Slow Cooker Gammon: 6 Easy Steps for a Foolproof British Classic That Practically Cooks Itself

There’s something heartwarmingly nostalgic about a slow-cooked gammon joint simmering away in the background — that unmistakable aroma promising a supper that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Whether served hot with mash and cabbage or cold in sandwiches the next day, slow cooker gammon is a proper British staple that never fails to deliver.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right joint to creating the most flavour-packed version of this classic. Expect tender slices, minimal effort, and loads of “mmm”s at the dinner table.

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Why Slow Cook Your Gammon?

Slow cooking allows the gammon to break down gently, resulting in a moist, tender, and deeply flavoured meat that’s hard to replicate in an oven. Plus, it’s wonderfully fuss-free — just toss it in, set it, and forget it.

Unlike roasting, which requires basting or tenting with foil, the slow cooker method makes it nearly impossible to dry out your meat. This is a lifesaver for busy households and perfect for Sunday roasts or holiday dinners.

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What You’ll Need 🧂

Ingredients:

• 1.5 to 2 kg unsmoked gammon joint (or smoked, if preferred)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery sticks
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 500ml apple juice or cider
• Water (enough to cover)
• 3 tbsp English mustard
• 4 tbsp demerara sugar
• Optional: whole cloves for studding

Equipment:

• Large slow cooker (6.5L or larger)
• Roasting tray (for finishing)
• Sharp carving knife
• Small saucepan (optional, for glaze)

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Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Gammon

1. Soak (If Needed)

If your gammon is salted or cured, soak it in cold water overnight to remove excess salt. This step is optional but helps balance the final flavour.

2. Prepare the Bed of Flavour

Place the onion, carrots, celery, peppercorns and bay leaf at the base of your slow cooker. These will infuse the gammon with subtle earthy sweetness.

3. Add the Liquid

Pour in the apple juice and enough water to just cover the joint. Apple juice adds a gentle sweetness that works beautifully with pork.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook:

• Low setting: 8 hours
• High setting: 4–5 hours

You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is easily pierced with a knife and nearly falling apart.

5. Prepare the Glaze

In a saucepan, warm the mustard and demerara sugar with 1 tbsp of cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Let it reduce slightly into a thick glaze.

6. Finish in the Oven

Carefully lift the gammon onto a roasting tray. Remove the skin but leave a layer of fat. Score it in a criss-cross pattern and stud with cloves if desired.

Brush generously with glaze and roast at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

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Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Hot:

• With creamy mash, sautéed greens, and a drizzle of the glaze.

Cold:

• Sliced in a bloomer sandwich with piccalilli.
• With crusty bread and mustard for a classic ploughman’s lunch.

Leftover Hack:
Chop up leftovers and stir into our low-calorie chilli con carne recipe for a twist on a comfort food classic.

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Tips for Success 🧠

• Choose your joint wisely: Smoked gammon gives a stronger flavour, while unsmoked is milder and more versatile.
• Don’t skip the glaze: It adds that sweet-savoury finish that makes the dish sing.
• Let it rest: Always let the gammon sit for 10–15 minutes after roasting before carving.

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Nutritional Snapshot (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fibre: 1g

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A Nod to British Tradition

Gammon has deep roots in British culinary history, dating back to medieval feasts and Victorian Christmas tables. The combination of pork and sweet glazes is quintessentially festive, yet this dish has morphed into a year-round family favourite.

Want to explore more traditional mains like this one? Browse our growing comfort food collection for timeless classics with a twist.

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External Inspiration

If you're craving more slow-cooker gammon variations (including honey & cola or ginger ale versions), check out this brilliant recipe compilation from BBC Good Food:
👉 BBC Good Food’s Slow Cooker Gammon Recipes

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❓ FAQs (Optimised for SEO)

What is the best liquid to cook gammon in a slow cooker?

Apple juice, cider or cola are all great options that add sweetness and depth. For a more savoury finish, use chicken stock or water with herbs and aromatics.

Do you need to soak gammon before slow cooking?

If the gammon is heavily salted or cured, it's a good idea to soak it in cold water overnight to reduce saltiness. Many supermarket joints are ready-to-cook and don’t require soaking.

Can I cook gammon in the slow cooker without glazing it?

Absolutely. It will still be tender and delicious. However, glazing adds that gorgeous sticky-sweet finish and enhances flavour and appearance.

How long should I cook gammon in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 8 hours or high for about 4–5 hours, depending on the size of the joint. It should be easy to pierce with a knife and very tender.

What’s the difference between gammon and ham?

Gammon is raw, cured pork that must be cooked before eating, while ham is gammon that’s already been cooked.

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Final Thoughts

There’s no need to wait for Christmas to enjoy a juicy, slow-cooked gammon. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a show-stopping centrepiece or weekday supper that feels like a hug on a plate.

Whether you're planning a hearty family meal or looking for reliable leftovers, this recipe delivers — every single time.