I’ve always believed that the best recipes are those shared from one kitchen to another, passed down with little tweaks and personal touches that make them uniquely ours.

This slow cooker brown sugar gammon recipe is one of those treasures, made with only 2 ingredients, brown sugar and gammon.

Making this slow cooker brown sugar gammon recipe is easy, requiring just light brown sugar (300 grams) and a gammon joint (2 kg). Simply layer the sugar under and over the gammon, then slow cook to perfection.

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What is Gammon?

Gammon is a traditional British cut of pork, specifically from the hind leg, that is cured and often smoked, similar to ham. It’s typically cooked whole, then sliced to serve.

Gammon is especially popular during festive seasons and can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, baking, or using a slow cooker method for a tender and flavorful dish.

What Types of Sugar Can I Use for This Recipe?

For this Brown Sugar Gammon recipe, you can use various types of sugar to adjust the flavor profile:

• Dark Brown Sugar: Enhances the gammon with a richer, more intense molasses taste. Use 300 grams as a direct substitute for light brown sugar. Example: Billington’s Dark Brown Molasses Sugar.
• Granulated White Sugar: Offers a cleaner, less complex sweetness without the molasses flavor. Use 300 grams. It might result in a less caramelized glaze. Example: Domino Premium Pure Cane Granulated Sugar.
• Muscovado Sugar: Provides a deep, almost toffee-like flavor due to its high molasses content. Use 300 grams for a robust flavor. Example: India Tree Dark Muscovado Sugar.
• Honey: Brings a naturally sweet and slightly floral note to the gammon. Use 225 grams (about ¾ cup) as it’s sweeter than sugar. Example: Raw unfiltered honey from a local farm.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Gammon Ingredients

• 300 grams of light brown sugar
• 2 kg of gammon (feel free to choose between salted or unsalted based on your preference)

How To Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Gammon

1. Layer Up: Kick things off by placing 1 cup of light brown sugar at the bottom of your slow cooker. This sweet foundation will infuse your gammon with a delicious caramel-like flavor.
2. Gammon Time: Nestle your gammon on top of the sugary bed. Then, sprinkle the remaining half cup of sugar over the gammon. This extra sweetness on top ensures a beautifully balanced flavor throughout.
3. Cook It Slow: Set your slow cooker to high and let it work its magic for 4-6 hours. If time is on your side, opt for a Low setting for 6–8 hours. Patience pays off here, as slow cooking makes the gammon wonderfully tender. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 160℉ (71℃).
4. Glazing Glory: For a stunning finish, let the gammon cool slightly before removing the top layer of skin and about half the fat. Score the fat diagonally to create a diamond pattern. You can get that irresistible, sizzling, caramelized top by pressing a simple glaze of marmalade and brown sugar into the top and then quickly broiling it under the grill for 10 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Slice your masterpiece and serve. Whether it’s the star of your dinner table or destined for sandwiches and salads, this gammon is sure to delight.

Recipe Tips

• Measuring Sugar: Use a kitchen scale for the brown sugar to ensure the perfect sweetness every time.
• Choosing Gammon: Opt for a slightly larger Gammon than needed; leftovers make great sandwiches or salads.
• Scoring the Fat: Deeply score the fat to allow the glaze to penetrate, enhancing flavor and presentation.
• Resting Time: Always let the gammon rest before slicing to keep it juicy. In my family, we can barely wait, but it’s worth it!

Recipe Variations

• Glaze Alternatives: Swap marmalade for apricot jam or honey for a different but equally delicious topping.
• Spice It Up: Add cloves, cinnamon, or star anise to the sugar layer for a warm, spiced flavor. My personal favorite is a pinch of cinnamon.
• Crispy Finish: For an extra crispy top, broil the gammon for a few minutes longer, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Use apple juice or ginger ale instead of traditional glazes for a family-friendly version that still packs a punch of flavor.

What To Serve With Brown Sugar Gammon

I recommend serving your Brown Sugar Gammon with roasted carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, honey-glazed parsnips, and a crisp apple and walnut salad.

Choose sides that offer a variety of textures and flavors. The sweetness of the carrots and parsnips pairs well with the gammon, while the creamy mashed potatoes and crunchy salad add contrast. The green beans bring a fresh, crisp element to the plate, balancing the meal perfectly.

How To Store Brown Sugar Gammon

In The Fridge:

Store cooked Brown Sugar Gammon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain quality. If you have a leftover glaze, store it separately and apply it just before serving to keep the texture of the gammon optimal.

In The Freezer:

Brown Sugar Gammon can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Brown Sugar Gammon

Reheat your Brown Sugar Gammon by placing slices in a baking dish, covering loosely with foil, and heating in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For the best flavor, add a splash of water or stock to the dish to keep the gammon moist during reheating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
• Slow Cooker Full English Breakfast
• Slow Cooker Steak Pie