Southern Comfort: How to Prepare a Traditional Breakfast with Red Eye Gravy

A Southern breakfast is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition, a warm embrace, and a delightful way to start your day. Combining hearty ingredients with simple yet flavorful preparation, this morning feast embodies the essence of Southern hospitality. Among the most iconic components of this breakfast are Benton Country Ham, stone-ground grits, red eye gravy, and hot biscuits. Together, they create a comforting and satisfying experience that celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage.

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The Star of the Plate: Benton Country Ham

No Southern breakfast is complete without country ham, and Benton Country Ham is a standout choice. Known for its bold, smoky flavor, this ham is cured using traditional methods that have been perfected over generations. The curing process involves a blend of salt, brown sugar, and time, which imparts a deep, rich taste to the meat. When fried to perfection, Benton ham delivers a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful bites that pair beautifully with other breakfast staples.

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Eggs: The Versatile Breakfast Essential

Eggs are a cornerstone of any morning meal, and they shine brightly in a Southern breakfast. Whether scrambled, fried, poached, or transformed into fluffy omelets, eggs offer endless possibilities. Their creamy texture and mild flavor complement the robust taste of Benton ham, creating a harmonious balance on the plate. Eggs also provide a protein-packed boost to keep you energized throughout the day.

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Stone-Ground Grits: A Comforting Classic

Grits hold a special place in Southern cuisine, and Logan Turnpike stone-ground grits are among the finest. Made in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, these grits are crafted from coarsely ground corn and cooked slowly to achieve a rich, creamy consistency. They can be enjoyed plain or enhanced with butter, cheese, or even red eye gravy. Grits add a warm, comforting element to the breakfast, making every bite a delight.

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Red Eye Gravy: A Bold Southern Tradition

Red eye gravy is a uniquely Southern creation that brings an extra layer of flavor to the breakfast table. Made from the drippings of fried ham and combined with black coffee, this savory gravy boasts a bold taste that perfectly complements the saltiness of the ham and the creaminess of the grits. Its distinct flavor profile adds depth to the meal, making it a favorite among Southern food enthusiasts.

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Hot Biscuits: The Perfect Sidekick

In the South, no breakfast is complete without hot biscuits. These fluffy, buttery baked goods are the ideal accompaniment to any meal, especially when paired with red eye gravy or slathered with jelly, honey, or sorghum syrup. Their tender texture and golden crust make them perfect for sopping up every last drop of gravy or enjoying on their own.

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Making Your Own Cathead Biscuits

For those who want to bring a taste of the South to their own kitchen, making homemade biscuits is a must. The following recipe for Cathead Biscuits, inspired by Nathalie Dupree, is simple to follow and yields irresistibly fluffy results.

Ingredients

• 2 cups White Lily all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and let it heat up.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Blend in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it forms a crumbly texture.
4. Add the Buttermilk: Gradually pour in the buttermilk, gently stirring until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough slightly sticky.
5. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Fold the dough over itself 2-3 times to create layers, then gently roll it out again to 1-inch thickness.
6. Cut the Biscuits: Use a floured biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are close but not touching.
7. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
8. Serve Warm: Brush the tops with melted butter if desired and serve warm.

These homemade biscuits pair perfectly with red eye gravy, sorghum syrup, or a dollop of Tupelo honey, making them a delightful addition to any breakfast spread.

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The Southern Breakfast Experience

A Southern breakfast featuring Benton ham, eggs, stone-ground grits, red eye gravy, and hot biscuits is more than just a collection of dishes—it’s an experience that captures the heart and soul of Southern cooking. It’s a meal that brings people together, offering warmth, comfort, and a taste of tradition. Whether enjoyed at home or in a local diner, this classic breakfast is a delicious way to start your day with a smile.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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