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When the chill of autumn settles in and the holidays approach, nothing beats the cozy embrace of slow-cooked goodness wafting through my kitchen. That’s how I stumbled upon this Easy Slow Cooker Coca Cola Gammon—a dish that transforms a simple cut of pork into something truly spectacular. Picture this: A crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s tender, juicy, and infused with a sweet glaze that calls for just a few ingredients.

I love how effortlessly this gammon cooks in my slow cooker, allowing me to enjoy the comforting aromas while I tackle the rest of my day. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a family dinner, this dish promises to impress without breaking a sweat. Trust me; if you’ve ever shied away from cooking due to time constraints, this recipe is your gateway to hassle-free culinary delight. Let’s dive into creating a show-stopping dish that will make you the star of every gathering!

Why is Slow Cooked Gammon a Must-Try?

Tenderness Defined: Cooking the gammon slowly allows the meat to bask in its own juices, yielding dish that is impossibly tender.
Sweet Flavor Fusion: The unique addition of Coca Cola adds a layer of sweetness that beautifully penetrates the pork.
Set and Forget: With only a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can set this dish and focus on other dishes or tasks.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This gammon shines at holiday feasts or cozy family dinners, promising to wow your guests.
Endless Opportunities: Use leftovers in sandwiches or as part of a lavish buffet; versatility is one of its greatest strengths!

The simplicity and unbeatable flavor of this recipe makes it a fantastic option for your next meal. If you’re looking for more easy yet delightful dishes, explore our collection of mouthwatering slow cooker recipes!

Slow Cooked Gammon Ingredients

For the Gammon
• Gammon – A quality joint enhances flavor; choose a cut from a reputable butcher for the best results.
• Coca Cola – Adds a sweet depth; while diet variations work, regular Coke is ideal for a rich flavor.

For the Glaze
• Honey – Helps create a beautiful caramelized crust; adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
• Mustard – Adds tanginess to balance sweetness; Dijon or wholegrain mustard are great choices to elevate the dish.

Now you’re well-equipped to make this Slow Cooked Gammon shine at your next gathering! Happy cooking!

How to Make Slow Cooked Gammon

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the gammon into your slow cooker, ensuring it’s snugly fitted to maximize flavor infusion.
Add Coca Cola: Pour the Coca Cola over the gammon, completely covering the meat. Don’t worry, no additional liquid is necessary!
Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 8 hours. This long and gentle cooking will transform your gammon into tender perfection.
Glaze: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the gammon. In a small bowl, mix honey and mustard until well combined to create your glaze.
Finish: Generously brush the glaze over the gammon, making sure to coat it evenly. For an extra touch, broil it in the oven for a few minutes until the glaze caramelizes, turning a lovely golden hue.

Optional: Serve with fresh, buttered bread for delicious sandwiches.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Slow Cooked Gammon

Submerge Properly: Ensure the gammon is fully submerged in Coca Cola for optimal flavor absorption, resulting in a delicious, tender dish.
Resist Peeking: Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking. Each time you do, heat escapes, extending your cooking time and impacting tenderness.
Glaze Evenly: To achieve a beautiful caramelized finish, evenly apply the honey-mustard glaze after cooking. Uneven glazing may lead to a less appealing texture.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality gammon from a good butcher. A well-selected cut will elevate the flavor and overall dish quality.
Adjust Sweetness: Experiment with the amount of honey in your glaze based on your taste preference; a little extra can take your Slow Cooked Gammon to the next level!

Slow Cooked Gammon Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delicious twists that will elevate your Slow Cooked Gammon experience!

Diet-Soda Swap: Use diet soda for a lighter version; it will still provide sweetness without the calories.
Try the same method with your favorite diet soft drink, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the results!
Spicy Glaze: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for an exciting kick.
Just a pinch can enhance the flavor profile beautifully, making each bite a delightful journey of both sweet and heat.
Fruity Twist: Incorporate sliced apples into the cooking process for a sweet and fruity finish.
The apple’s natural sugars caramelize beautifully, creating a luscious contrast to the savory gammon.
Maple Glaze: Swap out honey with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness.
The distinct flavor of maple syrup adds a comforting warmth that’s perfect for cozy gatherings.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for an aromatic boost.
These herbs impart an enchanting fragrance, enhancing the overall dining experience with layers of flavor.
Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the glaze for a refreshing zesty note.
This bright acidity beautifully balances the sweetness, leading to a vibrant taste adventure.
Beer Replacement: Use a rich stout beer instead of Coca Cola for a deeper flavor.
The natural maltiness of the beer lends complexity, making your gammon a standout dish at any feast.
Smoky Flavor: Add a touch of smoked paprika to the glaze for a subtle smoky twist.
This twist creates a wonderful savory depth, capturing the essence of stovetop smoked ham without the extra equipment.

Storage Tips for Slow Cooked Gammon

Fridge: Store leftover slow cooked gammon in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and delicious.

Freezer: If you want to extend its life, wrap the gammon tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring it remains juicy and tender.

Serving Suggestions: Use any leftover gammon in sandwiches or salads for a tasty meal that feels like a treat!

What to Serve with Slow Cooked Gammon?

Pairing your slow cooked gammon with the right sides transforms your meal into a culinary celebration, ensuring each bite is memorable.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their rich, buttery texture perfectly complements the tender gammon, soaking up the sweet cola glaze beautifully.
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts adds vibrant flavor, offering a fresh contrast to the rich meat.
Tangy Coleslaw: This crunchy, refreshing side cuts through the gammon’s sweetness, providing a delightful balance that brightens every bite. It’s the ideal addition for texture and crunch.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, these fries echo the gammon’s caramel notes while adding a fun, casual touch to your table.
Apple Sauce: The natural sweetness of apple sauce marries wonderfully with the gammon, enhancing its flavors while introducing a new layer of freshness.
Warm Dinner Rolls: Soft and pillowy, these rolls are perfect for sopping up the savory juices and glaze from the gammon, ensuring no flavor is left behind.
Sparkling Apple Cider: A bubbly drink that adds a festive flair; its light sweetness pairs well with the rich flavors of the gammon and keeps the mood joyful.

Make Ahead Options

Planning ahead for your Easy Slow Cooker Coca Cola Gammon is a fantastic way to save time during those bustling holiday gatherings! You can prep the gammon by seasoning and placing it in the slow cooker for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply pour the Coca Cola over the meat and cover it tightly. When you’re ready to cook, just set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours and follow the final glaze steps. To maintain quality, make sure the gammon remains fully submerged in the Coca Cola until you’re ready to cook. This way, your Slow Cooked Gammon will emerge tender and delicious, allowing you to enjoy stress-free meal prep while wowing your guests!

Slow Cooked Gammon Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting my gammon?
When selecting gammon, look for a quality joint from a reputable butcher. Opt for a cut that is moist and well-marbled with a pinkish hue, avoiding any with dark spots or excessive dryness. The better the cut, the more flavorful and tender your finished dish will be!

How can I store leftover slow cooked gammon?
To store leftover slow cooked gammon, place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will remain fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then placing inside a freezer-safe bag—this keeps it good for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze slow cooked gammon? If so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing slow cooked gammon is easy. Just follow these steps:

Allow the gammon to cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped gammon into a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label the bag with the date and type of meat.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating it gently to maintain its juicy tenderness.

What should I do if my gammon is too salty?
If your gammon turns out too salty, don’t fret! You can soak it in water for a couple of hours before cooking to draw out some of the salt. Alternatively, serve it alongside mildly flavored or creamy sides, like mashed potatoes or coleslaw, which can help balance the saltiness.

Is there a suggested pairing for serving slow cooked gammon?
When serving slow cooked gammon, consider pairing it with light, vegetable-based sides such as sautéed greens, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad. These refreshing options not only complement the rich flavors of the gammon but also enhance the overall meal experience.

Can pets eat slow cooked gammon?
While small pieces of cooked plain gammon are generally safe for dogs in moderation, it’s best to avoid giving them any glaze or bones. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure about adding new foods to your pet’s diet, especially considering the sodium content in cured meats.