Slow Cooker Gammon Joint (Best honey roast ham!)
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This slow cooker gammon recipe is not only the easiest way to cook a gammon joint but results in the most tender, juicy meat. Topped off with a delicious honey mustard glaze that you can leave gooey and delicious or crisp up quickly in the oven.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Great for a tight budget – This slow cooker ham recipe costs around £12 total, not including spices and ingredients (like honey) you already have in your pantry.
Barely any prep – All you need to do to prep this slow cooker gammon is chop a few veggies and toss the ingredients in a crock pot. Then you’re good to go!
Deliciously tender meat – Once you learn how to cook a gammon joint in a slow cooker, you can enjoy incredibly tender meat.
Eat it hot or cold – The best part about this slow-cooked gammon is you can enjoy it hot or cold, making it easy to enjoy leftovers.
Easy holiday meal – This delicious gammon slow cooker recipe is great for any festive occasion. You can make it a Sunday roast, Christmas ham, or Easter ham.
Crowd pleaser – Sweet, savoury, and tangy, everyone loves this slow-cook gammon. (Don’t be surprised when loved ones ask for seconds!).
Try these other protein-forward recipes during the week: The BEST Crispy Bone-in Chicken Thighs, The BEST Crispy Chicken Wrap and Chicken Goujons.
Ingredients
Gammon joint
You can use smoked or unsmoked gammon for this slow cooker gammon recipe. If you’re worried about saltiness in the recipe, check the notes below.
Braising liquid
There are quite a few options for braising liquid, from Cola to water and vinegar. Below, you’ll find details on each option.
Aromatics
My recipe calls for onion, garlic, and cinnamon to provide flavour to the gammon. However, you can also use options like peppercorns, cloves, and ginger root for a bolder taste.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
What is the difference between gammon and ham?
Though they both come from the same area of the pig (the back legs), there are a few differences between a gammon and a ham joint. Gammon is sold raw and cured (like bacon), while ham is sold cooked (and sometimes dry-cured). You’ll need to cook gammon (like in this slow cooker gammon recipe) before you can eat it. To put it simply, gammon is the uncooked version of ham.
Do I have to use a liquid to cook gammon in the slow cooker?
No, you don’t need to add a liquid to cook gammon. It will turn out moist enough with the glaze and other ingredients. However, adding other liquid to the crockpot along with the roast means even more juiciness. Here are five different ways you can cook gammon:
Slow cooker liquid methods:
Cola – Adding regular Cola (not diet) is a great way to add flavour to this gammon in slow cooker recipe. It doesn’t create an overly sweet roast. It also helps tenderize the ham even more. You will need about 400ml of Cola.
Water – If you’re wondering how to cook a gammon joint in a slow cooker with water, you’ve come to the right place! Simply add about 200ml of water to the slow cooker (more if you want to roast the gammon for longer).
Apple cider vinegar – If you want a tangier taste for this gammon joint in slow cooker dish, add apple cider vinegar. Use a combination of 300ml of water and 60ml of vinegar with this method.
Apple juice – For a sweeter slow cooker gammon joint, use about 400ml of apple juice.
No liquid – You can also forego extra liquid, as the glaze will be enough to keep the slow cooker gammon moist.
Oven:
Add a glaze – The best way to keep gammon moist in the oven is by including a glaze, like the one I’ve noted below. Basting the roast in the oven periodically with the glaze will also help keep it moist.
How long should I cook a ham in the slow cooker?
The key to knowing how to cook gammon in a slow cooker is understanding how long to cook the meat. If you have more time, let the slow cooker gammon cook for 6-8 hours on low. Or, cook it on high for about four hours. For the most tender version of this recipe, cook the gammon for 10-12 hours on low.
Should I glaze slow cooked gammon?
It’s not necessary to glaze slow cooker gammon. However, I recommend adding the glaze to this recipe.
Why glaze
Adding a glaze to the gammon is beneficial for a few reasons. For one, it helps create even more flavour in the ham. It also creates a shiny exterior, which makes the ham even more appealing (since we also enjoy food with our eyes!).
When to glaze
Adding the glaze to the ham during the last hour or so is best. If you add the glaze too early, the sugars can burn and cause a burnt flavour on the ham.
Glaze options
If you’re not a fan of honey mustard, there are many other glaze recipes you can use. Gammon works well with options like maple and brown sugar, orange and clove, and spiced apricot glaze.
Slow cooker and oven: I recommend using the slow cooker or oven for gammon, as it helps keep things moist inside. These cooking methods also create a nice crisp glaze on the outside.
Variations/ Adaptations
Here are a few ways to make this slow cooker gammon dish your own! For one, you can cook gammon in an Instant Pot. You’ll have a juicy, tender ham roast that’s just as delicious in way less time. You can also use a different glaze recipe to create flavours you love. Or, add other aromatics to the recipe.
Try adding veggies like potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker with the gammon. Or, swap out the glaze for a gravy. There are quite a few ways to make this recipe fit your preferences!
How to make slow cooker gammon
- Start by adding your gammon joint to your slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, cola/coke, garlic granules and ground cinnamon. Gently stir to combine and cover with the lid (Image 1).
- Slow cook for 6 to 7 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high (Image 2).
3. Add the wholegrain mustard, honey, brown sugar and rice wine vinegar to a small bowl (Image 3).
4. Mix together the ingredients for the glaze with a fork or spoon (Image 4).
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C FAN/ 200°C conventional.
5. When the ham has cooked, use two spatulas to remove the ham from your slow cooker and drain the juices (Image 5).
6. Place on a foil lined baking tray. Discard the string wrapped around the ham and remove the outside layer (rind) from the ham, leaving a layer of fat over the ham (Image 6).
7. Score the fat with a knife, then coat the ham evenly with half of the glaze, using an oil brush or your hands. To prevent the sides from drying out, lift the foil to cover the sides of the ham, leaving the fat exposed (Image 7).
8. Pop in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove and coat with another final layer of the glaze. Add back in the oven for another 20 minutes, before removing and leaving to rest for 20 minutes. Carve the ham before serving rving or refrigerate to serve cold (Image 8).
If you want to add a starter, to make this recipe more filling, try some delicious soup recipes : Roasted Vegetable Soup, Creamy Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup or check out these Best Warming Autumn Soup Recipes
How to tell if gammon is cooked
The easiest way to tell if your slow cooker gammon is ready is by inserting a sharp knife into the roast. If removing the knife is challenging, the roast isn’t done yet. You can also check by using a meat thermometer. The gammon is ready when its internal temp is 70°C/145°F.
Here are a few other hearty, comforting pasta meals for you to try; Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta, Easy Tomato Tuna Pasta Bake and Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Tips for the best results
Choose a good gammon joint
Since the gammon joint is the star of the show in this dish, it’s important to select a good-quality ham. Ensure you select a ham that has a good amount of fat, as this will add flavour and keep the roast juicy as it cooks. There should also not be a lot of liquid in the package with the gammon.
How much liquid you use in the slow cooker changes how moist that gammon turns out
While you can cook the gammon without liquid, it will be much juicier with liquid added. The amount of liquid you use will also change depending on your intention. Since water does not add flavour, you can use way less than Cola or juice.
Use a meat thermometer so you don’t overcook
The internal temperature of this slow cooker gammon should be 75C when it’s ready. Test the temp by inserting a meat thermometer into the middle of the thickest part of the gammon.
Save the stock for soups like ham and pea
The slow-cooked gammon joint, aromatics, and glaze leave behind a delicious liquid you can use as a base for soups. Don’t toss it out. Instead, allow the liquid to cool fully. Then, put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge or freezer.
Here are a few more slow cooker recipes to try: Simple Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne, Tender Braising Steak with Gravy, or Spanish Chicken & Chorizo Stew.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious glazed slow cooker gammon pairs well with various sides including salads, potatoes, roast veg, pasta, etc. When considering what to cook as sides with this ham, you can always fall back on holiday dishes like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, etc.
Serve with some ; Creamed Cabbage, Fluffy Yorkshire Puddings and Italian Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Can the ham be made ahead and reheated the day of?
Yes, you can cook the slow cooker gammon the day before and reheat it for a meal later. However, I don’t recommend this option, as reheating the ham can cause it to dry out. It’s best to serve a slow-cook gammon joint when it’s freshly made.
If cooking the ham ahead of time is necessary, skip the glaze steps. Fully cook the gammon, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Then, reheat it in the oven with some liquid and continue with the glazing steps. Ensure you save the liquid from the initial cook to create the glaze.
FAQs
You do not need to soak gammon before cooking it. However, smoked gammon typically has a lot of salt. So, to avoid an overly salty flavour, you can soak it before turning it into slow cooker gammon.
Yes, you will need to cook a bigger gammon joint for longer. You must consider its weight when learning how to cook gammon joint in a slow cooker. Generally, it will take about 1.5 hours per 450g of gammon (plus 20 minutes).
Yes, you should always remove the plastic before cooking the ham. If you leave it on, there’s a chance the plastic will melt onto the ham (especially in the oven).
It’s hard to overcook gammon in the slow cooker, especially if you keep it on the low setting. If you’re unsure whether you can take the gammon out after 4-5 hours on the high setting due to your schedule, let it cook on the low setting instead.
Yes, you can cook a cold ham in the slow cooker. It may take a few extra minutes to cook, but it won’t affect the flavour or texture.
Serve this yummy gammon with creamy main dishes for a cosy meal, like the following: Creamy Polenta with Parmesan, Chicken and Mushroom Pasta and The Best Buttered Sauteed Leeks
If you tried this Slow Cooker Gammon Joint recipe, it would be mean so much to me if you could leave a review & a star rating to let me know how you found it! I love hearing about your experiences – it motivates me to keep creating more and more recipes for you guys 💛 Let’s get cooking! – Mimi x
Slow Cooker Gammon Joint in Coke (Best honey roast ham!)
Ingredients
- 1.7 kilo unsmoked gammon joint (£10.10)
- 1 large carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks (£0.10)
- 1 large onion, peeled and sliced into wedges (£0.15)
- 2 litres of cola/coke (not diet) (£0.70)
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For glaze (finish in oven 30 mins at end)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar/ demerara sugar
Method
- Start by adding your gammon joint to your slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, cola/coke, garlic granules and ground cinnamon. Gently stir to combine and cover with the lid. Slow cook for 6 to 7 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.
- After this time, use two spatulas to remove the ham from your slow cooker and place on a foil lined baking tray.
Preheat your oven to 180°C FAN/ 200°C conventional/350°F
- Combine the ingredients for the glaze with a fork x whisk. Discard the string wrapped around the ham and remove the outside layer (rind) from the ham, leaving a layer of fat over the ham.
- Score the fat with a knife, then coat the ham evenly with half of the glaze, using an oil brush or your hands. To prevent the sides from drying out, lift the foil to cover the sides of the ham, leaving the fat exposed.
- Pop in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove and coat with another final layer of the glaze. Add back in the oven for another 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 20 minutes before carving or adding into the fridge to serve cold.
Notes
- Choose a high-quality gammon joint with ample fat for flavour and juiciness.
- Adjust the amount of liquid in the slow cooker for desired moisture; when using Cola or juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the gammon reaches an internal temperature of 75°C/160°F to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
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