to the skillet for a minute to heat through.
5. Serve
Plate the ham and spoon that smoky, tangy red-eye gravy over warm biscuits or creamy grits.
Simple, soulful, and oh-so-Southern.
What to Serve with Country Ham & Red-Eye Gravy
- Buttermilk biscuits (heavenly with gravy!)
- Stone-ground grits
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Sliced tomatoes
- Fried apples
- Hash browns
- Collard greens (yes—try it!)
Tips for the Best Results
- Use strong coffee—the bolder, the better.
- Don’t rinse the ham drippings—you want every bit of browned goodness.
- Taste before adding salt—country ham is naturally salty.
- Add butter if you want a smoother, rounder gravy.
- Serve immediately—red-eye gravy is best fresh from the skillet.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store ham and gravy up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet; add a splash of water if gravy reduced too much.
- Freezer: Not recommended—gravy texture changes too much.
General Information
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2–4
- Difficulty: Very easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “red-eye” gravy?
Because the coffee sometimes creates a reddish ring around the edges of the skillet—a “red eye.”
Is red-eye gravy supposed to be thick?
No! It’s thin, savory, and more broth-like than traditional gravy.
What kind of coffee works best?
Very strong black coffee—dark roast preferred.
Can I reduce the saltiness?
Yes—briefly soak the ham slices in water before cooking.
Can I add cream?
You can, but then it’s no longer traditional red-eye gravy—just a delicious creamy gravy with coffee!
Conclusion
Country Ham & Red-Eye Gravy is one of those timeless Southern dishes that proves comfort doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a hot skillet, you can create a breakfast bursting with smoky, salty, tangy flavor. It’s fast, classic, and so satisfying.
If you love old-school Southern recipes, try these next:
- Buttermilk Biscuits
- Creamy Stone-Ground Grits
- Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
- Skillet-Fried Apples
Let’s Connect
If you make this recipe, I would love to hear from you!
Leave a review below and share your breakfast photos on Pinterest—seeing your creations always makes my day.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: High (due to country ham)
Enjoy every bold, salty, smoky bite!
Leave a Reply