Southern > Bacon

Bacon Red-Eye Gravy Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Whisk

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

2. Whisk in the flour to the bacon grease and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.

3. Slowly pour in the strong brewed coffee while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

4. Add the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and continue to whisk until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine.


Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of gravy

Nutritional information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of bacon, you can use ham or sausage.
- Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Use chicken or beef broth instead of coffee for a different flavor profile.
- Add diced onions or garlic to the skillet before adding the flour for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a strong brewed coffee for the best flavor.
- Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

Storage instructions:
Store the leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the bacon red-eye gravy over biscuits, toast, or fried chicken.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Pairings:
Serve with scrambled eggs, hash browns, or grits.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with roasted potatoes or sautéed greens.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the gravy is too thick, add more coffee or broth to thin it out.
- If the gravy is too thin, whisk in a slurry of flour and water to thicken it.

Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot grease.
- Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.

Food history:
Bacon red-eye gravy is a traditional Southern dish that dates back to the 1800s. It gets its name from the red color of the gravy, which comes from the coffee used in the recipe.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, smoky, and slightly bitter from the coffee.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the bacon red-eye gravy for breakfast or brunch.

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Taste: Savory, Salty, Smoky, Rich, Umami