Best Easy Holiday Sauce Recipe – 3 Ingredient Ham Gravy

There’s nothing quite like a rich, velvety easy holiday sauce to elevate your festive meals from ordinary to extraordinary. This best easy holiday sauce recipe has been passed down through generations, transforming precious ham drippings into liquid gold that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner, this homemade holiday sauce will become the star of your table.

This classic holiday sauce requires just three simple ingredients – butter, flour, and ham drippings – yet delivers restaurant-quality results that will have your guests asking for the recipe. The beauty of this easy holiday gravy lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it brings to everything it touches.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Holiday Sauce

• Quick and effortless – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep time • Budget-friendly – Uses ham drippings you’d normally discard, making it practically free • Foolproof technique – Perfect for beginners with simple step-by-step instructions • Versatile flavor – Complements ham, turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables • Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepared in advance for stress-free holiday entertaining • Family tradition – Creates that nostalgic holiday sauce taste that brings everyone together • Rich and savory – Delivers that perfect consistency and depth of flavor every time

Ingredients for Easy Holiday Sauce

Essential Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter (use high-quality butter for best flavor)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (creates the perfect thickening base)
• 2 cups ham drippings (the secret to authentic holiday sauce flavor)

Optional Flavor Enhancements:

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (for herbal notes)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for subtle heat)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for tangy depth)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for extra richness)

Dietary Substitutions:

• Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-free version: Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter
• Low-sodium alternative: Use unsalted butter and low-sodium ham drippings

How to Make Easy Holiday Sauce – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Roux Base

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the flour, creating a smooth paste. Cook this roux for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly to prevent burning and eliminate the raw flour taste. This foundation is crucial for achieving that perfect holiday sauce consistency.

Step 2: Incorporate the Ham Drippings

Slowly pour the ham drippings into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The key to smooth easy holiday sauce is patience – add the liquid gradually while maintaining constant whisking motion. This technique ensures a silky, lump-free gravy every time.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the holiday sauce reaches your desired thickness. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon and have a rich, glossy appearance.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste your easy holiday sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, or any of the optional flavor enhancements mentioned above. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer an ultra-smooth consistency, then serve immediately over your favorite holiday dishes.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Easy Holiday Sauce

What is the secret to the best easy holiday sauce? The secret lies in creating a proper roux and using quality ham drippings. Never rush the roux-making process, as this foundation determines your gravy’s final texture and flavor.

Can I make easy holiday sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the roux in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and whisk in hot ham drippings for fresh holiday sauce in minutes.

How do I fix lumpy holiday sauce? If lumps form, immediately strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth it out. Prevention is key – always whisk constantly when adding liquids to the roux.

What if my holiday sauce is too thick? Simply whisk in additional warm ham drippings, chicken stock, or even water until you reach the desired consistency. Add liquid gradually to avoid over-thinning.

Can I freeze easy holiday sauce? Yes! This homemade holiday sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking to restore smooth texture.

Best Ways to Serve Easy Holiday Sauce

The beauty of this versatile holiday sauce lies in its ability to complement virtually any dish on your festive table. Pour it generously over sliced ham for that classic presentation, or create a well in your mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.

This easy holiday gravy transforms simple roasted vegetables into gourmet sides and makes leftover turkey or chicken taste like a completely new meal. Try it over warm biscuits for a Southern-inspired breakfast, or use it as a base for pot pie filling.

For an elegant presentation, serve the holiday sauce in a beautiful gravy boat with a ladle, allowing guests to add as much as they desire. The rich, golden color and aromatic steam will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Nutritional Information for Easy Holiday Sauce

Per 1/4 cup serving:

• Calories: 85 kcal
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Iron: 2% DV

This nutritious holiday sauce provides protein from the ham drippings and essential nutrients while remaining relatively low in calories per serving. The natural fats contribute to satiety and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from accompanying vegetables.

Storage & Leftovers

How long does easy holiday sauce last in the fridge? Store your leftover holiday sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Best reheating methods: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking frequently to prevent separation. Add a splash of stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Microwave reheating is possible but requires stirring every 30 seconds to maintain smooth consistency.

Freezing guidelines: Pour cooled easy holiday sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1 inch of headspace for expansion. Label with the date and use within 3 months for best quality. Thaw completely before reheating.

4 FAQs for Easy Holiday Sauce

Q: Can I freeze easy holiday sauce for later use? A: Yes! This holiday sauce freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop.

Q: What can I use instead of ham drippings in holiday sauce? A: If you don’t have ham drippings, substitute with chicken stock mixed with 1 tablespoon of ham base or bouillon. You can also use turkey drippings or beef stock for different flavor profiles.

Q: How do I make my holiday sauce thicker? A: To thicken your easy holiday sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering gravy and cook for 2-3 additional minutes until thickened.

Q: Is this holiday sauce recipe gluten-free? A: The traditional recipe contains wheat flour, but you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting with rice flour, cornstarch, or your favorite gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts.

Related Recipes for Easy Holiday Sauce

If you love this easy holiday sauce, you’ll also enjoy these complementary recipes that pair perfectly with gravy:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes – The perfect canvas for this rich holiday sauce

• Honey Glazed Carrots – Sweet vegetables that balance the savory gravy beautifully

• Traditional Stuffing Recipe – Another holiday essential that benefits from a drizzle of gravy

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Transform these vegetables with a spoonful of holiday sauce

• Buttermilk Biscuits – Perfect for soaking up every drop of this delicious gravy

Conclusion & Call to Action

Creating the best easy holiday sauce doesn’t require years of culinary training or expensive ingredients – just three simple components and a little technique. This foolproof holiday gravy recipe will become your go-to solution for transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary celebrations.

The rich, savory flavor of this homemade holiday sauce creates those magical moments that turn dinner into cherished memories. Whether you’re serving it over ham at Christmas dinner or using it to elevate weeknight leftovers, this versatile gravy delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

Now you know how to make the best easy holiday sauce at home! Try this recipe for your next family gathering and watch as it becomes a beloved tradition. Don’t forget to save those precious ham drippings – they’re the secret ingredient that makes this easy holiday sauce absolutely irresistible.

Have you tried this easy holiday sauce recipe? Share your results in the comments below and let us know how you customized it for your family’s taste preferences!

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