Are you tired of the same old Sunday roast? Prepare to revolutionise your comfort food game with this incredibly simple slow cooker pulled ham recipe that will have your family begging for seconds.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your Weekly Favourite
Forget spending hours slaving over a hot oven - this set-and-forget method delivers the most tender, flavour-packed pulled ham you've ever tasted. Perfect for busy families, students, or anyone who loves great food without the fuss.
What You'll Need
- 1.5kg unsmoked gammon joint (the star of our show)
- 2 large brown onions, roughly chopped
- 4 tablespoons of dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons of wholegrain mustard
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 500ml apple juice (the secret ingredient)
- 2 bay leaves (for that aromatic touch)
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Pulled Ham Heaven
- Prep Your Gammon: If your gammon requires soaking, do this first according to package instructions. Pat dry with kitchen paper.
- Layer Your Flavours: Scatter the chopped onions across the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the gammon joint on top, fat-side up.
- Create the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, mustard and apple cider vinegar until it forms a thick paste.
- Cook to Perfection: Spread your glaze mixture over the gammon joint. Pour the apple juice around (not over) the meat, add bay leaves, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- The Grand Finale: Once cooked, remove the bay leaves. Use two forks to shred the ham directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the delicious cooking juices.
Serving Suggestions That Will Wow Your Guests
This versatile pulled ham is the gift that keeps on giving. Serve it in soft brioche buns with crispy lettuce and a dollop of extra mustard for the ultimate sandwich experience. Alternatively, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal greens for a comforting dinner that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
Pro tip: Don't discard those incredible cooking juices! They make the most amazing base for soups or can be reduced to create a stunning gravy.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, breaking down the gammon's fibres until it literally falls apart at the touch of a fork. The apple juice provides a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the saltiness of the ham, while the mustard adds that essential British tang we all know and love.
This isn't just another recipe - it's your new secret weapon for stress-free entertaining and family meals that deliver maximum flavour with minimum effort. Your slow cooker was made for dishes like this!
