The BEST Slow Cooker Gammon (Easy Ham Recipe)

🧾 Essential glazed ham ingredients

In this section, I've outlined the key ingredients and why they're essential in the recipe. For precise measurements, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

• Smoked Gammon, Deboned: The star of the dish, provides rich, smoky flavor.
• Apples: Add natural sweetness and complement the gammon's smokiness.
• Onion: Offers a savoury depth to the overall flavour profile.
• Garlic Cloves: Enhance the dish with their pungent, aromatic qualities.
• Carrot: Contributes to the savory base and adds subtle sweetness.
• Cider or Apple Juice: Brings a fruity acidity, tenderising the meat.
• Chicken Stock (with Stock Cube): Adds richness and depth to the cooking liquid.
• Maple Syrup or honey: Provides a sweet, robust glaze.
• English Mustard: Adds a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness.
• Mixed Spice: Infuses warmth and complexity into the glaze.

👩🏻‍🍳 How to make glazed gammon in 2 easy steps

We're using two steps for this easy recipe- slow cooking and glazing.

• Preparing the Gammon:
  • Unwrap the gammon, keeping the strings tied for structural integrity.
  • Place the gammon in your slow cooker.
  • Tip: Tying helps maintain the shape and even cooking.
• Adding Vegetables for Flavour:
  • Roughly chop onions, carrots, and apple; arrange around the ham.
  • These ingredients are crucial for infusing the cooking liquid with a rich, aromatic flavour.

• Cooking the Gammon:
  • Pour cider and chicken stock into the slow cooker.
  • Cook on high for about 3 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours.
  • Trick: Longer, slower cooking on low enhances tenderness.
• Preparing the Glaze:
  • Mix maple syrup, mustard, and mixed spice in a small bowl; whisk well.
  • Tip: Whisking ensures an even blend for a consistent glaze.
• Glazing and Grilling the Gammon:
  • Remove gammon from the slow cooker; place on a baking tray.
  • Remove the strings and score the skin for better glaze penetration.
  • Apply half the glaze and grill for 5 minutes. Then, re-glaze and grill for another 5 minutes.
  • Tip: Scoring the skin helps the glaze adhere and penetrate, enhancing flavour.

• Serving the Gammon:
  • Slice the gammon and serve with additional mustard.
  • Drizzle with the remaining glaze for a flavourful finish.
  • Trick: Slicing against the grain ensures tender pieces.
• Pro-Tip: Optimal liquid level for slow cooker gammon - When slow cooking your gammon, aim to cover at least two-thirds of the joint with liquid. This ensures that the gammon is sufficiently submerged for even cooking and flavour absorption, while the top portion steams gently, resulting in a perfectly tender and juicy ham. Whether you're using cider, apple juice, or broth, maintaining this liquid level is key for optimal results.

💡Can I cook the gammon without a slow cooker? Absolutely!

• Place the gammon on the stovetop in a large pot and bring it to a gentle simmer, not a boil. You'll need to cook it for 30 minutes per pound (500g), plus an extra 30 minutes at the end. This slow, gentle cooking method ensures the gammon stays tender and moist.
• Once cooked, transfer the gammon to a baking tray. *Line it with foil for quick cleanup. Apply the glaze and then place under a hot grill (broiler). Grill for a few minutes until the glaze is caramelised and bubbly, but be cautious to avoid overcooking the ham. This final step adds a deliciously crispy and flavourful outer layer to the gammon.

🍯 Leftovers: storing, reheating, and reinventing

Cooking a larger gammon joint than needed allows you to creatively use leftovers for delicious meals throughout the week. Here are some tips for optimising those extra portions.

• Storing: Quickly cool and refrigerate leftover gammon within two hours in airtight containers; it stays fresh for up to three days.
• Reheating: Reheat to at least 74°C (165°F) for safety. Only reheat what you'll consume to preserve quality and ensure food safety.
• Reinvention Ideas:
  • In soups: Add cubed gammon to split pea or potato leek soup for a smoky flavour. Make ham and leek soup by substituting the chicken in this leek soup recipe.
  • Ham and leek pie: Dice gammon for a pie filling with creamy sauce in pastry.
  • Sandwiches & dishes: Thinly slice for sandwiches or chop for pasta, omelettes, or savoury pancakes.

✏️Tips for making glazed gammon ahead

1. Cook in Advance: Slow cook the gammon a day before you plan to serve it. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
2. Refrigerate Overnight: After cooking, let the gammon cool and then store it in the fridge overnight. This step is perfect if you're serving the gammon cold.
3. Final Glazing and Heating: On the day of serving, apply the glaze and heat the gammon in the oven to crisp up the outer layer. This step rejuvenates the gammon, making it taste freshly cooked.
4. Serving Cold: If you're serving it cold, the advance preparation ensures the gammon is well-settled and easier to slice.
5. Safety Tip: Always ensure the gammon is cooled quickly and stored at a safe temperature in the fridge to maintain food safety.

👉 What to serve with honey-glazed gammon/ ham