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.

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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.

Earl:

That’s red-eye gravy - made from the ham pan.

- A traditional Appalachian & Southern breakfast dish (noun)

Mae:

You makin’ redeye?

Earl:

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."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Why is it called "red-eye gravy"?

The grease circles on top resemble a red eye.

Is it thick like white gravy?

No - it’s thin and runny, more like a sauce.

Do you have to use coffee?

Traditionally yes, but some folks use water or cola. Coffee is the classic.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 2). Red-Eye Gravy. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/red-eye-gravy
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Red-Eye Gravy." HillbillySlang.com, 2 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/red-eye-gravy.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Red-Eye Gravy." HillbillySlang.com. September 2, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/red-eye-gravy.

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