This ham gravy is rich and creamy. With only four ingredients flour, butter, ham drippings and water, it couldn’t be easier to make. Serve it over potatoes for a delicious holiday dinner.
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Ham Gravy
This easy homemade gravy perfectly complements your Christmas ham or family ham dinner. It is the best gravy for a ham I’ve had. This ham recipe with brown sugar glaze is the perfect compliment to your holiday recipes and other ham recipes like. It also works well with other ham recipes like this tomato and onion ham glaze.
This easy homemade gravy perfectly complements your Christmas ham or family ham dinner. It is the best gravy for a ham I’ve had. This ham recipe with brown sugar glaze is a great complement to your holiday recipes. It also works well with other ham recipes, such as the one with tomato and onion glaze.
What I love about this recipe
- It is an easy gravy recipe that can be used on most types of meats
- This gravy reminds me of an old-fashioned ham gravy from childhood
- It is made in just minutes with minimal cleanup
- If you have bullion powder, then you can make this ham gravy without drippings
Ingredients
- butter – I used unsalted butter. The ham will have enough natural salt, so you do not need the added salt for this gravy recipe
- flour – All-purpose flour is going to be used to mix with the butter and make a roux for the gravy
- drippings – the drippings are what give the gravy its’ delicious flavor and it gives the gravy the liquid it needs to thin the roux
- water – (optional) water is used if there are not enough ham drippings and to thin the gravy out – if needed. It can also be used if the gravy has too strong of a flavor and you need to water it down
How to make ham gravy
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium/high heat
Add most of the flour gradually until the butter has thickened up, but has not become a thick paste (see notes below)
Gradually add 2 cups of ham drippings – whisking constantly to avoid lumps
If you do not have 2 cups of drippings, add water until the drippings equal 2 cups
Boil gravy until it is thickened it to your liking – making sure to whisk regularly to avoid lumps
Expert Tip
I know that most roux recipes have an equal amount of butter and flour. I like to back off the flour just a little bit. If the roux is too thick then it will make a lumpy gravy. You can always add more flour later if it is not thickened to your liking
If you get lumps, strain the gravy with a fine mesh strainer
Variations
Add milk instead of water for an even creamier gravy
What to serve with ham gravy
The best recipes for ham gravy are holiday sides.
You can enjoy ham gravy by eating it with biscuit-like dinner rolls, or homemade crescent rolls
It is delicious served over glazed ham and mashed potatoes
Of course, cornbread casserole is amazing with ham and gravy as well as my recipe for homemade creamed corn
How to make Ham Gravy without Drippings
Ham broth is not easy to come by, so you’ll have to look for ham bouillon to flavor your gravy. To substitute for the drippings from cooking the ham, make 2 cups of ham broth using bouillon.
FAQs
Flour holds up better and makes a better roux than cornstarch. However, cornstarch is gluten-free and can be used to make gravy.
Yes! You can make gravy with broth instead of drippings like this homemade chicken gravy
Storing and Reheating
Storing: Store gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days
Reheating: You can either microwave the gravy or place it in a saucepan to reheat. If it needs to be thinned down you can do so by adding water or broth
Freezing: You can freeze gravy. After it cools, store it in a freezer container or freezer bag for up to 3 months
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Serving Size
This recipe will make about 2 cups of gravy
You can double or triple to make more
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Here’s the recipe for Ham Gravy
Ham Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. butter unsalted
- 2 tbsp. flour all-purpose
- 2 cups ham drippings
- water optional – See note below
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium/high heat
- Add most of the flour gradually until the butter has thickened up, but has not become a thick paste (see notes below)
- Gradually add 2 cups of ham drippings – whisking constantly to avoid lumps
- If you do not have 2 cups of drippings, add water until the drippings equal 2 cups
- Boil gravy until it is thickened it to your liking – making sure to whisk regularly to avoid lumps
