Ham Gravy from Drippings (Perfect for Mashed Potatoes)
Ham Gravy From Drippings
A baked ham dinner always leaves you with one of the best parts of the meal. The flavorful drippings in the bottom of the roasting pan. Those juices are the secret to making a rich, savory ham gravy that tastes incredible over sliced ham and creamy mashed potatoes. This simple gravy comes together quickly and uses the natural sweetness and seasoning from your ham to build deep flavor without a lot of ingredients.
Whether you bake a honey ham, orange glazed, cherry glaze or brown sugar bourbon glazed ham, or a classic holiday ham, the drippings carry all those caramelized flavors straight into your gravy. It’s an easy way to elevate your dinner and make sure nothing from your ham goes to waste. This gravy is perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any Sunday meal where you want a comforting sauce that brings everything together.
Serve your ham gravy over slices of ham, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or any of your favorite holiday sides. If you are serving ham and turkey together, it is completely fine to have two gravies. Ham and turkey are different meats, and each one deserves its own gravy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses real ham drippings for the best flavor
- Quick and simple with pantry ingredients
- Pairs with any baked ham no matter the glaze
- Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals
- Smooth, savory, and homemade every time
What You’ll Learn
- How to turn ham drippings into a rich gravy
- The best type of ham to use for flavorful drippings
- How to thicken gravy without lumps
- How to adjust seasoning so it’s never too salty
- Tips for serving gravy with ham, potatoes, and side dishes
Making Gravy From Baked Ham Dinner
To make ham gravy from drippings, cook the mixture over medium heat while whisking constantly until it thickens. Whisking helps prevent lumps and gives you a smooth gravy that is perfect for serving over ham or mashed potatoes.
For easier handling, remove the ham from the roasting pan so you can pour the drippings into a measuring cup or small saucepan. You can return the ham to the pan for slicing and plating.
Leftover ham and potatoes can be used for other meals. Slice the potatoes and make scalloped potatoes, or make ham and scalloped potatoes for another comforting dinner.
A good ham gravy has a little pepper in it. If you find the gravy bland, add pepper first, then salt only if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of gravy goes best with ham
The best gravy for ham is a simple ham gravy made from the drippings in the roasting pan. The drippings already have the natural saltiness of the ham along with the flavor from your glaze, which gives the gravy a rich, homemade taste.
Can I use cornstarch instead of flour
Yes. Cornstarch works just as well as flour. Mix cornstarch with cold water first so it blends smoothly. Flour needs to cook a little longer to remove the flour taste, so keep whisking until the gravy thickens.
Should I include the ham drippings bits
You can include them if you like a more flavorful gravy. The little bits add richness and make the gravy feel homemade. If you prefer a smooth gravy, strain it before serving.
Why does my ham gravy taste bland
Ham drippings vary in flavor. If your gravy tastes bland, add pepper first, then add salt only if needed. Ham drippings can be salty, so always taste before seasoning.
What kind of ham makes the best drippings
You can make gravy from any baked ham. Spiral hams usually produce more drippings, while boneless hams may need a little extra water or pineapple juice. Bone in hams also work well and give great flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Ham Gravy
- Use the drippings from the roasting pan for the most flavor
- Whisk constantly to keep the gravy smooth
- Add water or broth if the gravy becomes too thick
- Taste before adding salt because ham drippings can be salty
Easy Ham Gravy From Drippings – Perfect for Ham and Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch can use flour
- 2 cups ham drippings or whatever you can get from ham drippings
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Start out by gathering your ham drippings and measuring to see how much you have. The recipe may need to be adjusted if you have less drippings.
- In a pot, add the water and cornstarch (or flour).
- Mix together until there are no lumps.
- Add the ham drippings and cook on medium heat.
- Stir in the pepper and bring the gravy to a boil
- Let the mix come to a rolling boil (one you cannot stir down).
- Remove from heat and place into your gravy boat.
Video
Notes
