This delicious slow cooker Orange Juice Gammon is slow-cooked to perfection and then finished with an orange marmalade and honey glaze, made with gammon, orange juice, marmalade, and honey—sticky and sweet on the outside, and succulent on the inside, it’s just a must try.

To make Orange Juice Gammon in your slow cooker or crockpot, place the gammon in, cover with orange juice, add spices, and cook on low for 8 hours. Finish by glazing and roasting in the oven for 30 minutes.

Gathering around this gammon becomes a festive highlight, offering a warm, inviting aroma that promises a tender, flavorful feast.

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Slow Cooker Orange Juice Gammon Ingredients

• 1 kg of Gammon Joint, unsmoked
• 500 ml of Orange Juice, plus extra as needed to cover the joint
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 White Onion, quartered
• 2 tbsp of Marmalade
• 2 tbsp of Honey
• 2 tbsp of Brown Sugar
• 1/4 tsp of Black Pepper

How To Make Slow Cooker Orange Juice Gammon

1. Preparation: Place the gammon joint in the slow cooker. Pour in 500 ml of orange juice, and add additional juice as needed until the joint is fully submerged.
2. Flavor infusion: Add two bay leaves and the quartered onion into the slow cooker, nestling them around the gammon.
3. Slow cooking: Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, until the gammon is tender.
4. Glaze creation: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp each of marmalade, honey, and brown sugar with 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
5. Oven roasting: Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan setting) or 356°F. Remove the gammon from the slow cooker, and gently score the fat in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. Evenly spread the glaze over the entire surface of the gammon.
6. Final cooking: Place the glazed gammon on a baking tray and roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the outside is bubbly and caramelized.

Recipe Tips

• Check the Juice Level: Keep an eye on the liquid level during slow cooking; the gammon should be just covered, so add more orange juice if it starts to evaporate.
• Scoring the Gammon: When scoring the gammon, make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern; this helps the fat render and the glaze penetrate for a richer flavor.
• Selecting Orange Juice: Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more natural flavor, or a high-quality store-bought version without added sugars to control the sweetness.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too runny, simmer it on the stove for a few minutes to thicken it before applying to the gammon for a better crust.
• Resting the Meat: Allow the cooked gammon to rest for about 10 minutes after roasting. This lets the juices redistribute, making the meat juicier and easier to slice.

Recipe Variations

• Different Citrus Glaze: Swap the orange juice for grapefruit or lemon juice for a tangier glaze that cuts through the gammon’s richness with a sharper citrus note.
• Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture for a bit of heat that contrasts nicely with the sweet and savory elements.
• Maple Syrup Glaze: Replace the honey in the glaze with maple syrup for a deeper, autumnal sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the smoky flavors of the gammon.
• Herb Infusion: Throw a handful of fresh thyme or rosemary into the slow cooker to infuse the gammon with herbal notes that complement the citrus beautifully.
• Crusted with Nuts: After glazing, press chopped pecans or almonds onto the surface of the gammon before the final roast for a crunchy, nutty exterior that adds a delightful texture.

What To Serve With Orange Juice Gammon

Serve your hearty Orange Juice Gammon with vibrant sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato mash, steamed green beans, creamy coleslaw, and buttered peas. Or you can try glazed carrots and sautéed spinach for a lighter touch.

How To Store Orange Juice Gammon

In The Fridge:

Wrap the gammon tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place it in the shallowest part of the refrigerator to ensure even cooling. I prefer storing it on a plate to catch any drips. It will stay fresh for three to four days.

In The Freezer:

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the cooked Orange Juice Gammon. Freezing can alter the texture and moisture content of the meat, making it less enjoyable when reheated.

How To Reheat Orange Juice Gammon

To reheat your Orange Juice Gammon, place it in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of water. Cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep it juicy.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker 4 Ingredient Beef Stroganoff
• Slow Cooker Mince And Dumplings
• Slow Cooker Keema Curry