Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke

This slow cooker gammon in Coke recipe comes straight from Matt, who usually refers to it as his “Christmas ham”, because, guess what, he usually makes it at Christmas.

To be fair, it really does deserve the name. It tastes sweet, sticky and salty, with notes of cinnamon, cloves and star anise. Pretty Christmassy, right?

This is one of those recipes that reminds you just how good gammon can be. It is also really cost effective when you compare it to the price of cooked ham.

You also get the added bonus of filling your home with incredible aromas for a few hours while it cooks, not to mention the plaudits from the family once they tuck in.

And the leftovers? Honestly, they make one of the best ham sandwiches you’ll ever have. Trust us.

Can You Cook Gammon in Coke in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, gammon cooks brilliantly in Coke in a slow cooker.

The slow cooker keeps the gammon moist, while the Coca-Cola adds sweetness, spice and a sticky glaze-style base for the sauce.

The saltiness of the gammon and the sweetness of the Coke work really well together, especially with festive spices like cinnamon, cloves and star anise.

What’s the Difference Between Ham and Gammon?

Gammon and ham both come from pork, usually from the hind leg of the pig.

The difference is simple: gammon is raw and needs cooking before eating. Ham has already been cooked and is ready to eat.

Technically, once you cook a gammon joint, it becomes ham.

Why Cook Gammon in Coke?

Coke works well with gammon because it is sweet, slightly spiced and already contains flavours that suit pork.

The sweetness balances the saltiness of the gammon, while the sugar helps create a sticky glaze or sauce at the end.

When you add cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar, pepper and star anise, it turns into a proper sweet, salty, festive gammon recipe.

Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke Ingredients

• 1 gammon slipper joint, around 1kg to 1.5kg
• 500ml original Coca-Cola
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 10 cloves
• 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp Szechuan pepper
• 2 large star anise
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 1 tbsp water

How to Make Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke

1. Add the gammon joint to a medium-sized slow cooker.
2. Pour over the Coca-Cola.
3. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, dark brown sugar, Szechuan pepper and star anise.
4. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for at least 4 hours.
5. Once cooked, remove the gammon from the slow cooker and leave it to rest on a large plate or bowl.
6. Remove the cinnamon stick, star anise and cloves from the leftover cooking liquid.
7. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring it to the boil.
8. Reduce to a simmer over a medium heat.
9. Mix the cornflour and water together in a small bowl to make a paste.
10. Add the cornflour mixture to the saucepan and stir until the liquid thickens into a sauce or glaze.
11. Add another cornflour and water mixture if you want the sauce thicker.
12. Take the sauce off the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
13. Glaze the gammon with some of the sauce while it is still warm.
14. Keep the rest of the sauce for serving.
15. Serve hot, or leave to cool and serve cold.

How Long Does Gammon Take in the Slow Cooker?

A 1kg to 1.5kg gammon joint usually takes around 4 hours on high in the slow cooker.

You can also cook it lower and slower if you prefer, but for this recipe, high for around 4 hours works well.

The exact time will depend on the size and shape of the joint, so always make sure the gammon is cooked through before serving.

How Can You Tell If Gammon Is Cooked?

Gammon will firm up when it is cooked.

A simple way to check is to insert a knife or skewer into the centre of the meat and pull it out. If the meat still feels very springy, it may need longer.

The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Gammon should reach at least 75°C at the deepest part of the joint.

Can You Use Pepsi Instead of Coke?

Yes, you can use Pepsi instead of Coke.

You can also use another full-sugar cola. The important bit is using the full-sugar version, not diet or zero sugar.

The sugar helps create that sweet, sticky cooking liquid and glaze. Diet cola will not give you the same result.

Should You Soak Gammon Before Cooking?

Soaking gammon is a way of removing excess salt from the meat.

It is not usually necessary with most modern mild-cure gammon joints, including the gammon we sell at True Bites, unless stated otherwise.

That being said, there can be exceptions. If you are using a home-cured gammon or a stronger cure from a local butcher, ask them whether it needs soaking first.

Can You Make This as Christmas Ham?

Yes, this is exactly why Matt calls it Christmas ham.

The Coca-Cola, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves and star anise give the gammon a sweet, spiced flavour that feels perfect for Christmas.

Serve it hot as part of a festive meal, or let it cool and slice it for sandwiches, picky bits, Boxing Day plates or buffet food.

Can You Eat Slow Cooker Gammon Cold?

Yes, once the gammon has been fully cooked, it can be cooled, stored in the fridge and eaten cold.

Cold gammon is brilliant in sandwiches, salads, wraps, omelettes, toasties or with chips and eggs.

Make sure leftovers are cooled, covered and refrigerated properly.

What to Serve with Gammon in Coke

Slow cooker gammon in Coke works well with mash, roast potatoes, chips, egg, peas, cauliflower cheese, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, chutney, pickles or crusty bread.

For Christmas or Boxing Day, serve it sliced with potatoes, festive sides, stuffing, cheese, chutneys and cold meats.

Leftovers make absolutely elite ham sandwiches.

Browse our pork range or gammon collection for more ideas.

Tips for Better Slow Cooker Gammon in Coke

• Use full-sugar Coke, not diet or zero sugar.
• Do not overdo the cloves, as they can become strong.
• Use a meat thermometer if you want to be certain it is cooked.
• Thicken the cooking liquid into a sticky sauce or glaze.
• Let the gammon rest before slicing.
• Save leftovers for sandwiches, toasties and Boxing Day picky bits.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker gammon in Coke is sweet, salty, sticky and properly comforting.

It is easy enough for a weekend tea, but special enough for Christmas, Boxing Day or a family get-together.

Cook the gammon slowly in Coke and spices, thicken the cooking liquid into a sauce, glaze the joint while warm, then serve hot or cold.

Simple, festive, and dangerously good in a sandwich the next day.

FAQs

How do you cook gammon in Coke in a slow cooker?

Place the gammon in a slow cooker, pour over Coca-Cola, add spices and sugar, then cook on high for around 4 hours. Remove the gammon, thicken the cooking liquid into a sauce, and glaze before serving.

Why put gammon in Coke?

Coke adds sweetness and subtle spice, which works well with salty gammon. The sugar also helps create a sticky glaze-style sauce.

Can you use Pepsi instead of Coke for gammon?

Yes, Pepsi or another full-sugar cola can be used. Avoid diet or zero-sugar versions because they will not give the same sticky result.

How long does gammon take in the slow cooker?

A 1kg to 1.5kg gammon joint usually takes around 4 hours on high in the slow cooker.

Should I soak gammon before cooking?

Most mild-cure gammon joints do not need soaking, but stronger cured or home-cured gammon may need it. Ask your butcher if you are unsure.

What temperature should gammon be cooked to?

Gammon should be cooked until it reaches at least 75°C at the deepest part of the joint.

Can you eat slow cooker gammon cold?

Yes, once fully cooked, cooled and stored correctly, gammon can be eaten cold. It is excellent in sandwiches and salads.