Name: Ham Gravy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter.; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.; 2 cups ham drippings.

A plate of sliced ham is topped with a rich sauce being poured from a pitcher, garnished with thyme. | recipesbyclare.com

My grandmother's Ham Gravy recipe has been bringing comfort to our family dinners for generations. I've perfected her three ingredient method that turns those precious ham drippings into liquid gold. Every holiday my kitchen fills with the rich aroma of this gravy simmering on the stove and it never fails to bring everyone to the table.

What Makes This Gravy Special

There's something magical about how this gravy transforms everything it touches. The way it pools in mashed potatoes or drizzles over sliced ham makes even the simplest meals feel like a celebration. My family says it's not really a holiday without this gravy on the table.

Just Three Simple Things

Butter: Use the good stuff it really matters here.
Flour: All purpose is perfect for getting that silky smooth texture.
Ham Drippings: Don't throw these away they're pure flavor gold.

Let's Make Some Gravy

Start Your Roux: Melt that butter nice and slow add your flour and whisk like you mean it for about 2 minutes.
Time for Magic: Pour in those precious drippings slowly keep whisking we don't want any lumps.
Let It Bubble: Turn up the heat a bit and let it simmer until it's thick and gorgeous usually takes me 5-10 minutes.
Ready to Pour: Ladle it over everything trust me you'll want to.

A pot of simmering brown sauce is placed on a wooden surface, accompanied by fresh oranges and a halved lemon. | recipesbyclare.com

My Secret Tips

Want it thicker? Let it bubble a bit longer. Too thick? Add a splash of stock. I love throwing in fresh thyme from my garden or a pinch of black pepper. Just keep stirring nobody likes burnt gravy.

Beyond Dinner

This gravy makes the most amazing next day sandwiches. My kids love it over biscuits for breakfast and I've even used it to jazz up leftover roasted vegetables. It's like a little black dress for food it goes with everything.

Save Some For Later

Pop your leftover gravy in an airtight container it'll keep nicely in the fridge for 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? Go ahead it lasts 3 months. Just warm it up slowly on the stove and whisk it back to life.

Quick Fixes

Got lumps? No worries just strain it through a fine mesh sieve or give it a good whisking. A splash of cream makes it extra luxurious and don't forget to taste and season as you go.

A spoon is lifting savory brown sauce from a small bowl, with blurred background elements of a cooked dish and fresh ingredients. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add a spoonful of Dijon mustard or some crispy bacon bits. Fresh herbs are amazing too. This recipe is really forgiving so feel free to play around with flavors.

Perfect Partners

Nothing beats this gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes alongside some honey glazed carrots and warm dinner rolls. It turns a regular dinner into something special.

Holiday Star

This gravy has become such a tradition at our holiday table. Whether it's Easter Thanksgiving or Christmas everyone expects it and I love how it brings the whole meal together.

Plan Ahead

Want to get ahead on holiday prep? Make your roux early and keep it in the fridge. When dinner's ready just heat it up and whisk in those hot drippings. Such a time saver.

No Drippings?

If you're making gravy without ham drippings don't worry. I mix chicken broth with a little ham bouillon or base. It's not quite the same but it'll do in a pinch.

Good For You Too

While this isn't exactly health food the protein from those ham drippings adds nice nutrition. I like serving it with lots of veggies to balance things out.

A plate of sliced, succulent ham smothered in gravy, served with creamy mashed potatoes and garnished with greens. | recipesbyclare.com

Easy Clean Up

Here's a tip use a non stick pan and soak everything right away. Trust me dried on gravy is no fun to clean. I keep a sink of hot soapy water ready while I'm cooking.

Wow Factor

People always ask for my gravy recipe they can't believe it's just three ingredients. It's one of those simple things that makes you look like a kitchen pro.

Not Just For Ham

This gravy is amazing on chicken turkey or pork too. I've even used it to make an incredible hot sandwich with leftover roast beef. It's so versatile.

Kid Approved

Even my pickiest eater loves this gravy. It's mild enough for little ones but still full of flavor. Pour it over rice or potatoes and watch those plates get cleaned.

Save Those Drippings

Don't waste a drop of those ham drippings. They're free flavor and make this gravy practically free to make. It's like getting two dishes from one ham.

Everyday Special

Sure it's perfect for holidays but why wait? A little gravy can turn any weeknight dinner into something special. It's comfort food at its finest.

A slice of glazed ham topped with gravy sits on a plate alongside small pieces of ham and green beans. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What if I don't have enough ham drippings?: Supplement with chicken stock or ham stock to reach the full 2 cups of liquid needed.
→ Why cook the flour and butter first?: This makes a roux which thickens the gravy and removes raw flour taste.
→ How do I prevent lumpy gravy?: Whisk constantly when adding liquid to the roux and keep stirring while it thickens.
→ Can I make this ahead?: Best made fresh but can be reheated gently with extra stock if needed to thin.
→ What can I serve this with?: Perfect for ham, mashed potatoes, and other holiday side dishes.

Easy Holiday Sauce