This Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Gammon in Cider is a true showstopper. The gammon is slowly braised in a fragrant cider broth, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and star anise, and then finished in the oven with a rich honey-butter glaze. The result? A perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with a crisp caramelized crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy Sunday roast or a festive holiday meal, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crispy roast potatoes, buttered greens, or even turn leftovers into a delicious sandwich. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this slow-cooked gammon will quickly become a household favorite!
Full Recipe:
- 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:
- Remove the gammon from its packaging and score a diamond pattern into the top fat layer using a sharp knife.
- Place the gammon into a slow cooker and pour the cider (or apple juice) over it.
- Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or medium for 5-6 hours for a tender and flavorful texture.
- Towards the end of cooking, preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F) for glazing.
- Prepare the glaze by melting honey and butter together in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in chopped rosemary if using.
- Transfer the cooked gammon to a baking tray lined with foil. Brush half of the glaze generously over the surface.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then brush with the remaining glaze and bake for another 5 minutes, until caramelized and slightly crispy.
- Let the gammon rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) + 15 minutes (oven) | Total Time: ~8 hours
Kcal: 724 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Gammon in Cider – A Perfectly Tender and Flavorful Dish
When it comes to comforting, hearty meals, slow cooker honey-glazed gammon in cider is a true winner. This dish brings together the rich, salty goodness of smoked gammon with the natural sweetness of cider and honey, creating a beautifully balanced flavor. The slow-cooking method ensures that the gammon remains incredibly juicy and tender while absorbing the warm spices and fruity cider infusion. A final glaze and oven finish provide the perfect caramelized crust, making this dish a favorite for special occasions, family gatherings, or even a luxurious weeknight dinner.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This recipe is a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced home cooks because it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the meat to soak up the spiced cider flavors, while the final oven step ensures a beautiful golden glaze. The combination of sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and aromatic star anise creates an irresistible depth of flavor that makes the dish feel special.
Unlike traditional roasting methods that require frequent basting and temperature monitoring, slow cooking provides a fail-proof way to achieve moist, perfectly cooked gammon every time. The slow infusion of flavors makes the meat incredibly juicy, and the glaze adds a glossy, slightly crisped finish that enhances both texture and taste.
The Role of Cider in This Dish
One of the key elements of this dish is cooking the gammon in cider. The apple cider not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a natural sweetness and complexity that balances the saltiness of the gammon. As the gammon slowly simmers in the cider, it absorbs the subtle apple undertones, creating a beautifully rich and aromatic flavor.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, apple juice works just as well, offering the same gentle sweetness without any alcohol content. Some people also experiment with ginger beer, cola, or chicken stock for a different twist, each bringing its unique depth to the dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this slow cooker gammon recipe is its versatility. It is perfect for:
- Sunday roasts: Serve it alongside roast potatoes, buttered greens, and a rich gravy.
- Holiday feasts: This dish makes a fantastic alternative to turkey or beef during Christmas or Easter celebrations.
- Meal prep: The leftovers can be used in a variety of ways, from sandwiches and salads to soups and pasta dishes.
- Casual family dinners: Its ease of preparation makes it great for feeding a crowd with minimal hands-on time.
Whether you’re preparing a festive meal or just want something warm, comforting, and satisfying, this dish fits the bill.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Gammon
The beauty of this dish lies in its incredible versatility when it comes to serving. Here are some great serving suggestions:
- With Traditional Sides: Classic sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, steamed greens, and Yorkshire puddings complement the rich flavors of the gammon.
- With a Lighter Touch: Pair it with a fresh apple slaw, a crisp green salad, or a honey-mustard dressing for a more refreshing contrast.
- For Leftovers: Thinly sliced gammon makes an excellent sandwich filling, especially with some wholegrain mustard, caramelized onions, and fresh arugula. It can also be chopped into pasta dishes, omelets, or savory pies.
- In a Soup or Broth: The leftover cooking liquid is packed with flavor and can be used as a base for soups or stews, adding depth to dishes like pea and ham soup or lentil broth.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Gammon
- Choose the Right Gammon: Smoked gammon gives a richer, deeper flavor, while unsmoked gammon provides a milder taste.
- Score the Skin: This helps the glaze penetrate the meat, creating a more flavorful crust.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the gammon rest before slicing ensures the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
- Glaze in Two Stages: Applying the glaze in two rounds—before and during the oven finishing—helps build up a beautiful, sticky, and glossy crust.
- Experiment with Additional Flavors: Try adding a bit of mustard, maple syrup, or even bourbon to the glaze for a unique twist.
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Gammon
Do I need to soak the gammon before cooking?
Not necessarily. Modern gammons tend to be less salty than they used to be. However, if you’re concerned about excess salt, you can soak the gammon in cold water for a few hours before cooking and then drain it.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! Slow-cooked gammon keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can even be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, slice it first for easy portioning.
What can I do with the leftovers?
This recipe yields fantastic leftovers. You can use them in sandwiches, pasta dishes, soups, and even breakfast hash. The gammon also pairs beautifully with eggs for a hearty morning meal.
How do I reheat the gammon?
You can reheat it in the oven by covering it with foil and warming it at 160°C (325°F) for about 10-15 minutes. If using a microwave, cover the slices with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Alternatively, warming slices in a skillet with a little butter helps retain moisture.
Final Thoughts on Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Gammon
This slow cooker honey-glazed gammon in cider is a true crowd-pleaser, offering incredible depth of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple family meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The combination of slow cooking and a honey glaze creates a balance of tenderness, juiciness, and sweetness that is simply irresistible.
With versatile serving options and fantastic leftovers, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen—whether for holiday feasts, meal prepping, or cozy Sunday dinners.