There are a few reasons why you should cook gammon in the slow cooker. After trying this easy FOOLPROOF recipe, you’ll see why!.
The ham joint that comes out of this is full of flavor and tenderness, and the honey, mustard, and brown sugar glaze gives it a delicious crunch. It’s easy and quick to make, too.
When it comes to the holidays, when the kitchen gets busy, the oven gets full, and time is short, there is nothing better than using your beloved slow cooker.
There are a few tricks we use to make this slow cooker ham that’s GREAT for Christmas, but not just for Christmas…
This ham is the tastiest, sweetest, and most filling thing you could ever serve your family and friends. What’s not to love?!.
Indeed, I do use it every single year at Christmas (because what is a holiday without a ham?) but I also make it at other times of the year.
This boneless gammon joint would be great for a Sunday lunch or a regular family dinner of ham, egg, and chips! Gammon is a cheap and tasty meat.
You can also eat cooked ham for meals during the week in a lot of different ways, like in soups, pies, salads, sandwiches, and more.
You can also cook a Roast Chicken, Beef Joint or Lamb Joint in the slow cooker too!
You could also try out my Campfire Stew if you have a ham joint for the slow cooker.
Cooking a ham joint in a slow cooker is a fantastic way to infuse flavor and tenderness into the meat with minimal effort I often get asked, “Can you cook a ham joint in a slow cooker?” The short answer is yes, absolutely!
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about slow cooking a ham, from preparation to cooking times. We’ll also share some delicious slow cooker ham recipes to try. Let’s dive in!
What is a Ham Joint?
Before we get into the slow cooking methods, let’s clarify what a ham joint is exactly. A ham joint refers to the leg of pork that has been cured, smoked, or brined. Pork legs that are sold raw for cooking are called “gammons.” Once gammon is cooked, it becomes ham.
Ham joints are perfect for slow cooking because the low, steady heat helps break down the connective tissues in the meat. This renders deliciously tender and juicy results every time.
Benefits of Cooking Ham in a Slow Cooker
There are many advantages to using a slow cooker for ham:
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Infuses flavor – The long cooking time allows the ham to soak up all the aromatic flavors from the braising liquid and seasonings.
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Tenderizes meat – The collagen melts away, leaving you with succulent, fall-apart meat.
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Convenience – Just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning. Dinner is ready when you get home.
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Moistness – The contained environment traps all the natural juices. No dry ham here!
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Frees up oven space – Perfect for holidays when your oven is already occupied with other dishes.
How to Cook a Ham Joint in the Slow Cooker
Cooking ham in the slow cooker is simple, but there are some tips to follow for the best results:
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Choose the right size – Look for a bone-in or boneless ham joint around 2 to 3 pounds. This size will fit nicely into a 6-quart slow cooker.
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Prep the ham – Remove excess skin/fat from the ham but leave a bit for flavor. Score the remaining fat in a criss-cross pattern. This helps the glaze adhere.
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Use a flavorful liquid – The braising liquid options are endless! Try apple juice, ginger ale, chicken broth, beer, etc. Use enough to mostly submerge the ham.
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**Add seasonings **- Aromatics like garlic, onion, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns make the ham even tastier.
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Cook on low – Let the ham cook for 6-8 hours on the low setting until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Rest and glaze – Once cooked through, let the ham rest 15 minutes before glazing. Mix a glaze of brown sugar, honey, and mustard.
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Broil to finish – Pop the glazed ham under the broiler for 5 minutes to caramelize the sugars.
And that’s it! For more detail, check out this slow cooker ham recipe.
Slow Cooker Ham Cooking Times
The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the specific cut, bone-in or boneless. Below are general time guidelines:
- Bone-in ham joint – High: 4-6 hours, Low: 6-8 hours
- Boneless ham joint – High: 3-4 hours, Low: 5-6 hours
- Ham steak or slices – High: 3-4 hours, Low: 4-6 hours
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F. If the ham is not quite done, you can simmer it for 30 minutes to an hour longer.
How Long Can You Keep Ham in a Slow Cooker?
It’s perfectly safe to keep the cooked ham in the turned off slow cooker for up to 2 hours. This allows the ham to continue soaking up residual heat without overcooking.
If you won’t be eating right away, transfer the ham to the fridge within 2 hours. Properly stored, cooked ham lasts 3-5 days refrigerated.
You can also let the ham cool completely, then freeze it for longer storage. Simply thaw it in the fridge before reheating to serve.
Delicious Slow Cooker Ham Recipes to Try
Now that you know you can absolutely cook ham in a slow cooker, here are some must-try slow cooker ham recipes:
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
This brown sugar ham is coated in a deliciously sticky glaze of brown sugar, honey, and mustard. Apple juice gives great flavor during the low simmer.
Pineapple Honey Ham
The sweet and tangy pineapple glazed ham gets extra flavor from garlic, brown sugar, and pineapple juice in the slow cooker.
Coca Cola Ham
Surprisingly, Cola makes a fantastic braising liquid for ham. The acid tenderizes while the caramel notes add sweetness.
Maple Bourbon Ham
For a glaze with a kick, try mixing maple syrup with bourbon, brown sugar, and spices. It lacquers this slow cooker ham beautifully.
Orange Cranberry Ham
The citrus and cranberries give great festive flavor to this Christmas ham. Brown sugar and cloves add warmth.
Tips for Successful Slow Cooker Ham
Here are some extra pointers to ensure your ham turns out perfect:
- For less saltiness, soak the raw ham in water 4-8 hours before cooking. Drain well.
- Add vegetables like potatoes, carrots or parsnips to cook alongside the ham.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through, about 5 minutes per pound.
- If the ham is too salty, soak a slice in milk for 30 minutes before eating.
- Use the leftover ham bone to make split pea or bean soup!
The Takeaway on Slow Cooker Ham
Cooking ham in a slow cooker is an easy, fuss-free way to put a flavorful and tender meal on the table. The moist heat produces fork-tender meat infused with lots of flavor.
Choose a 2 to 3 pound joint, add your favorite aromatics and liquids, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Glaze the ham toward the end of cooking for the the perfect finishing touch.
With the simple guidance above and some recipe inspiration, you can start whipping up fantastic slow cooker hams. Your family will be asking for ham again and again!
Why you’ll love this Slow Cooker Ham recipe
⭐️ Delicious hot or cold
⭐️ Doesn’t take up oven space for too long
⭐️ Budget friendly showstopper to bring to the table!
Slow Cooker Gammon Ingredients Notes
- Gammon: I used smoked and boneless, but you can choose whatever you like. You can use unsmoked if you prefer. The quantities in this recipe is for a 2kg joint .
- To make it taste better, add onion and carrots that have been peeled and cut in half.
- You can easily find mixed spice in most grocery stores. Rub it into the meat before putting it in the slow cooker.
- Cider: You can use any kind of alcoholic cider, or you can use extra apple juice instead if you don’t want to.
- Apple juice—Any kind of apple juice will work, even the cheap pure ones! The exact amount you need will depend on how big your slow cooker is. Ideally the joint will be covered.
- Runny honey—This is the best kind because it’s easy to spread on the ham.
- Light brown sugar will do if you don’t have any dark brown sugar.
- English mustard—you don’t have to use it, but it tastes great!
Slow Cooker Gammon in Coca Cola with a maple and mustard glaze | Slow Cooker Sundays
FAQ
Does ham need to be submerged in slow cooker?
How long to heat up a fully cooked ham in the slow cooker?
How long does a roasting joint take in slow cooker?
Do you add liquid when cooking a ham?
How do you cook a ham joint in a slow cooker?
Put the onion, carrot and ham joint into your slow cooker. Add in your cider, and upto 1ltr of apple juice (the exact quantity depends on the size of your slow cooker – ideally the joint would be covered). Place the lid on and cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours. If you able to turn the joint halfway through the cooking time.
How do you cook a gammon ham in a slow cooker?
One: Put the gammon joint in the slow cooker, fat side up. Add the carrots and onions around the side of it. Two: Rub the mixed spice into the top of the gammon. Add the cloves and pour the apple juice and cider into the slow cooker, being careful to avoid the top of the ham. Three: Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7 hours.
Can you cook a Ham in a slow cooker?
Slow cookers may cook low and slow, but you can still overcook just about anything in one. Keep in mind that you’re starting with a fully cooked ham, so all you’re really doing in the slow cooker is reheating it. A 5- to 7-pound ham will take five to six hours to fully heat in a Crock-Pot.
How do you cook a gammon joint in a slow cooker?
Place the gammon joint in the slow cooker and position the carrots and onions around it. Add the bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns. Pour in the liquids, cover and cook for 5-6 hours on high setting or 7-8 on low setting. Remove the ham from the slow cooker and set aside to cool.