Prepare the griddle cornbread: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs and milk, stirring until well combined. Set aside to rest for 10 minutes.
Heat 2 tablespoons of bacon grease or vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Pour in the cornbread batter and cook for 20 25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
In another pan, brown the sliced country sausages over medium heat for about 5 7 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Deglaze the pan with coffee and add hot sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer and let reduce by half. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
To assemble, slice the griddle cornbread into wedges and arrange on a serving platter. Top with browned country sausages and spoon the spicy red eye gravy over the top. Serve immediately.
Chef’s Insight
The secret to this dish is in the layering of flavors, from the savory cornbread to the spicy red-eye gravy, which adds a unique twist to a classic Southern breakfast.
Notes
Adjust the spiciness of the red-eye gravy to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce.