Slow Cooker Red-Eye Gravy Ham Steaks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add another layer of depth to the gravy, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of black pepper along with the brown sugar. These additions complement the smoky profile of the ham and the bitterness of the coffee. If you prefer a more pronounced onion flavor, you can sauté the onions in a pan for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker, though this is optional and not strictly necessary for a tender result.

Serving the ham with a side that can soak up the gravy is highly recommended. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery grits, or even crusty bread are excellent choices to ensure none of the flavorful liquid goes to waste. If you are serving a crowd, you can easily double this recipe, provided your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ham steaks without stacking them too high, which would impede the cooking process.

Variations

• Spicy Coffee Ham: Add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the coffee mixture for a subtle heat that pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the savory ham.
• Garlic Infused Ham: Add three cloves of smashed garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker along with the onions for a deeper, more aromatic flavor profile in the final gravy.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the food cools to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Freeze the ham and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until the ham is warmed through to 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water if the gravy is too thick.

Store any leftover ham and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the leftovers cool for no more than 2 hours before placing them in the fridge to maintain food safety.

When storing, keep the ham submerged in the gravy as much as possible to prevent the meat from drying out. If you have a large amount of gravy, store it in a separate container to use for other meals, such as drizzling over breakfast biscuits.

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by slicing the onions and measuring out the brown sugar and coffee, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply assemble the layers in the slow cooker insert.

This reduces active preparation time to almost zero on the day you plan to serve the dish. Note that once the raw ham is combined with the other ingredients, it should be cooked promptly rather than sitting in the slow cooker for an extended period.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham steaks warm, spooning a generous amount of the coffee-onion gravy over each piece. The gravy is the star of the dish, so do not be shy about ladling it over the meat and any accompanying sides like mashed potatoes or grits.

For a bright finish, you can garnish the plates with a small amount of freshly chopped parsley, which adds a touch of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the deep, dark tones of the red-eye gravy.

This dish pairs exceptionally well with hearty, classic sides. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the ham and gravy. If serving for breakfast, a side of scrambled eggs or biscuits makes for a traditional Southern-style meal.

Regardless of the time of day, ensure the ham is served at a comfortable, warm temperature, and provide extra gravy on the side for those who prefer a more saucy presentation for their meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Red-Eye Gravy Ham Steaks

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in ham steaks
• 1 large sweet onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in ham steaks in the bottom of the slow cooker insert, overlapping them slightly to fit. Distribute the sliced sweet onions evenly over the top of the ham steaks.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and ham. Whisk the melted butter into the brewed coffee in a small pitcher, then pour the mixture over the ham and onion layers.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the ham is tender and heated through to at least 145°F (63°C). Remove the ham, let it rest for 5 minutes, and serve with the pan gravy.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

10 g

Sodium

1200 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.