Complete your Christmas dinner with this easy ham gravy from drippings. There’s nothing better than serving your Easter ham with this quick homemade gravy. It really is the best gravy for ham!.
Oh my goodness, if you’ve never had ham gravy before you seriously don’t know what you’re missing!
There are only 4 things you need to make this old-fashioned ham gravy, and it only takes about 5 minutes. There’s really no reason not to have a gravy boat full of it with every ham dinner.
It’s creamy and it has a perfect consistency. I like how it’s thick enough to cover the ham but not so thick that it doesn’t run into any cracks.
This ham and mashed potato gravy is a must-have for any ham dinner, and it’s also the best way to use up any extra ham juice.
You will get a sweet gravy if you use the juices from a pineapple ham, a glazed ham, or a brown sugar ham. So just keep that in mind when you’re planning out what you plan to serve this gravy with.
Butter: I like putting butter in gravies instead of oil as the base of my roux because it gives the gravy a lot more flavor. If you happen to have any bacon grease on hand, that would also work well here.
Flour: Flour is a great thickener for gravies. The taste is especially great after cooking the roux for a few minutes and letting it turn golden. You only need half as much cornstarch as flour if you want to make ham gravy with it.
Ham Drippings: This is where all the flavor comes from. If you don’t have ham drippings, I recommend using ham broth instead.
Half and Half: Ham gravy typically has whole milk or cream added in. I personally like using half-and-half. If you like it be creamier, feel free to add more in.
Complete your Christmas dinner with this easy ham gravy from drippings. It really is the best gravy for ham that’s perfect for Easter dinner!.
*If you’d rather use cornstarch instead of flour, you’ll only need to use 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch.
**You can add ham broth or water to the drippings if you don’t have 2 cups.
This recipe works great for two or three times as much! The amounts are for cooking a small ham, but you can definitely make more if you cook a big ham.
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate. Nutrition content for this recipe will vary widely based on the way you prepared your ham.
The savory cooking liquid left behind after baking a ham is loaded with flavor Rather than pouring those delicious ham drippings down the drain, put them to use in tasty recipes!
Ham stock infused with smoky, salty, porky flavor provides a flavor boost to numerous dishes. Here are 7 creative ways to transform leftover ham cooking liquid into appetizing ham-infused meals:
1. Make Ham Gravy
Turning ham drippings into gravy is a no-brainer Simmer the ham juices with butter, flour and milk or cream to make a smooth, rich gravy Drizzle ham gravy over sliced ham, turkey, chicken, or use it to smother biscuits, potatoes or rice. The possibilities are endless! Ham gravy takes just minutes to prepare.
2. Use in Potato Soup
Potato soup is the perfect landing spot for leftover ham stock. Simmer cubed potatoes, onions, celery, carrots and ham drippings until vegetables are tender. Finish the soup with milk or cream. The ham stock adds a subtle smoky note. Dice up ham to stir in for a heartier soup.
3. Make Split Pea Soup
For a cozy, soothing soup, combine ham drippings with split peas, onions, carrots, celery and seasonings. Simmer until the peas soften and the flavors meld, adding water as needed. The savory ham stock boosts the flavor. Toss in ham chunks or a ham bone for extra richness.
4. Cook Beans or Lentils
Cooking beans or lentils in ham drippings infuses them with indulgent smoky ham flavor. Try navy beans, black beans, chickpeas or green lentils simmered with ham drippings, garlic, onions, carrots, bay leaves and other seasonings. They make an easy protein-packed side or salad topping.
5. Use in Rice Pilaf
Cooking rice in ham drippings instead of water or broth adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Sauté onions and garlic in the ham liquid first, then add rice and seasonings. For a heartier pilaf, stir in peas, diced ham, mushrooms or other vegetables. The possibilities are endless.
6. Make Risotto
Creamy risotto gets an upgrade when made with ham stock instead of plain chicken broth. Cook the rice slowly, adding ham drippings in stages and stirring frequently. Finish with Parmesan cheese. Ham, peas, asparagus, mushrooms or butternut squash taste amazing in ham risotto.
7. Simmer Greens or Cabbage
Braise cabbage, collard greens, kale or other greens in a mixture of ham drippings and water or broth. Season with smoked paprika, garlic, onions, salt, and pepper. The smokiness of the ham stock pairs perfectly with the earthy greens.
Don’t let leftover ham juices go to waste! With endless savory applications, ham drippings can quickly become the secret ingredient in your next delicious meal. Which recipe will you try first?
Tips for Using Leftover Ham Drippings
Ham drippings add incredible flavor to recipes, but there are some tips to follow to use them successfully:
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Strain the drippings to remove solids, fat and bones. Refrigerate promptly.
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Use drippings within 1-2 days or freeze for longer storage.
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Consider diluting strong drippings with water, broth or wine to tame the saltiness.
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Add aromatics like onions, garlic, carrots and celery when simmering drippings for maximum flavor.
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Drippings can sometimes separate into fat and liquid. Skim fat before using if too greasy.
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Prevent lumps by whisking in flour slowly when making gravy with drippings.
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Add milk, cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for richness and creaminess.
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For convenience, freeze drippings in ice cube trays, then store cubes in a bag.
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Pair stronger ham drippings with assertive greens, beans, lentils and root vegetables.
With these tips in mind, you can transform leftover ham drippings into all kinds of delicious homecooked meals. Don’t throw away those flavorful juices – put them to use in tasty recipes!
Quick and Easy Ham Gravy
Among the most popular uses for leftover ham drippings is transforming them into homey, comforting ham gravy. Here is a simple 5-minute recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups ham drippings
- 1/4 cup half and half
Instructions:
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Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook 2 minutes.
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Slowly whisk in ham drippings until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
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Stir in half and half and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
This easy ham gravy is heavenly drizzled over biscuits, mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, chicken, pork chops, or the leftover baked ham itself!
For convenience, ham fat and frozen drippings can be stored until you’re ready to make this quick, flavorful gravy. Feel free to play with the ingredients too – cream cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, or Cajun seasoning would all taste delicious.
More Ham Gravy Tips
Ham gravy is a breeze to whip up. Follow these extra tips for stellar results:
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For a smooth gravy, whisk in drippings gradually to prevent lumps.
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Let the flour cook 2 minutes for optimal thickening power and richness.
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Add broth or water along with drippings if you don’t have quite enough.
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For convenience, shake together half and half and flour before adding to pan.
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For extra ham flavor, sauté diced ham in butter before making roux.
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Pour drippings through a strainer or cheesecloth to remove solids.
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Add fresh sage, thyme or parsley along with pepper for herbaceous notes.
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Splash in white wine, sherry or bourbon for a boost of acidity and complexity.
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Garnish the gravy with chopped fresh chives.
With practice, you’ll be able to whip up perfect ham gravy effortlessly. Develop your own signature touch with unique ingredients like smoked paprika, whole grain mustard or nutmeg. This is one handy recipe to have on hand for holidays, breakfasts and everyday meals.
Ham Gravy Q&A
Get all your ham gravy questions answered:
How do you thicken gravy with ham drippings?
Whisk together fat or butter and flour to form a smooth roux. Cook 2 minutes then slowly whisk in drippings until thickened.
What is the ratio for gravy with ham drippings?
A good starting point is 2 Tbsp each butter and flour, 2 cups drippings and 1/4 to 1/2 cup dairy like half and half or milk.
Can you use cornstarch instead of flour?
Yes, cornstarch will also thicken the gravy. Use about 1 Tbsp in place of 2 Tbsp flour.
How can you reduce the saltiness of ham drippings?
For less salty gravy, dilute the drippings with chicken or vegetable broth, white wine or water.
What if you don’t have ham drippings?
Make broth using ham bouillon or season chicken or turkey broth with a little maple syrup and smoked paprika.
How should you store leftover ham gravy?
Refrigerate leftover gravy for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until simmering, adding milk or cream if too thick.
Can ham gravy be frozen?
Yes, freeze leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to whip up the perfect ham gravy anytime you have leftovers from a baked or roasted ham. Master this simple yet impressive recipe!
How To Make Ham Gravy
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan, then sprinkle the flour over the melted butter. Whisk the roux together until it’s smooth. Let that cook, while whisking constantly, until the roux is golden. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions. ).
Continue whisking constantly while you slowly pour in the ham drippings. You should add it slowly and fully whisk it in before adding more. If you don’t, you’ll end up with lumpy gravy. Once there are no lumps, stir in the half-and-half.
Let the gravy simmer until it has thickened, then transfer it to a gravy boat and serve. Follow the written directions on the recipe card below. They include the exact amounts of ingredients, cooking times, helpful hints, and more.
Ham Gravy In The Pan
The pan that the ham was cooked in can be used to make the gravy, so you won’t have to wash another dish. Mix the flour and half-and-half in a jar by shaking it until it’s well mixed. Then, add it to the fat. Bring that to a simmer, and let it simmer until it has thickened.
Ham Stock Recipe ~ Noreen’s Kitchen Basics
FAQ
What can I do with the liquid from a ham?
Is ham stock good for you?
Should I drain ham juice?
How do you use ham juice?
The natural saltiness and umami flavors of the ham juice help to enhance the taste of the dish while also adding moisture to prevent it from drying out. To baste, simply brush or pour the ham juice over your meat or vegetables during the cooking process. Be sure to baste regularly for the best results.
Is ham gluten free?
Ham naturally by itself is gluten-free. Although, many companies made their ham with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. So, you must prefer brands that indicate they are gluten-free on the packaging.
What do you put in a ham sandwich?
All you need is about two cups of ham juice, an egg, salt and pepper for seasoning, milk, cream or half-and-half, shredded cheese (I like using cheddar or swiss), and frozen vegetables. You can use any kind of vegetables you want but I think broccoli, cauliflower, peas, or spinach are all great choices.
What can I do with leftover ham juice?
One of the best ways to use leftover ham juice is to incorporate it as a base for soups and sauces. The rich flavor of the ham adds depth and complexity to any dish, making it a versatile addition to many recipes. To make a soup, combine the ham juice with vegetables, stock, and other seasonings to taste.