Red-Eye Gravy
Red-eye gravy is a thin, salty gravy made from country ham drippings and black coffee. A staple in Appalachian and Southern cooking, it’s poured over ham, biscuits, or grits for breakfast.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I much prefer 'sausage gravy' to 'red-eye gravy.' We have both around here. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I much prefer 'sausage gravy' to 'red-eye gravy.' We have both around here. Pronunciation
[RED-eye GRAY-vee]
Meaning & Usage
- A thin gravy made with ham drippings and coffee (noun)
Mae:
What’s in this gravy? It’s salty.
What’s in this gravy? It’s salty.
Earl:
That’s red-eye gravy - made from the ham pan.
That’s red-eye gravy - made from the ham pan.- A traditional Appalachian & Southern breakfast dish (noun)
Mae:
You makin’ redeye?
You makin’ redeye?
Earl:
Yep, pourin’ it over biscuits and grits.
Yep, pourin’ it over biscuits and grits.variations: ham gravy, coffee gravy, country ham gravy, red ham gravy, red-eye sauce, ham drippin’s gravy
★ Red-eye gravy is more like a sauce than a gravy - it’s thin, salty, and strong. The coffee cuts the fat and gives it a dark color, perfect with biscuits or grits. ★
Origin and Etymology
The dish likely got its name from the oily circles that form on top, which look like a red eye. Born in Southern kitchens, it became especially tied to Appalachian breakfasts with country ham.
Usage Notes
Still common in Appalachian and Southern cooking, though less known outside the region. Often found in traditional diners, family kitchens, and holiday breakfasts.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "red-eye gray-vy."