How to Make Delicious Cracker Barrel Red Eye Gravy Recipe at Home - A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you ready for a breakfast that will knock your socks off? Look no further than Cracker Barrel's famous Red Eye Gravy recipe. This Southern classic is a combination of salty and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, so you can enjoy this delicious breakfast at home any time you want.

First things first, let's talk about what makes Red Eye Gravy so unique. Unlike traditional gravies that are made from flour and butter, this recipe gets its flavor from coffee. That's right, coffee! The acidity of the coffee helps break down the saltiness of the ham, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it gives you an extra caffeine kick to start your day (or keep it going).

But don't just take my word for it. Let's dive into the recipe itself. You'll need some leftover ham (preferably with the bone still in), coffee, water, and a little bit of sugar. Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ham, cooking it until it's browned and crispy. Remove the ham from the skillet and set it aside.

Now, here's where things get interesting. Pour in a cup of strong, black coffee and a cup of water, scraping the bottom of the skillet to get all those delicious brown bits mixed in. Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance out the bitterness of the coffee. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

After the gravy has simmered, remove it from the heat and strain out any remaining solids. Then, pour it over the ham and serve it up hot. You can also serve it over biscuits or grits for an extra hearty breakfast.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Coffee in gravy? That sounds crazy! But trust me, once you try this recipe, you'll be hooked. It's the perfect combination of salty and sweet, with just a hint of bitterness from the coffee. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of coffee to see how they affect the flavor.

One thing to keep in mind is that Red Eye Gravy is definitely not a low-calorie breakfast option. But hey, sometimes you just need to indulge a little bit. And with this recipe, you won't regret it.

So next time you're in the mood for a delicious Southern breakfast, give Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy recipe a try. You might just find yourself making it again and again.

In conclusion, Red Eye Gravy may sound like a strange combination, but it's a true Southern classic that's worth trying. With its unique blend of flavors and easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy this breakfast at home any time you want. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about? Your taste buds will thank you.

The Quest for the Perfect Red Eye Gravy

As a self-proclaimed breakfast connoisseur, I have been on a quest for the perfect red eye gravy recipe for years. And let me tell you, it's not an easy task. But after countless attempts and failed experiments, I have finally found the holy grail of red eye gravy recipes - straight from the Cracker Barrel kitchen.

The Origins of Red Eye Gravy

For those of you who are unfamiliar with red eye gravy, let me give you a quick rundown. This Southern breakfast staple is made by deglazing a pan that's been used to cook country ham with black coffee. It's a simple yet magical combination that creates a flavorful gravy that's perfect for pouring over biscuits or grits.

But where did this magical concoction come from? Legend has it that the name red eye comes from the fact that the gravy resembles the red eyes of a tired cook who's been up all night preparing breakfast. Whether or not this is true, one thing's for sure - red eye gravy is a delicious tradition that's been enjoyed for generations.

The Cracker Barrel Connection

Now, back to the matter at hand - the Cracker Barrel red eye gravy recipe. As a frequent visitor to this beloved Southern restaurant chain, I've always been impressed with their red eye gravy. It's rich, savory, and has just the right amount of kick from the black coffee.

So, I did what any obsessed foodie would do - I asked a server if they could share the recipe with me. To my surprise, they actually did! Apparently, the recipe is a well-kept secret amongst Cracker Barrel employees, but they were kind enough to let me in on the magic.

The Secret Ingredients

So, what makes Cracker Barrel's red eye gravy so special? It's all about the ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup country ham, diced
1/4 cup black coffee
1 tbsp flour
1 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste

It's a simple list of ingredients, but it's all about the ratios and technique. Trust me, I've tried making red eye gravy with the same ingredients before and it never turned out quite right.

The Technique

Here's how you make the magic happen:

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced country ham and cook until browned.
Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside.
Add the flour to the skillet and whisk until it forms a roux.
Add the black coffee and whisk until the roux and coffee are well combined.
Add the water and whisk until the gravy is smooth and thickened.
Add the cooked country ham back to the skillet and stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and serve over biscuits or grits.

It may seem like a lot of steps, but trust me, it's worth it. The key is to not overcook the gravy - you want it to be thick and rich, but still pourable. And don't skimp on the country ham - it's what gives the gravy its deep flavor.

The Final Verdict

After making this recipe countless times, I can confidently say that it's the best red eye gravy I've ever had. It's rich, savory, and has just the right amount of kick from the black coffee. And best of all, it's easy enough to make at home.

So, if you're a fan of Southern breakfasts and haven't tried red eye gravy yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. And if you're already a fan, give this Cracker Barrel recipe a shot - I promise you won't be disappointed.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some biscuits and gravy calling my name...

Red Eye Gravy: The Eye-Opening Breakfast Miracle!

Waking up in the morning can be rough, but it's a little less painful when you know that Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy is waiting for you. This Southern classic will make you feel like you're sipping on a hot cup of coffee and chowing down on crispy bacon all at once. It's the perfect combination of savory and bold flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

A Southern Classic: Red Eye Gravy Straight from Cracker Barrel's Kitchen

If you're looking to get your Southern fix, then you need to try Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy recipe. It's been passed down from generations and perfected in their kitchens to provide you with the ultimate breakfast experience. The secret ingredient? Coffee! Yes, you read that right. Coffee and bacon come together to create a magical concoction that will blow your mind.

Coffee & Bacon: The Perfect Pair in Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy

Whoever thought to mix coffee and bacon deserves a medal. These two ingredients complement each other perfectly in Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy recipe. The coffee adds a rich and earthy flavor to the gravy while the bacon brings a salty and smoky taste. It's like they were made for each other.

The Ultimate Hangover Cure: Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy

Let's face it, we've all had those mornings where we wake up feeling like we've been hit by a truck. That's where Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy comes in. It's the ultimate hangover cure. The caffeine in the coffee will give you a much-needed boost while the bacon will help settle your stomach. It's like a magic potion that will have you feeling like a new person in no time.

How to Impress Your Southern In-Laws with Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy Recipe

If you're looking to impress your Southern in-laws, then you need to bring out the big guns - Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy recipe. They'll be blown away by your culinary skills and will be begging for the recipe. It's the perfect way to show them that you're not just a Yankee who can't handle their grits.

Red Eye Gravy: Because Just Drinking Coffee in the Morning is Too Mainstream

Let's be real, drinking a cup of coffee in the morning is so mainstream. Why settle for something basic when you can have Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy? It's like a party in your mouth and everyone's invited. You'll never go back to plain old coffee again.

The Secret Behind Cracker Barrel's Delicious Red Eye Gravy Revealed

So, what's the secret behind Cracker Barrel's delicious Red Eye Gravy? Well, we can't give away all of their secrets, but we can tell you that they use high-quality ingredients and cook it to perfection. They take pride in their Southern roots and it shows in every bite of their Red Eye Gravy.

In conclusion, if you want to start your day off on the right foot, then you need to try Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy recipe. It's a Southern classic that will make you feel like you're sitting on a front porch in Georgia, sipping on coffee and watching the sunrise. So, grab your skillet and get cooking!

Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy Recipe: A Southern Delight

The Origin of Red Eye Gravy

Legend has it that red eye gravy was invented by a weary Southern cook who, after a long night of cooking and cleaning, was left with nothing but ham drippings and coffee to serve her family for breakfast. She poured the strong, black coffee into the ham drippings, creating a delicious and unique sauce that soon became a staple in Southern kitchens.

The Cracker Barrel Twist

Cracker Barrel, a beloved restaurant chain famous for its Southern-style comfort food, puts its own spin on the classic red eye gravy recipe. Their version is made with bacon, instead of ham, and features a touch of sweetness thanks to the addition of brown sugar.

Ingredients:

6 slices of bacon
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups black coffee
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Add the flour to the pan with the bacon drippings and whisk until it forms a roux.
Slowly pour in the coffee while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the brown sugar and continue whisking until the gravy thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Crumble the cooked bacon and add it back into the gravy. Serve hot over biscuits, fried chicken, or any Southern-style breakfast dish.

A Humorous Take on Red Eye Gravy

Red eye gravy may sound like a strange combination of ingredients, but trust us, it's a delicious and uniquely Southern treat. One taste of Cracker Barrel's version, and you'll be hooked for life. Just be prepared for your taste buds to do a little two-step when they taste the sweet and savory flavors mingling together.

So go ahead, give red eye gravy a try. It may not be your typical breakfast fare, but it's sure to wake up your taste buds and put a smile on your face. And who knows, you may just find yourself craving it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After all, it's the perfect excuse to eat bacon and drink coffee at the same time!

The Bottom Line on Cracker Barrel's Red Eye Gravy Recipe

Well, folks, it looks like we've come to the end of our journey together. I hope you've enjoyed learning all about Cracker Barrel's famous red eye gravy recipe as much as I have. But before we say our final goodbyes, I think it's important that we address the elephant in the room: is this gravy actually any good?

Let me tell you, dear readers, that this gravy is downright delicious. It's the perfect blend of salty, savory, and just a little bit sweet. And while I'm still not entirely sure what makes it red eye gravy (maybe it's because it's so good, it'll keep you up all night?), there's no denying that this dish is a true Southern classic.

If you're feeling adventurous, I highly recommend trying to make this gravy at home. It's surprisingly easy to whip up, and it's sure to impress all your friends and family. Plus, who doesn't love a good breakfast-for-dinner meal every once in a while?

But if you're not quite ready to tackle the recipe on your own, don't worry. You can always head on down to your local Cracker Barrel and order a plate of their famous biscuits and gravy. Trust me, it's worth the trip.

Now, before I go, I'd like to leave you with a few parting words of wisdom. First and foremost, never underestimate the power of a good gravy. Whether you're serving it over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or even just a plain old piece of bread, gravy has the ability to make any meal instantly better.

Secondly, always be open to trying new things. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite dish (like red eye gravy!) by stepping outside your comfort zone.

And finally, never forget that food is about more than just sustenance. It's a way to connect with others, to share stories and memories, and to bring a little bit of joy into our daily lives. So the next time you sit down for a meal, take a moment to savor not just the flavors on your plate, but the company around you as well.

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey through the world of Cracker Barrel's red eye gravy recipe. I hope you've learned something new and maybe even gotten a little bit hungry along the way. Until next time, happy eating!