If you are craving a meal that brings comfort, warmth, and a burst of savory goodness, look no further than this Ham with Ham Gravy Recipe. It embraces the best parts of a classic holiday ham, transforming simple ingredients into a luscious glaze and a rich pan gravy that make every bite unforgettable. The interplay of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors combined with the tender texture of the ham makes for a dish that feels like a heartfelt celebration on your plate. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a treasured favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Ham with Ham Gravy Recipe plays a pivotal role, contributing to the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the sweet richness of brown sugar and honey to the bright punch of Dijon mustard, each component elevates the dish seamlessly.
- Fully cooked ham (8–10 lb): This is the star of the show, tender and ready to absorb all the delicious flavors from the glaze and gravy.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the savory ham.
- Honey (¼ cup): Contributes a natural floral sweetness with a smooth texture, helping to create a luscious glaze.
- Dijon mustard (2 tbsp): Brings a subtle tang and spice that cuts through the sweetness for a balanced flavor profile.
- Pan drippings (2 cups): Essential for crafting a gravy packed with authentic ham flavor straight from the roasting pan.
- Flour (2 tbsp): Acts as the thickening agent for your gravy, ensuring the perfect silky consistency.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux for the gravy base.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and round out the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Ham with Ham Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Glaze the Ham
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure an even roast. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. Use a brush to apply this glaze generously over the entire surface of your fully cooked ham. This sweet and tangy coating will caramelize beautifully as it roasts, adding layers of flavor and a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 2: Roast the Ham
Place the glazed ham in a roasting pan and insert it into the oven. Roast for about one and a half to two hours, basting occasionally with the juices and any remaining glaze to keep the ham glossy and moist. This slow roasting draws out all the best flavors and ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.
Step 3: Make the Ham Gravy
Once the ham is done, remove it from the pan and let it rest while you make the homemade ham gravy. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, creating a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the two cups of pan drippings, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Allow the gravy to simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
With your ham rested and your gravy ready, slice the ham into thick, juicy pieces. Serve them warm, generously drizzled with your rich, flavorful ham gravy. The combination of the glazed meat and the savory sauce will keep everyone at the table asking for seconds!
How to Serve Ham with Ham Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or thyme add a lovely green brightness and a subtle aroma that complements the richness of the ham and its gravy. A few thin slices of orange or a sprinkle of whole cloves can create an attractive and festive presentation, making your dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This Ham with Ham Gravy Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables, as they soak up the flavorful gravy. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans provide a fresh contrast and bring balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the ham on a wooden carving board surrounded by slices of fresh fruit, such as pineapple or apples, to brighten the table and add a sweet-tart counterpoint. Or, use individual gravy boats so each guest can add as much ham gravy as they like, making the meal interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ham and gravy should be stored promptly in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining quality and flavor when refrigerated properly.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Ham with Ham Gravy Recipe later, you can freeze both the ham slices and the gravy separately. Wrap the ham tightly in foil or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Freeze the gravy in a sealed container, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat ham slices gently in the oven at low temperature or microwave in short intervals to keep them moist. Warm the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For a silky texture, add a little water or broth if the gravy thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of mustard in this Ham with Ham Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! While Dijon mustard adds a nice balance of tang and spice, you can experiment with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard to vary the flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste profile will shift slightly.
Is it necessary to use pan drippings for the gravy?
Pan drippings are essential for capturing the authentic, rich ham flavor in the gravy. However, if you don’t have enough drippings, you can supplement with a mild broth or stock, but the result won’t be quite the same.
How can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Simply swap out the flour for an equal amount of cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Mix it with cold water before whisking it into the melted butter to avoid clumps. The gravy will thicken nicely and remain delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat ham without drying it out?
The best method is to gently heat the ham in a low oven covered loosely with foil. This keeps the ham moist and tender. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave at medium power in short bursts, covering to trap steam.
Can I add some extra flavor to the gravy?
Definitely! A splash of apple cider or apple juice added when whisking in the drippings adds a subtle fruity brightness that pairs beautifully with the ham. You could also add a touch of garlic or fresh herbs depending on your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Ham with Ham Gravy Recipe brings a wonderful sense of tradition and homestyle comfort to any table. From the tender, flavorful ham to the silky, savory gravy, it truly is a dish that spreads warmth and joy. I highly encourage you to try this recipe at your next holiday or Sunday dinner — it’s sure to be a delicious success that everyone will cherish.
Print
Ham with Ham Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic holiday ham served with a delicious homemade ham gravy made from pan drippings — savory, simple, and full of flavor. This recipe features a perfectly roasted ham glazed with a brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard mixture, complemented by a rich, velvety gravy that enhances every slice.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 fully cooked ham (8–10 lb)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Gravy
- 2 cups pan drippings
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for roasting the ham evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Brush this glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham for a sweet and tangy coating.
- Roast the Ham: Place the glazed ham on a rack in a roasting pan and put it in the preheated oven. Roast for 1½ to 2 hours, basting occasionally with the pan drippings and any remaining glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Make the Gravy: While the ham roasts, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden and forms a roux.
- Add Pan Drippings: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of the warm pan drippings from the ham, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a splash of apple cider for extra flavor.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the ham into serving pieces and serve warm with the homemade ham gravy on the side.
Notes
- Use cornstarch instead of flour if you prefer a gluten-free gravy; mix with cold water before adding to pan drippings.
- Adding a splash of apple cider or apple juice to the gravy can enhance its flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Always baste the ham periodically during roasting to keep it moist and to develop a beautiful glaze.
- Let the ham rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute for a more tender result.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
