Turn flavorful ham drippings into smooth, savory homemade gravy with butter, flour, and black pepper. This easy recipe also includes no-drippings, gluten-free, creamy, storage, and troubleshooting options.
A good Ham Gravy Recipe turns simple pan drippings into a smooth, rich sauce for sliced ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits, roasted vegetables, and holiday sides. It is one of the easiest ways to use every bit of flavor left in the roasting pan after baking a ham.
This Easy Ham Gravy Recipe uses real ham drippings, butter, flour, and black pepper. You can also make it with broth or ham base when you do not have enough drippings. The method is simple: make a roux, slowly whisk in the liquid, simmer until thick, then adjust the seasoning.
The best part is that ham gravy is flexible. It can be savory, lightly sweet, creamy, gluten-free, or made without drippings. Once you understand the basic ratio, you can make it for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or any meal with baked ham.
Quick Answer: How Do You Make Ham Gravy?
Ham gravy is made by whisking flour into melted butter to create a roux, then slowly adding warm ham drippings until smooth and thick. Use broth or water if you do not have enough drippings. Simmer for a few minutes, season lightly, and serve hot over ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or vegetables.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 8–10 minutes |
| Total Time | 13–15 minutes |
| Servings | About 8 |
| Yield | About 2 cups |
| Best For | Ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits, casseroles |
| Skill Level | Beginner-friendly |
Why This Ham Gravy Recipe Works
This recipe works because it starts with a roux, which is a cooked mixture of fat and flour. The roux thickens the ham drippings and helps create a smooth gravy.
The flavor comes from the drippings. Those drippings may include ham juices, rendered fat, browned bits, smoke, salt, and glaze. That is why gravy made from real ham drippings tastes deeper than gravy made from plain broth.
What Makes This Gravy Beginner-Friendly?
This method is easy because it uses a simple ratio:
| Ingredient | Basic Ratio |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Ham drippings or broth | 2 cups |
This produces a medium-thick gravy. For thinner gravy, add more liquid. For thicker gravy, simmer longer or use a small amount of slurry.
What Does Ham Gravy Taste Like?
Ham gravy tastes savory, salty, smoky, and rich. If your ham has a brown sugar, honey, maple, or pineapple glaze, the gravy may also taste slightly sweet.
That sweetness can work especially well with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, biscuits, and roasted carrots. If it tastes too sweet, add black pepper, unsalted broth, or a small splash of apple cider vinegar to balance it.
Ingredients for Easy Ham Gravy
You only need a few basic ingredients.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Ham drippings | Main flavor base | Ham broth, chicken broth, water plus ham base |
| Butter | Adds richness and helps make the roux | Bacon grease, neutral oil, reserved ham fat |
| All-purpose flour | Thickens the gravy | Gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch |
| Black pepper | Balances the salty ham flavor | White pepper, cracked pepper |
| Salt | Optional, only if needed | Usually not needed with salty ham drippings |
| Cream or milk | Optional for creamy gravy | Half-and-half, whole milk, evaporated milk |
What Are Ham Drippings?
Ham drippings are the juices, fat, glaze, and browned bits left in the pan after baking ham. They collect in the roasting pan and carry the strongest ham flavor.
Before making gravy, pour the drippings into a measuring cup. If there is a thick layer of fat on top, skim some off. A little fat adds flavor, but too much can make the gravy greasy.
What If I Do Not Have Enough Drippings?
Add enough liquid to reach 2 cups total. Good options include:
- Unsalted chicken broth
- Ham broth
- Water mixed with ham base
- Low-sodium vegetable broth
- Milk or half-and-half for a creamier gravy
Kitchen Tip
For most cooks, drippings plus unsalted broth is the most useful backup. It preserves the ham flavor while giving you more control over the salt level.
Best Ham to Use for Rich Gravy
The best ham for gravy is a ham that releases flavorful juices while cooking.
| Ham Type | Best for Gravy? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in ham | Excellent | Rich flavor and good drippings |
| Spiral ham | Very good | Easy holiday option, often glazed |
| Smoked ham | Excellent | Adds deeper smoky flavor |
| Boneless ham | Good | May release fewer drippings |
| Country ham | Strong flavor | Very salty; dilute drippings well |
| Honey-baked-style ham | Good | Sweeter gravy because of the glaze |
| Gammon joint | Good | Common in UK-style cooking |
Should I Use Sweet Glazed Ham Drippings?
Yes, but taste first. Brown sugar, honey, maple, pineapple, and cherry glazes can make the gravy sweeter.
A useful approach is to start with half drippings and half unsalted broth. This keeps the ham flavor while reducing the chance that the gravy becomes too sweet or too salty.
Easy Ham Gravy Recipe
Classic stovetop gravy made with flavorful ham drippings.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups ham drippings, or drippings plus broth
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, only if needed
- Optional: 2–4 tablespoons cream, milk, or half-and-half
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Collect the drippings. Pour ham drippings from the roasting pan into a heat-safe measuring cup. Skim off excess fat if needed.
-
Measure the liquid. You need 2 cups total. If you have less than 2 cups of drippings, add broth or water until you reach 2 cups.
-
Melt the butter. Place a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and let it melt gently.
-
Make the roux. Whisk in the flour. Cook for 2–3 minutes, whisking often, until the mixture looks smooth and lightly golden.
-
Add the drippings slowly. Pour in the ham drippings a little at a time while whisking constantly. Slow pouring helps prevent lumps.
-
Simmer until thick. Let the gravy simmer for 3–5 minutes. Keep whisking until it coats the back of a spoon.
-
Season carefully. Add black pepper. Taste before adding salt because ham drippings are often salty.
-
Serve hot. Pour into a gravy boat and serve over ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or vegetables.
Important Food-Safety Note
Keep hot gravy hot when serving and refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers. Do not leave perishable leftovers sitting at room temperature for extended periods.
How to Make Ham Gravy Without Drippings
You can still make a flavorful ham-style gravy without roasted ham drippings.
What Can Replace Ham Drippings?
- 2 cups ham broth
- 2 cups chicken broth plus 1–2 teaspoons ham base
- 2 cups water plus ham bouillon
- 1 cup broth plus 1 cup milk for a creamy version
No-Drippings Method
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour.
- Cook the roux for 2–3 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in 2 cups ham broth or broth mixture.
- Simmer until thick.
- Add black pepper and adjust seasoning.
This version is helpful for leftover sliced ham, ham steaks, breakfast biscuits, or a small weeknight dinner.
Flour vs. Cornstarch for Ham Gravy
Both flour and cornstarch can thicken gravy, but they produce somewhat different textures.
| Thickener | Best For | Amount for 2 Cups Liquid | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flour | Classic gravy | 3 tablespoons | Rich, creamy, traditional |
| Cornstarch | Gluten-free gravy | 1½ tablespoons | Glossy and lighter |
| Gluten-free flour blend | Gluten-free roux | 3 tablespoons | Similar to flour |
| Arrowroot | Clearer sauce | 1–1½ tablespoons | Glossy and delicate |
How Do I Make Gluten-Free Ham Gravy?
Use cornstarch instead of flour.
Mix 1½ tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Heat the ham drippings in a saucepan, then whisk in the slurry. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thick.
Prevent Cornstarch Lumps
Do not add dry cornstarch directly to hot drippings. Always mix it with cold water first to create a smooth slurry.
How to Fix Common Ham Gravy Problems
Ham gravy is easy, but small mistakes can affect the texture. Most problems are fixable.
| Problem | Cause | Easy Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Lumpy gravy | Liquid added too fast | Whisk hard, strain, or blend briefly |
| Too salty | Salty ham drippings | Add unsalted broth, milk, cream, or water |
| Too thin | Not enough thickener | Simmer longer or add slurry |
| Too thick | Too much roux or over-simmering | Whisk in warm broth a little at a time |
| Greasy gravy | Too much ham fat | Skim excess fat before making the gravy |
| Too sweet | Sweet glaze in drippings | Add broth, pepper, or a tiny splash of vinegar |
| Flat flavor | Too much water | Add ham base, pepper, or a spoon of drippings |
How Do I Prevent Lumpy Gravy?
Start with a smooth roux and add liquid slowly. Whisk the whole time. The first splash of liquid should be small because it helps loosen the roux gradually.
How Do I Fix Gravy That Tastes Too Salty?
Do not add more salt. Add unsalted liquid instead. Cream, milk, unsalted broth, or water can mellow the flavor. If the gravy becomes too thin, simmer it longer or thicken it with a small slurry.
How Do I Make Gravy Thicker?
Simmer it uncovered for a few minutes. If it still needs help, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then whisk it into the hot gravy.
Best Tips for Smooth, Flavorful Ham Gravy
- Use medium-low heat. High heat can scorch the roux or make the gravy separate.
- Taste before salting. Ham drippings can be very salty.
- Skim excess fat. A little fat is good, but too much makes greasy gravy.
- Warm the liquid if possible. Warm drippings blend more easily into roux.
- Whisk slowly at first, then constantly. This keeps the sauce smooth.
- Use unsalted butter. It gives you more control over seasoning.
- Balance sweet glaze. Add broth and black pepper if the gravy tastes too sweet.
- Strain for a silky finish. This is especially helpful for holiday dinners.
Ham Gravy Recipe Variations
Ham gravy can be adjusted for different meals and tastes.
Creamy Ham Gravy
Add ¼ cup half-and-half, whole milk, or cream after the gravy thickens. Simmer gently for about 1 minute. Avoid a hard boil after adding dairy.
Brown Sugar Ham Gravy
Use drippings from a brown sugar-glazed ham. Add extra black pepper to balance the sweetness. This version works particularly well with sweet potatoes and biscuits.
Smoky Ham Gravy
Use drippings from smoked or double-smoked ham. Add a splash of unsalted broth if the smoke flavor is particularly strong.
Southern-Style Red-Eye Inspired Gravy
For a thinner Southern-style gravy, use country ham drippings and a splash of strong black coffee. This is different from creamy ham gravy, but it is a classic pairing with biscuits and country ham.
Herb Ham Gravy
Add a small pinch of thyme, rosemary, or sage. Use a light hand because ham already has a strong flavor.
What to Serve With Ham Gravy
This gravy is most popular during holiday meals, but it also works for breakfast and comfort-food dinners.
| Serve Ham Gravy With | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Mashed potatoes | Classic creamy base |
| Sliced baked ham | Doubles down on ham flavor |
| Biscuits | Perfect for breakfast or brunch |
| Roasted carrots | Sweet-savory balance |
| Green bean casserole | Holiday-friendly pairing |
| Mac and cheese | Rich comfort-food match |
| Cornbread | Great with smoky ham gravy |
| Sweet potatoes | Works well with glazed ham |
| Stuffing or dressing | Adds moisture and flavor |
| Ham steaks | Easy weeknight meal |
Holiday Serving Idea
For a full holiday plate, serve ham gravy with baked ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, glazed carrots, rolls, and cranberry sauce.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Ham gravy is best served fresh, but leftovers can still be useful.
Can I Make Ham Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes. Make it 1–2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly with a splash of broth, milk, or water because gravy thickens as it cools.
How Long Does Ham Gravy Last?
Store leftover ham gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For freezer storage, leftovers are generally best used within 3 to 4 months for quality.
Can I Freeze Ham Gravy?
Yes, but cream-based gravy may separate slightly after thawing. For best texture, freeze the gravy before adding cream. Thaw in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and whisk well.
How Do I Reheat Ham Gravy?
Warm it in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk and whisk until smooth. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring every 30 seconds.
Food-Safety Reminder
Refrigerate leftover gravy promptly rather than leaving it at room temperature for long periods. When reheating, heat until thoroughly hot, stirring to distribute heat evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes for better gravy every time.
- Adding dry flour to hot drippings: This often creates lumps. Make a roux or slurry first.
- Using too much salt: Ham drippings already contain salt. Taste first.
- Boiling dairy gravy hard: Cream and milk can separate if overheated.
- Skipping the skim step: Excess fat can make the gravy oily.
- Pouring liquid too fast: Add drippings slowly while whisking.
- Using only water: Water can dilute flavor. Add broth or ham base if possible.
- Serving without tasting: Ham gravy changes based on the ham, glaze, and drippings.
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition will vary based on the ham, drippings, butter, and added dairy.
| Serving | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| About ¼ cup | 60–90 | 4–7g | 4–7g | 1–2g | Varies widely |
Because ham drippings can be salty, unsalted butter and low-sodium broth can help provide better control over the final sodium level.
Image SEO Suggestions
Use clear food images that show the gravy texture and serving ideas.
| Image Type | Suggested File Name | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|
| Finished gravy | ham-gravy-recipe.jpg |
Ham Gravy Recipe served over sliced ham and mashed potatoes |
| Step-by-step roux | easy-ham-gravy-roux.jpg |
Butter and flour roux for an easy ham gravy recipe |
| Pouring drippings | ham-drippings-gravy.jpg |
Ham drippings being whisked into gravy |
| Holiday serving | holiday-ham-gravy.jpg |
Homemade ham gravy in a gravy boat for holiday dinner |
Schema Recommendations
- Recipe Schema for ingredients, cook time, servings, calories, and instructions
- FAQ Schema for common ham gravy questions
- HowTo Schema for step-by-step gravy instructions
- ImageObject Schema for original recipe photos
- Breadcrumb Schema for site navigation
Internal Linking Suggestions
Link this article to related posts such as:
- Baked ham recipe
- Double smoked ham
- Brown sugar glazed ham
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Turkey gravy
- Cornbread stuffing
- Holiday dinner sides
- Leftover ham recipes
Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
- Ham gravy is best when made with real ham drippings.
- Use a 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 cups liquid ratio.
- Add broth if you do not have enough drippings.
- Taste before adding salt because ham can be very salty.
- Use cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
- Fix salty gravy with unsalted broth, milk, cream, or water.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Serve hot with ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or holiday sides.
FAQs About Ham Gravy
What Is Ham Gravy Made Of?
Ham gravy is usually made with ham drippings, butter, flour, and black pepper. Some versions also include milk, cream, broth, cornstarch, or ham base.
Can I Make Ham Gravy Without Ham Drippings?
Yes. Use ham broth, chicken broth with ham base, or water mixed with ham bouillon. The flavor will be lighter than gravy made from real drippings, but it can still make a flavorful sauce.
Why Is My Ham Gravy Too Salty?
Ham drippings can be salty because cured ham contains salt. Fix salty gravy by adding unsalted broth, milk, cream, or water. Avoid adding extra salt until the end.
How Do I Make Ham Gravy Gluten-Free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour. Mix cornstarch with cold water first, then whisk the slurry into hot ham drippings. Simmer until thick.
Can I Use Milk Instead of Broth?
Yes. Milk makes a creamier ham gravy. For the best flavor, use part ham drippings and part milk instead of replacing all the drippings.
How Much Gravy Do I Need Per Person?
Plan on about ¼ cup to ⅓ cup gravy per person. For a holiday meal with many sides, 2 cups usually serves about 6 to 8 people.
Can I Make Ham Gravy in the Roasting Pan?
Yes. Place the roasting pan over low heat if it is stovetop-safe. Whisk butter and flour into the drippings, then slowly add broth. Scrape up the browned bits for extra flavor.
Why Is My Gravy Greasy?
Your drippings may contain too much fat. Let the drippings settle, then skim excess fat from the top before making the gravy.
Can I Freeze Ham Gravy?
Yes. Freeze it in an airtight container. For the smoothest texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly while whisking.
What Is the Best Thickener for Ham Gravy?
Flour is a classic choice for traditional gravy. Cornstarch is useful for gluten-free gravy and produces a glossier texture.
Conclusion
This Ham Gravy Recipe is simple, practical, and full of real ham flavor. By starting with a smooth roux and slowly whisking in ham drippings, you can make a rich gravy that tastes homemade without needing many ingredients. It is perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or any meal where ham is the main dish.
The key is balance. Use real drippings when you have them, add broth when you need more liquid, and season only after tasting. If your gravy turns salty, lumpy, thin, or too sweet, the fixes are simple. Once you learn the basic method, this Easy Ham Gravy Recipe becomes a reliable holiday staple you can make with confidence whenever you bake a ham.
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