Ham Gravy – Homemade ham gravy made with leftover ham drippings. Delicious side dish recipe with ham, mashed potatoes, and all the fixings!
Homemade ham gravy (like its counterpart turkey gravy) is a staple side dish whenever we cook a ham in the oven, which is mostly on holidays like Christmas or Easter. Dinner just wouldn’t be the same without gravy to smother over our sliced ham and mashed potatoes.
Now it's important to remember… The main flavoring for the gravy comes directly from the ham itself.
So if you glaze your ham, like with this pineapple honey glazed ham, the flavoring from that glaze will go into your homemade gravy. For example, if you’re using a sweet glaze, your gravy will be a little sweeter.
It's so easy to make homemade gravy, and it's super quick too. But it’s delicious and definitely worth the minimal effort.
Ham Gravy also makes a very tasty addition to your next baked potato bar or mashed potato bar, as well as a tasty dip for leftover ham crescent rolls. And you can use it in place of brown gravy or chicken gravy in a mashed potato bowl.
I’ve also added this recipe to my collections of favorite Christmas recipes and Easter dinner recipes, where you’ll find all the holiday inspiration you need in one place.
Need a gluten-free ham gravy alternative? Ham gravy with cornstarch is just the thing.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE HAM GRAVY RECIPE?
If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the delicious ham gravy recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.
TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE HAM GRAVY
Making this easy gravy for ham is actually really simple, but there are a few tips and tricks that will ensure you make a really good gravy.
HOW TO AVOID LUMPY GRAVY
There are 2 steps to avoiding lumpy gravy…
- It's important to start by mixing together the flour and heavy whipping cream in a small mixing bowl or glass measuring cup. Whisking this together in the beginning will help prevent lumps in your gravy.
- Use a whisk to stir your gravy while it's cooking.
Take your time to avoid any lumps in your gravy. It’s pretty much a given that you may have a few lumps, but you can minimize them by whisking the gravy.
MAKING GRAVY…
Once you've got the flour and whipping cream mixed together, gradually whisk together the flour/cream mixture with the ham drippings in a large saucepan or skillet on medium heat.
Then just add your seasoning, and continue whisking the gravy 'til it starts to thicken up.
That's when it'll be ready to serve.
Serve it with ham, mashed potatoes, and all the fixin's!
LOOKING FOR MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES TO GO WITH YOUR MEAL?
Whenever we make a ham dinner or turkey dinner, we usually serve it with sides like Instant Pot southern green beans, honey glazed carrots, or creamy bacon corn casserole. Of course, homemade cranberry sauce is a must at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
If it's more gravy recipes you're looking for, Moscato Mom has a delicious recipe for slow cooker short ribs with gravy (also a keto recipe). And 918 Plate has a very yummy recipe for jumbo drop biscuits with brown butter gravy.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE HOMEMADE GRAVY
Mixing Bowl – for mixing together the flour and heavy whipping cream.
Large Saucepan or Skillet – You’ll make the gravy in a saucepan on the stove. This recipe feeds a crowd, so you’ll need a larger pan.
Whisk – Helps to minimize lumps in your gravy.
Wooden Spoon – There’s nothing quite like a wooden spoon for stirring.
Heat Resistant Spatula – Works well for stirring and scraping the sides of the pan.
Gravy Boat – for serving.
HAM GRAVY RECIPE
If you love this ham gravy as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!
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Homemade Ham Gravy
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups ham drippings
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Mix together the flour and heavy whipping cream in a small mixing bowl or glass measuring cup.
- Gradually whisk together the flour/cream mixture with the ham drippings in a large saucepan or skillet on medium heat.
- Add in the water.
- Continue whisking and stirring the gravy until it begins to thicken and is ready to serve.
Sounds good, but I’m making a small ham for 3 people. What if I don’t have 2 cups of ham drippings? Also, can I make a slurry with corn starch?
Natalie, how many cups of drippings you get depends on the weight of the ham. How much does it weigh?
So easy and absolutely delicious! My family loved it! Made me promise I’d add it to our holiday meals.
That’s great to hear, Robin! I’m glad you liked the recipe.
Thank You For A Simple ,Easy And Delicious Recipe
Thank You for the kind review, Ashna!
Way to much crap to even find the recipe. We don’t need a 20 minute explanation.
Sharon, there is a “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the post if you wish to skip the story.
Simple recipe which properly stresses the whisk
Thank You, Patrick!