Southern US Red-Eye Gravy with Ham Steaks

Southern US Red-Eye Gravy with Ham Steaks recipe videos

Southern US Red-Eye Gravy with Ham Steaks is a classic comfort food featuring pan-fried ham steaks smothered in a savory, coffee-infused pan sauce. The gravy is traditionally made from the ham drippings, black coffee, and sometimes water or broth, creating a thin, flavorful sauce. This dish is a staple of Southern breakfasts and brunches, particularly in states like Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

🍳 View the full Southern US Red-Eye Gravy with Ham Steaks recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein from the ham and fat from the cooking drippings, with minimal carbohydrates unless served with sides like biscuits or grits. A typical serving of one ham steak with gravy provides around 300-400 calories, along with iron from the coffee and B vitamins from the meat.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	1850 mg
Iron	3.2 mg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Potassium	480 mg
Phosphorus	350 mg
Niacin (B3)	8.0 mg
Vitamin B6	0.6 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Selenium	28 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) with ham steak · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The name 'red-eye' comes from the reddish appearance of the gravy from the ham drippings combined with the dark coffee, and it's said to be a hangover cure in Southern folklore. Nutritionally, the coffee adds antioxidants and a unique bitter depth that balances the saltiness of the ham, making it a surprisingly complex yet humble dish.