Country Ham and Red-Eye Gravy
A classic Southern breakfast featuring salty country ham and a bold, coffee-infused gravy.
Ingredients
For the Country Ham:
- 4 thick slices of country ham bone-in preferred
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Red-Eye Gravy:
- 1/4 cup pan drippings from the ham
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee strong, black coffee works best
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional, for balancing flavor
Instructions
Country Ham:
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the butter and let it melt, coating the skillet evenly.
- Place the ham slices in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the edges are golden and caramelized. Remove the ham and set aside on a serving platter. Reserve the pan drippings for the red-eye gravy.
Red-Eye Gravy:
- With the skillet still hot and containing the pan drippings, add the coffee and water.
- Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to build flavor.
- Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Taste the gravy and, if desired, stir in a pinch of sugar to balance the bitterness of the coffee.
- Pour the gravy over the ham or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.