Moneysaving Slowcooker Ham
Moneysaving Slowcooker Ham 🥪 is a easy British recipe that serves 6. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Bored of Lunch on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 8 hrs | Total: 8 hrs 35 min
Cost: $11.50 total, $1.92 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Ham (packet ham or cheap pre‑cooked ham, bone‑in or boneless)
- 1 medium Onion (peeled and quartered)
- 2 Leek (white and light green parts cleaned and sliced)
- 2 medium Carrot (peeled and sliced into rounds)
- 1 tablespoon Black Peppercorns (whole peppercorns)
- 500 ml Chicken Stock (low‑sodium, can use store‑bought or homemade)
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables
Peel and quarter the onion, clean and slice the leeks, peel and slice the carrots into ½‑inch rounds.
Time: PT5M
Assemble in Slow Cooker
Place the ham in the slow cooker, add the prepared onion, leeks, carrots, whole black peppercorns, and pour in the chicken stock.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook
Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 8 hours, until the ham is tender and easily shreds.
Time: PT8H
Cool Slightly
Turn off the slow cooker and let the ham cool in the pot for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill completely.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: room temperature
Slice Ham
Remove the ham from the pot, place on a cutting board and slice as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Time: PT10M
Store for Future Use
Pack the sliced ham into an airtight container, cover with a little of the cooking liquid if desired, and refrigerate.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 3g
- Fat
- 9g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Gluten‑free if served on gluten‑free bread
Allergens: Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ham: cooked turkey breast, smoked pork loin
- Instead of Onion: shallot, green onion
- Instead of Leek: spring onion
- Instead of Carrot: parsnip
- Instead of Black Peppercorns: ground black pepper
- Instead of Chicken Stock: vegetable stock, water with bouillon cube
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cup
- Wooden Spoon
- Airtight Storage Container
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Assemble in Slow Cooker with proper liquid level
- Cook on high for the full 8 hours
- Cool before slicing to ensure clean cuts
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a bay leaf or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the cooking liquid for extra depth of flavor.
- Let the ham rest in its cooking liquid for 15 minutes after cooking to retain moisture.
- Use a mandoline for uniformly thin slices, perfect for sandwiches.
Troubleshooting
Ham is too salty
Rinse the ham briefly before cooking or reduce any added salt in the stock.
Ham turns out tough
Make sure to cook the full 8 hours on high; add a little extra stock if the liquid evaporates.
Vegetables become mushy
Cut vegetables into larger chunks or add them halfway through the cooking time.
Storage
Refrigerator: 4‑5 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months in freezer‑safe zip‑top bags
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the ham ahead of time and store sliced portions in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual portions in zip‑top bags for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
- Slice ham just before serving for best texture, but pre‑sliced ham can be stored if tightly sealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ham in British cuisine?
Ham has long been a staple in British households, traditionally served at festive occasions like Christmas and Easter. It represents comfort food and is often enjoyed in sandwiches, ploughman's lunches, and as a hearty breakfast component.
How does the traditional British ham differ from the packet ham shown in the YouTube channel Bored of Lunch video?
Traditional British ham is usually cured, smoked, or baked and can be quite expensive, whereas the packet ham in the Bored of Lunch video is a cheap, pre‑cooked slice that the creator transforms into a tender slow‑cooked version.
What regional variations of ham exist within the United Kingdom?
In the UK you’ll find West Country cured ham, Scottish smoked ham, and Irish bacon (which is more like back‑cut pork). Each region uses different curing methods and spices, giving distinct flavors.
What occasions or celebrations is ham traditionally associated with in British culture?
Ham is commonly served at Christmas, Easter, and family gatherings such as birthdays or Sunday roasts. It’s also a popular choice for picnics and casual lunches.
What other British dishes pair well with the slow‑cooker ham from the Bored of Lunch recipe?
Serve the sliced ham with crusty soda bread, coleslaw, pickled onions, or alongside a classic Ploughman’s cheese board for a truly British meal.
What makes this slow‑cooker ham recipe special compared to buying pre‑sliced ham?
The slow‑cooking process infuses the ham with aromatic vegetables and stock, resulting in a moist, flavorful slice that’s far superior to cheap pre‑packaged ham, while still being budget‑friendly.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the slow‑cooker ham from Bored of Lunch?
Common errors include under‑cooking (not reaching the full 8‑hour high setting), using too little liquid which can cause the ham to dry out, and slicing the ham while it’s still hot, which makes clean cuts difficult.
Why does this Bored of Lunch slow‑cooker ham recipe use chicken stock instead of water?
Chicken stock adds savory depth and helps keep the ham moist during the long cooking period, whereas water would result in a flatter flavor profile.
Can I make the slow‑cooker ham ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can cook the ham ahead, slice it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4‑5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Keep a small amount of the cooking liquid with the slices to maintain moisture.
What does the YouTube channel Bored of Lunch specialize in?
The YouTube channel Bored of Lunch focuses on simple, budget‑friendly recipes that turn everyday grocery items into tasty meals, often using minimal equipment and straightforward techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Bored of Lunch's approach to British comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Bored of Lunch emphasizes cost‑effective hacks, like transforming cheap packet ham into a gourmet‑style slow‑cooked product, whereas many other channels focus on premium ingredients or elaborate presentations.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
