Easy Slow Cooker Gammon
Slow cooker gammon is a delicious and comforting dish that brings rich flavor and tenderness without requiring hours in the kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of planning, you can create a satisfying meal that works beautifully for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The beauty of this easy slow cooker gammon recipe lies in its simplicity the slow cooker does most of the work, resulting in meat that is juicy, flavorful, and falls apart with a fork. Whether you’re serving it hot with sides or using leftovers for sandwiches, gammon cooked this way is always a winner.
What Is Gammon?
Understanding the Cut
Gammon is a cut of pork from the hind leg of a pig that has been cured like bacon. Unlike ham, which is already cooked, gammon must be cooked before it’s eaten. It can be boiled, baked, or roasted, but slow cooking has become a popular method for its ease and consistently tender results.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker ensures even, gentle cooking that brings out the best in the gammon. It also frees up your stove and oven for other tasks and requires minimal hands-on time. This method locks in moisture and enhances the flavor, especially when paired with ingredients like cider, cola, or traditional spices.
Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Gammon
- 1.52 kg (34 lb) unsmoked gammon joint (can use smoked if preferred)
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 celery stick, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 68 peppercorns
- Water, apple juice, or cola to cover the meat
Optional Glaze (for finishing)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon or English mustard
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or maple syrup
How to Cook Gammon in the Slow Cooker
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Place the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and peppercorns into the base of your slow cooker. These aromatics will help build flavor during the long cook time.
Step 2: Add the Gammon
Put the gammon joint on top of the vegetables. If the joint has a thick layer of fat or skin, you can leave it on during cooking to keep the meat moist, then remove or crisp it later.
Step 3: Add the Cooking Liquid
Pour enough water, apple juice, or cola over the gammon to just cover it. Each liquid adds its own flavor cola brings a subtle sweetness, apple juice adds a fruity note, while water is more neutral.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 68 hours or on high for 45 hours. The meat is ready when it pulls apart easily with a fork.
Step 5: Optional Glaze
If you’d like to finish the gammon with a glaze, remove it from the slow cooker once it’s cooked and place it in a roasting tin. Mix the glaze ingredients together and brush over the meat. Bake in a hot oven (around 200°C or 400°F) for 1520 minutes until golden and sticky, basting once or twice during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Serving Options
Gammon is perfect served hot as a centerpiece for dinner. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, steamed green beans, or braised cabbage. Add some mustard or parsley sauce on the side for extra richness.
Cold Serving Ideas
Once cooled, gammon can be sliced for sandwiches, diced into salads, or used in pies and pasta bakes. It’s also excellent on a charcuterie board with pickles and cheese.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftover gammon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can be sliced thin or chopped depending on how you plan to use it.
Freezing
Gammon freezes well. Wrap in foil and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered dish with a splash of water or stock to prevent it from drying out. You can also pan-fry slices or reheat in the oven, covered with foil.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose the right size: Make sure the gammon joint fits comfortably in your slow cooker. You may need to trim or adjust depending on the size.
- Don’t skip aromatics: Onion, herbs, and spices help balance the saltiness of the gammon and add depth of flavor.
- Experiment with liquids: Try ginger beer, orange juice, or even cider vinegar for a different flavor twist.
- Test for doneness: Use a meat thermometer your gammon should be at least 71°C (160°F) at the thickest point.
Common Questions About Cooking Gammon
Do I need to soak the gammon first?
Most gammon joints sold today are not overly salty and don’t require soaking. If you’re unsure, check the packaging or ask your butcher. You can always do a quick boil for 1015 minutes to remove excess salt before slow cooking.
Can I cook gammon without liquid?
No, some form of liquid is essential to create steam and prevent the meat from drying out. Even a small amount will help keep the gammon tender.
Can I use a smoked gammon joint?
Yes, though the flavor will be more intense. You might want to pair it with sweeter liquids like apple juice or cola to balance the smokiness.
Why This Recipe Works
- Requires minimal prep and hands-on time
- Yields tender, juicy results every time
- Versatile great hot or cold, in many dishes
- Customizable with different glazes or liquids
Easy slow cooker gammon is one of those no-fail recipes that every home cook should have in their repertoire. It’s flavorful, versatile, and practically effortless. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday meal, a comforting Sunday roast, or just meal prepping for the week ahead, this method delivers every time. With a few basic ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can enjoy succulent, fall-apart gammon that’s sure to please. Try it once, and it might just become a household favorite.