Country Ham Biscuits and Red-Eye Gravy

A Bold Southern Breakfast Classic

Few breakfasts capture the true spirit of the American South like
Country Ham Biscuits with Red-Eye Gravy.
This dish is bold, salty, smoky, and deeply comforting — a timeless Southern classic
that tells a story with every bite.

Fluffy, golden buttermilk biscuits are split open and filled with crispy country ham,
then finished with a drizzle of warm red-eye gravy made from savory ham drippings
and strong black coffee. It’s a breakfast that wakes you up, fills you up,
and stays with you long after the last bite.

What Is Red-Eye Gravy?

Red-eye gravy is a traditional Southern pan sauce made by deglazing a skillet of fried
country ham drippings with freshly brewed black coffee.
Despite its name, it is not a thick gravy.
Instead, it’s a thin, savory sauce with deep smoky flavor and a slightly bitter edge
from the coffee.

Traditionally, red-eye gravy is spooned over biscuits, poured over ham,
or served on the side for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Southern comfort food
Simple ingredients with powerful flavor
Perfect balance of salty, smoky, and rich
Ideal for breakfast or brunch
A recipe passed down for generations

Ingredients

For the Biscuits

Southern-style buttermilk biscuits (homemade or refrigerated)
Butter, for serving

For the Country Ham

Slices of country ham (thin or thick cut)

For the Red-Eye Gravy

Ham drippings (left in the skillet after frying)
½ cup strong black coffee, freshly brewed
2–3 tablespoons water (optional, to reduce saltiness)

For Serving (Optional but Traditional)

Scrambled eggs
Extra hot coffee

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Biscuits

Preheat the oven according to your biscuit recipe or package instructions.
Bake biscuits until tall, fluffy, and golden brown.
Once baked, remove from the oven and keep warm,
loosely covered with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Fry the Country Ham

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add country ham slices in a single layer.

Cook for 2–4 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy around the edges.
Country ham is naturally salty and flavorful,
so no additional seasoning is needed.

Remove the ham from the skillet and keep warm.
Do not discard the drippings — they are essential for the gravy.

Step 3: Make the Red-Eye Gravy

With the skillet still hot, carefully pour in the strong black coffee
and a small splash of water.
The liquid will sizzle immediately.

Use a spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced and deeply aromatic.

Taste and adjust seasoning.
Add more water if the gravy tastes too salty.

Step 4: Assemble the Biscuits

Split warm biscuits in half.
Add a small pat of butter inside each biscuit for richness.

Layer a slice of country ham inside,
then drizzle with hot red-eye gravy.
Alternatively, serve the gravy on the side for dipping.

Traditional Cooking Method

Bake biscuits until light and fluffy
Pan-fry salt-cured country ham
Deglaze skillet with strong coffee
Serve immediately while hot

History of Country Ham and Red-Eye Gravy

Country ham has deep roots in Southern history.
Before refrigeration, pork was salt-cured and aged to preserve it,
resulting in the intensely flavored ham still enjoyed today.

Red-eye gravy emerged as a practical farm breakfast.
Coffee was used to deglaze the skillet,
creating a quick, flavorful sauce without wasting precious drippings.
The name is said to come from the reddish sheen of fat floating on top,
resembling an “eye.”

Benefits of This Southern Breakfast

High in protein for lasting energy
Simple, whole ingredients
No thickened sauces or flour-based gravies
Deep, satisfying flavor with minimal effort
Perfect for hearty mornings and hard work days

Flavor Formation

The bold flavor of this dish comes from contrast:
salty country ham, buttery biscuits,
and bitter coffee balanced by savory pork fat.
Each element enhances the others,
creating a powerful yet comforting taste.

Serving Suggestions

Add a fried or scrambled egg inside the biscuit
Serve with creamy grits on the side
Dip biscuits directly into the gravy
Enjoy with a hot cup of black coffee

Lovers of This Dish Say

Fans of classic Southern food love this breakfast for its honesty and boldness.
It’s not fancy, but it’s rich in tradition, flavor, and soul —
the kind of meal that brings families together at the table.

Final Conclusion

Country Ham Biscuits and Red-Eye Gravy is a true Southern classic —
salty, smoky, bold, and deeply comforting.
It represents generations of Southern cooking,
where simple ingredients and practical methods created unforgettable meals.