When the chaos of Christmas Day is over, and you're ready for a laid-back, no-fuss meal, this Slow Cooker Gammon recipe is our absolute favourite thing to dig into on the second Christmas day. Let the slow cooker work its magic, transforming a simple gammon joint into a sweet, sticky masterpiece while you chill with a leftover mince pie. It's comfort food that practically cooks itself-because who wants to fight for oven space again?
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Christmas Ham: Slow Cooker Recipe
Who has oven space during the Christmas period? Between the roast potatoes, stuffing, and endless baked treats, the oven is already doing overtime. That's where this slow cooker ham swoops in to save the day!
Not only is it the best way to free up that precious oven real estate, but it's also an easy recipe that's lighter on the wallet than a traditional silverside beef roast or whole turkey-perfect if you're on a tight budget this festive season.
While it's a natural fit for the time of the year when you're hosting and entertaining, don't let Christmas have all the fun. This real crowd pleaser is equally perfect for a Sunday Roast or any gathering with family and friends. Why wait for the holidays to enjoy a show-stopping ham?
Ingredients and Substitutes
- gammon joint: we typically cook unsmoked gammon joints. If you are using smoked gammon, you may want to remove some of the salt content by soaking the gammon in cold water for a few hours before cooking.
- vegetables: carrot and onion, both peeled and roughly chopped.
- spices: we used black peppercorns, a cinnamon stick, cloves and coriander seeds, but you can experiment with star anise, allspice berries and many other spices.
- apple cider: not overly sweet.
- apple juice.
- honey: or maple syrup, but honey works better with mustard.
- dark brown sugar: or light brown sugar.
- Dijon mustard: or wholegrain mustard, or English mustard.
Find the ingredient quantities, detailed instructions and nutritional information in a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step-By-Step Method
1. Place the carrot, onion wedges, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds and black peppercorns on the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Place the gammon joint on top. Pour the cider and apple juice over. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low setting for 6-8 hours.
3. When the gammon is finished cooking, preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C Fan). Line a small roasting tin with foil.
4. In a small bowl, mix the honey, dark brown sugar and mustard.
5. Take the cooked gammon out of the slow cooker and remove any string or netting. Cut the rind (if your joint has it) leaving a thin layer of fat on top. Score the fat in a criss-cross pattern (diamond pattern) using a sharp knife.
6. Smear the honey mustard glaze on top of the ham and roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until dark and sticky.
7. Brush some more glaze that gathered at the bottom of the tray on top of the gammon just before serving.
What To Serve Slow Cooker Gammon With?
Pairing your brown sugar gammon with the perfect side dishes takes your meal to the next level. For a hearty base, you can't go wrong with roast potatoes or baby hasselback potatoes-both are great options that soak up the sticky glaze beautifully.
Vegetable sides like honey roasted carrots and parsnips or roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction add vibrant flavours and balance to your roast dinner spread. If you're a sourdough baker, you must try it with Sourdough Cauliflower Cheese!
For an extra festive touch, a dollop of cranberry and grapefruit sauce brings just the right amount of tangy sweetness. A feast fit for any occasion!
Recipe FAQs
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your gammon is perfectly cooked. Insert it into the centre of the meat, avoiding the bone if your joint has one, and check for an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F). It's always a good idea to double-check before moving on to the glaze step.
Not completely! As long as there's enough liquid to cover about half of the gammon joint, the slow cooking process will ensure even cooking. The steam and heat inside the slow cooker work wonders without needing to submerge the meat entirely.
Yes, but it's rare if you stick to the suggested cooking time. Overcooking can make the meat dry, so aim for the lower end of the cooking range and test with a fork-if it flakes apart easily, it's done!
Absolutely! While apple juice is a classic choice, you can experiment with different things in your slow cooker. We tried it with regular Coca Cola, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke (try our Slow Cooker Gammon in Cola), pineapple juice and Dr Pepper. So don't be afraid to get creative next time!
Storage and Leftovers
Once your slow cooker gammon joint is cooked and glazed, you'll want to make the most of every slice!
Storage:
- Keep any cooked ham in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days, making it easy to grab for sandwiches or quick meals.
- To freeze, slice the ham into portions, wrap well in foil or plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Different Ways to Use Brown Sugar Gammon Leftovers:
- Stir into a hearty ham soup or lentil soup for a warm, comforting meal.
- Make a ham pie with puff pastry, creamy sauce, and vegetables-perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Use leftover gammon in pasta dishes, adding it to a creamy or tomato-based sauce.
- Use gammon in place of bacon in omelettes, quiches, or fried rice for a delicious twist.
- Top savoury dumplings with cheese and diced ham for an indulgent snack or appetiser.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
Looking for your next slow cooker dish? From tender meats to hearty sides like slow cooker red cabbage, there's a recipe for every occasion!
Slow Cooker Gammon With Brown Sugar Glaze
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.3 kg (2.87 lb) gammon joined
- 1 carrot peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 brown onion peeled and cut into 4 wedges
- ½ teaspoon peppercorns
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5-6 cloves
- ½ teaspoon coriander seeds optional
- 300 ml (1½ cups) apple cider
- 500 ml (2½ cups) apple juice
For Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Place the carrot, onion wedges, cinnamon stick, cloves, coriander seeds and black peppercorns on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the gammon joint on top. Pour the cidre and apple juice over. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low or 6-7 hours.
- When the gammon is finished cooking, preheat the oven to 220 C. Line a baking tray with foil.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey, dark brown sugar and mustard.
- Take the cooked gammon out of the slow cooker and remove any string or netting. Cut the rind (if your joint has it) leaving a layer of fat on top. Score the fat in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife.
- Smear the glaze all over the gammon and roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until dark and sticky. Brush some more glaze that gathered at the botom of the tray on top of the gammon just before serving.
Nutrition
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