Gammon Ham Slow Cooker Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Christmas Dinner (or any day!)

Gammon ham is a festive favourite, often associated with Christmas dinner. But its rich, salty flavour and tender texture make it a perfect dish for any occasion. This slow cooker gammon ham recipe is incredibly easy to follow, delivering melt-in-your-mouth results with minimal effort. Forget hours slaving over a hot stove – let your slow cooker do the work!

Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Gammon?

Slow cooking gammon ham yields unparalleled tenderness. The low and slow cooking method allows the meat to absorb flavours beautifully, resulting in a juicy, succulent ham that’s perfect for slicing and serving. Furthermore, the slow cooker method is hands-off, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Gammon Ham:

• One 3-4 lb gammon joint: Bone-in or boneless works well.
• 1 litre of water: Or enough to just cover the gammon.
• 1 large onion: Roughly chopped.
• 2 carrots: Roughly chopped.
• 2 celery sticks: Roughly chopped.
• 4 cloves garlic: Crushed or minced.
• 2 bay leaves: Adds a subtle depth of flavour.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the saltiness of the gammon.
• 1 tsp black peppercorns: For a peppery kick.
• Optional: Add other flavourings like mustard seeds, juniper berries, or whole cloves for a more complex flavour profile.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the gammon: If your gammon joint has a rind, score it in a criss-cross pattern. This allows flavours to penetrate more easily.
2. Layer the slow cooker: Place the roughly chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the crushed garlic, bay leaves, brown sugar, and peppercorns.
3. Add the gammon: Place the gammon joint on top of the vegetables.
4. Add the water: Pour enough water into the slow cooker to just cover the gammon.
5. Slow cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the gammon is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Glaze (Optional): During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can add a glaze. A simple glaze can be made with brown sugar, mustard, and a little water. Baste the ham with the glaze for a beautiful, caramelized finish.
7. Rest: Remove the gammon from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and tender ham.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your slow cooker gammon ham with a variety of sides, such as:

• Roasted vegetables: Roasted potatoes, carrots, and parsnips are classic accompaniments.
• Green vegetables: Peas, green beans, or broccoli offer a fresh contrast to the rich gammon.
• Stuffing: Homemade or store-bought stuffing adds extra flavour and texture.
• Gravy: Make a delicious gravy from the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Gammon:

• Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the gammon to cook evenly.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the gammon reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
• Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your gammon joint.
• Save the cooking liquid: Use the flavorful cooking liquid to make a delicious gravy.

This slow cooker gammon ham recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests with minimal effort. Enjoy! Remember to share your delicious creations using #SlowCookerGammon!