There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of slow-cooked gammon wafting through the kitchen. Whether served as a centerpiece for a family dinner or sliced for weekday sandwiches, oven slow cooked gammon is a timeless dish that never fails to please. When prepared properly, gammon becomes tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, offering a satisfying contrast between its savory meat and sweet glaze. This method of oven cooking allows the meat to gently soften over several hours, enhancing its texture and letting the flavors slowly infuse throughout.
What Is Gammon?
Gammon is the hind leg of a pig that has been cured, typically through dry-salting or brining, much like bacon. It is sold either raw (requiring cooking) or pre-cooked, and it becomes ham once fully cooked. While gammon and ham are closely related, the key difference lies in when they are cooked. Oven slow cooked gammon is an excellent way to unlock its rich, savory character.
Types of Gammon Cuts
- Gammon joint: A large, typically boneless cut ideal for roasting or boiling.
- Gammon steaks: Pre-sliced cuts that are often grilled or pan-fried.
- Bone-in gammon: Retains more moisture and flavor due to the presence of the bone during cooking.
Why Slow Cook Gammon in the Oven?
Slow cooking gammon in the oven allows the meat to become exceptionally tender and moist. Unlike boiling, which can leach out some of the flavor, oven cooking seals in the juices while giving the exterior a lovely caramelization especially if a glaze is added toward the end.
Benefits of Oven Slow Cooking:
- Retains natural juices and enhances texture
- Allows flavors to develop deeply over time
- Creates a crispy or sticky glaze when roasted uncovered
- Hands-off method that requires minimal active cooking time
Ingredients and Preparation
Before placing the gammon in the oven, it’s important to soak it if it’s very salty or heavily cured. This step helps balance the saltiness and improves the overall taste. Then, it’s ready to be slow cooked and optionally glazed near the end for added flavor.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2.5 kg gammon joint (boneless or bone-in)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Water or apple juice (enough to cover base of the roasting tin)
Optional Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (English or Dijon)
- 2 tablespoons marmalade or maple syrup
- Pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon (optional)
Step-by-Step: Oven Slow Cooked Gammon
1. Soak the Gammon (If Needed)
Some gammon joints may be quite salty. If this is the case, soak the joint in cold water for 8-12 hours or overnight, changing the water once or twice. This is particularly important if the gammon was dry-cured.
2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 150°C (300°F) or 140°C fan (285°F fan). This low temperature is ideal for slow cooking the gammon gradually without drying it out.
3. Prepare the Roasting Tray
Place the chopped carrots, onions, bay leaves, and peppercorns into the bottom of a deep roasting tray. Add enough water (or apple juice for sweetness) to cover the bottom by 1-2 inches. Place a rack or a layer of foil balls on top, and set the gammon joint on it. This ensures the meat is elevated above the liquid and cooks evenly.
4. Cover Tightly and Bake
Cover the tray tightly with foil or a lid to retain moisture. Place in the oven and cook for approximately 30-35 minutes per 500g of meat. For a 2kg joint, that means 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes.
5. Glaze and Roast Uncovered (Optional)
Once the slow cooking is done, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F). Score the fat layer in a criss-cross pattern and brush with your prepared glaze. Roast uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes, forming a delicious, sticky coating.
6. Rest Before Carving
Let the gammon rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat and makes it easier to slice.
Flavor Variations for Gammon
While the classic honey and mustard glaze is a favorite, there are many ways to customize the flavor of your oven slow cooked gammon. Here are a few ideas:
Alternative Glaze Ideas:
- Spicy Glaze: Mix maple syrup with chili flakes and paprika.
- Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Fruit-Based: Try apricot jam or pineapple juice with brown sugar.
- Herb-Infused: Combine honey with rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
These glazes add personality and depth to the gammon, transforming a traditional roast into something a bit more adventurous.
Serving Suggestions
Oven slow cooked gammon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. It can be served hot as a roast dinner or cold for lunches, making it ideal for leftovers.
Serve Hot With:
- Roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables
- Cauliflower cheese or mashed potatoes
- Gravy or mustard sauce
Serve Cold With:
- Fresh bread and pickles
- Pasta or potato salad
- Cheese board and chutneys
You can also use slices in sandwiches, wraps, omelets, or even diced into soups and stews for added flavor.
Storing and Reheating Gammon
Proper storage is key to enjoying gammon safely and deliciously after cooking. Once cooled, wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. If freezing, wrap in foil and place in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Reheat slices covered in foil at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on medium for 1-2 minutes.
- Skillet: Fry slices gently for a crispy edge and added flavor.
Oven slow cooked gammon is a delicious and adaptable dish perfect for family meals, celebrations, or weeknight dinners. Its rich flavor, tender texture, and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for home cooks who want satisfying results with minimal effort. Whether you stick with traditional glazes or experiment with new flavor combinations, slow roasting gammon in the oven will deliver hearty, flavorful results every time. With proper cooking time and a little care, your oven baked gammon will be the centerpiece of a memorable meal.