Ham Gravy; Simple and Delicious

The aroma of a baked ham is a holiday staple in my family, a scent that instantly transports me back to childhood Christmases at my grandmother’s house. But what truly elevated those meals wasn’t just the perfectly glazed ham itself; it was the rich, savory ham gravy that accompanied it. I remember sneaking extra spoonfuls as a kid, the salty, comforting flavor a pure expression of home and family. Now, I recreate that magic with this simple recipe, a reminder of those cherished memories.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1-2 cups
• Dietary Type: Varies (See Notes)

Ingredients

• 1-2 cups cooked ham drippings (See Notes)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (See Notes)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1-2 tablespoons water

Notes:

• The amount of ham drippings will depend on the size and type of ham you use. Adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Spoon the ham drippings from the pan into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the drippings. Whisk constantly to combine the flour and cornstarch with the drippings, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil. As it boils, the mixture will thicken quickly. This usually takes just a minute or two. Be careful not to burn the gravy.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
5. Taste the gravy to check the seasoning.
6. If the gravy is too salty for your liking, add water, a little at a time (1 tablespoon at a time), until you reach the desired salt level. Stir well after each addition.
7. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Strain the drippings: For a smoother gravy, strain the ham drippings through a fine-mesh sieve before using. This will remove any solids or browned bits that might be present.
• Prevent lumps: To avoid lumps, make sure the flour and cornstarch are fully incorporated into the drippings before the mixture comes to a boil. Whisk vigorously and scrape the bottom and sides of the pan. If lumps do form, you can try whisking even more vigorously or using an immersion blender to smooth the gravy out.
• Adjust the consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a little more water or ham broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk that slurry into the gravy while it simmers.
• Add flavor: While the basic recipe is delicious, you can enhance the flavor of your ham gravy with other ingredients. Consider adding a pinch of dried thyme, a dash of smoked paprika, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a touch of acidity.
• Deglaze the pan: After removing the ham from the roasting pan, deglaze the pan with a cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and add this flavorful liquid to your gravy for an extra layer of depth.
• Make it ahead: You can make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a little broth or water if it has thickened too much.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this simple ham gravy immediately over slices of baked ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even fried eggs. It’s also delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables.

Leftover ham gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth if it has thickened too much during storage. I do not recommend freezing ham gravy as it affects the consistency upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated values based on 1/6th of the recipe)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	50 kcal	3%
Total Fat	4g	6%
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Cholesterol	5mg	2%
Sodium	200mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	3g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	0g	0%
Protein	1g	2%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Creamy Ham Gravy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the gravy after it has thickened for a richer, creamier texture. Start with a few tablespoons and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
• Spicy Ham Gravy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a kick of heat.
• Herbaceous Ham Gravy: Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or chives, for a more complex flavor.
• Mushroom Ham Gravy: Sauté some sliced mushrooms in butter before adding the ham drippings for a flavorful twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use store-bought ham broth instead of drippings?

A: Yes, you can. However, the gravy will have a less intense ham flavor. If using ham broth, consider adding a teaspoon of ham base or bouillon for added depth.

Q: How do I fix gravy that is too thin?

A: Create a slurry by whisking together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired thickness.

Q: How do I store leftover ham gravy?

A: Allow the gravy to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make it a day or two in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed to thin it out.

Q: What can I serve this gravy with besides ham?

A: Ham gravy is delicious with mashed potatoes, biscuits, roasted vegetables, and even fried eggs. It’s a versatile sauce that can add flavor to many dishes.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you; the flavor of this ham gravy is truly exceptional. It’s a testament to how a few basic ingredients, when combined with care, can create something incredibly satisfying. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the comforting, savory taste of homemade ham gravy. Feel free to experiment with variations and make it your own. And please, share your feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Pair this gravy with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop or serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. Happy cooking!