
By Laurel Perry
Published Dec 4, 2023

This flavor-packed Ham Gravy recipe is so easy to make with ham drippings and just 15 minutes on the clock! I was so proud when I first made this recipe, I felt like it really took our holiday table from good to great. It has a delightfully creamy texture, and of course, this gravy pairs well with your favorite holiday ham.

Simple Ham Gravy Recipe
This simple gravy recipe is the perfect pairing for ham, of course. Pour it over on Easter, Christmas, or anytime you have some juicy pork to serve.
This ham gravy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes total. With just 5 ingredients and one pan, it’s a no-brainer to make. Put those ham drippings to good use to make a rich and tasty gravy!
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ▢ ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ▢ 1 cup ham drippings
- ▢ 1 cup whole milk
- ▢ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ▢ Chopped fresh chives optional, for garnish
Video
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium pot set over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, wicking constantly until the butter is golden. ¼ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Slowly add the ham drippings while whisking constantly. 1 cup ham drippings
- Whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. 1 cup whole milk
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh chives before serving. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, Chopped fresh chives
Becky’s Tips
- If you don’t have 1 cup of ham drippings, add broth to measure 1 cup.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Ham Gravy Step by Step
Make the Roux: Melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a medium pot set over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, wicking constantly until the butter is golden.

Add the Drippings: Slowly add 1 cup of ham drippings while whisking constantly.

Thicken the Gravy: Whisk in 1 cup of whole milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Top with fresh chives before serving.

How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding water or pork/chicken broth to thin to the desired consistency.
How to Freeze
Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions
I consider myself an expert in holiday ham. Here are some of my favorites:
- Pineapple Ham
- Brown Sugar Ham
- Honey Glazed Ham
Or serve this tasty gravy with crockpot ham or ham and cheese sliders . It makes everything taste so moist and flavorful! Sop up any leftovers at the end of the meal with some buttermilk biscuits or mashed potatoes .
Depending on the type of ham you cook, the gravy will take on a different flavor from the drippings.
Be sure to try the Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy and Brown Gravy recipes, too!

Ham Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ham drippings
- 1 cup whole milk
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh chives optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium pot set over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, wicking constantly until the butter is golden. ¼ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Slowly add the ham drippings while whisking constantly. 1 cup ham drippings
- Whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. 1 cup whole milk
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh chives before serving. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, Chopped fresh chives
Video
Notes
- If you don’t have 1 cup of ham drippings, add broth to measure 1 cup.
Nutrition

By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
