Red Eye Gravy Recipe

Experience the rich, savory depth of authentic Tennessee Red Eye Gravy! This quick and easy recipe uses the flavorful fat leftover from frying country ham (no flour or batter needed!) for an unforgettable gravy. Darken it with a hint of instant coffee for an extra layer of delicious complexity – it's completely optional, but highly recommended. Get ready for a taste of the South that's both simple and sublime!

Prep Time 2 mins
Cook Time 4 mins
Calories 65 kcal
Protein 0g
Rating 0.0 (1 Reviews)
Red Eye Gravy 13

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Red Eye Gravy

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How to Make Red Eye Gravy

  1. After frying your country ham, leave approximately 2 tablespoons of ham fat in the skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to the hot ham fat. Stir constantly, allowing the sugar to caramelize and brown while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Pour in 1/2 cup of water (or more, to desired consistency) and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute, or until the gravy has thickened and is well blended.
  4. (Optional) Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of instant coffee granules for a deeper, richer flavor.
  5. Remove from heat and serve your Red Eye Gravy immediately, warm and ready to pour over biscuits, grits, or eggs!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

67g

Fat

0g

Carbs

5g