Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Gammon is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it an ideal dish for a cozy Sunday roast or a festive gathering. The slow cooking process ensures that the gammon remains juicy and tender while absorbing the warm spices and cider’s subtle fruitiness. Finishing it in the oven with a golden honey glaze adds the perfect sticky-sweet caramelization, making every bite irresistibly flavorful.
This recipe is as easy as it is delicious—simply set it in the slow cooker, let the flavors meld together over hours of slow braising, and finish with a quick roast in the oven. The result? A show-stopping dish that pairs wonderfully with crispy roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a comforting midweek meal, this honey-glazed gammon is guaranteed to impress!
Full Recipe:
For the Gammon:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) smoked gammon
- 300 ml (1.25 cups) apple cider (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic option)
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cloves
For the Glaze:
- 100 ml (3.5 oz) honey
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 sprig of rosemary, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Gammon: Remove the gammon from its packaging and score a diamond pattern into the top without cutting too deep.
- Slow Cook: Place the gammon in the slow cooker and pour over the apple cider. Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or medium for 5-6 hours).
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the honey and butter together over low heat. Stir in the rosemary if using.
- Preheat the Oven: Towards the end of the cooking time, preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Glazing the Gammon: Remove the gammon from the slow cooker and place it on a baking tray. Brush half of the honey glaze over the top.
- Bake: Roast the gammon in the oven for 10 minutes, then apply the remaining glaze and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes until golden and sticky.
- Rest and Serve: Let the gammon rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roast potatoes and vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 724 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Gammon: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Gammon is a dish that combines the best of traditional slow cooking with modern flavors. The gammon is infused with warm spices and cider, giving it a deep, rich taste that is both sweet and savory. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy, while the final oven glaze adds a caramelized, sticky finish. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or even as a special Sunday dinner.
Gammon is a staple in British cuisine, often enjoyed during festive occasions or as part of a hearty meal. While it is commonly associated with holiday feasts, its simplicity and flavor make it a great option for any time of the year. By using a slow cooker, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
One of the key reasons this recipe is so popular is its ease of preparation. Unlike traditional roasting methods, which require constant attention, slow cooking allows the flavors to develop naturally over time. The gammon absorbs the flavors of the apple cider, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and cloves, creating a beautifully aromatic dish.
The combination of sweet and savory elements makes this dish unique. The apple cider adds a hint of natural fruitiness, while the honey glaze brings out the natural richness of the meat. Finishing the gammon in the oven gives it a perfect balance of textures—crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize the glaze by adding different ingredients, such as maple syrup, Dijon mustard, or even a splash of bourbon, to create a unique flavor profile. The slow cooker method also allows you to experiment with different cooking liquids, such as cola, ginger beer, or chicken stock, to enhance the taste of the gammon further.
The History and Popularity of Gammon
Gammon has a long history in British and Irish cuisine, where it has been enjoyed for centuries as a staple meat. Historically, gammon referred to the hind leg of a pig that had been cured but required cooking before being eaten. This distinguishes it from ham, which is often pre-cooked or ready to eat.
Traditionally, gammon was cooked by boiling, roasting, or baking. Over time, new cooking techniques have emerged, with slow cooking becoming one of the most popular ways to prepare gammon. Slow cooking not only enhances the tenderness of the meat but also allows the flavors to develop fully.
Gammon is often associated with festive meals, especially around Christmas and Easter. However, it has become increasingly popular as an everyday meal due to its affordability, ease of preparation, and delicious taste. Many households prepare gammon in advance and use the leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or soups, making it a cost-effective choice for meal planning.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Gammon pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Here are some classic and creative serving ideas:
- Roast Potatoes – Crispy, golden roast potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich, flavorful gammon.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth, buttery contrast to the sticky glaze.
- Steamed Vegetables – Carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts add freshness and balance to the meal.
- Yorkshire Pudding – A traditional British side that adds texture and depth to the dish.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw with a hint of mustard or apple cider vinegar pairs well with the sweetness of the glaze.
- Crusty Bread – Ideal for soaking up any leftover glaze and adding a rustic touch to the meal.
For a more modern twist, you can serve the gammon in sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos. Shredded honey-glazed gammon works wonderfully in sliders, paired with a honey-mustard dressing or barbecue sauce. Another creative option is using it in a breakfast dish alongside eggs and toast for a hearty start to the day.
How to Store and Reuse Leftovers
One of the great things about this dish is that it stores well and can be repurposed into different meals. Here’s how you can store and make the most of your leftovers:
- Refrigeration – Allow the gammon to cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in cling film or placing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Slice the gammon into portions and wrap each piece in cling film before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating – You can reheat gammon in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. To prevent it from drying out, add a splash of water or cider when reheating in the oven, or cover with a damp paper towel when microwaving.
Leftover gammon is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Some delicious ways to use it include:
- Ham and Cheese Toasties – Layer slices of gammon with cheese and grill until golden and melty.
- Pasta Dishes – Add chopped gammon to creamy pasta or carbonara for a flavorful twist.
- Soups and Stews – Use gammon in split pea soup, lentil soup, or a hearty vegetable stew.
- Salads – Dice the gammon and toss it into a fresh salad with apples, nuts, and a tangy dressing.
- Egg Dishes – Use it in omelets, frittatas, or scrambled eggs for a protein boost.
Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Gammon
- Choose the Right Cut – Smoked gammon adds a deep, savory flavor, while unsmoked gammon has a milder taste. Choose based on your preference.
- Score the Skin – Before glazing, scoring the skin in a diamond pattern allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and creates a beautiful presentation.
- Use Quality Cider – The cider enhances the overall taste of the gammon, so opt for a high-quality apple cider for the best results. Apple juice is a great non-alcoholic alternative.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time – Allowing the gammon to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking ensures the juices redistribute evenly, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
- Baste for Extra Flavor – While finishing in the oven, baste the gammon with extra glaze every few minutes for a thicker, more caramelized crust.
- Customize the Glaze – Experiment with different ingredients like maple syrup, mustard, or balsamic vinegar to create unique flavors.
- Add Aromatics – Additional ingredients like orange peel, garlic, or ginger can add complexity to the cooking liquid.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Gammon is a delicious, foolproof dish that combines traditional flavors with modern cooking techniques. Its ease of preparation and deep, rich taste make it an excellent choice for both special occasions and everyday meals. Whether you’re serving it as a centerpiece for a Sunday roast, enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, or using leftovers in creative ways, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
By taking advantage of slow cooking, you achieve a tender, flavorful gammon with minimal effort, while the honey glaze ensures a perfectly sticky, caramelized finish. Pair it with classic side dishes or get creative with modern serving ideas—either way, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.