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Gammon Steaks With Pineapple and Cheese: A Nostalgic Classic

The sizzle of gammon hitting a hot pan, the sweet tang of caramelized pineapple, and the satisfying melt of cheese – this dish instantly transports me back to my childhood. It was a weeknight staple, often served with a generous helping of chips and a side of slightly-too-soft broccoli, prepared with the kind of love that only a home cook can imbue. While my culinary repertoire has expanded over the years, this simple combination remains a guilty pleasure, a reminder of uncomplicated flavors and the warmth of family dinners.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 gammon steak, per person
1 (14 ounce) can pineapple slices (rings)
Cheese slice, per gammon steak
1 ounce butter
3 tablespoons oil
1 glass sherry wine
2 tablespoons flour
Tomato ketchup
Salt and pepper

Equipment Needed

Skillet
Spatula

Instructions

Begin by seasoning the gammon steaks with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as gammon can be quite mild.
Next, drain the pineapple slices from the can, but make sure to reserve the juice; this will be essential for the sauce later on.
In a skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. The combination of butter and oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a rich flavor.
Once the pan is hot, carefully place the gammon steaks in the skillet. Fry the steaks on both sides until they are just cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks, but generally, it takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Set the cooked steaks aside on a plate and cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Now, add the pineapple slices to the same skillet. Fry them until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelizes the sugars in the pineapple, enhancing its sweetness and adding a pleasant texture. Set the fried pineapple slices aside with the gammon steaks.
To make the sauce, stir the flour into the pan drippings. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
Gradually add the reserved pineapple juice and sherry to the pan, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
To assemble the dish, place a cheese slice on top of each cooked gammon steak. Then, top each cheese-covered steak with a fried pineapple slice.
Finally, fill the centre of each pineapple slice with a dollop of tomato ketchup.
Serve the gammon steaks with pineapple and cheese immediately, with the sauce served on the side.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Achieving a Crispy Gammon Steak: For extra crispy gammon, pat the steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning and frying. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the steaks to brown more effectively.
Preventing Cheese from Burning: To prevent the cheese from burning while melting, you can briefly place the gammon steaks under a preheated broiler for a minute or two after adding the cheese and pineapple. Watch them closely to avoid burning!
Flavor Boost for the Sauce: For a richer, more complex sauce, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the pan along with the pineapple juice and sherry.
Make-Ahead Tip: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently just before serving. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the gammon steaks with pineapple and cheese immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted. This dish pairs perfectly with sautéed potatoes, mashed potatoes, or chips, as well as a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave the gammon steak briefly or reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat. Be careful not to overcook the gammon when reheating, as it can become dry. The sauce can also be reheated separately in a saucepan.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	220.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	16.7 g	25%
Saturated Fat	5.4 g	26%
Cholesterol	21.6 mg	7%
Sodium	222.7 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	15.5 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1.5 g	5%
Sugars	9.2 g	36%
Protein	3.8 g	7%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack.
Gluten-Free Option: While this recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the flour in the sauce, you can easily substitute cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend as a thickening agent.
Pineapple Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pineapple, try using sliced peaches or nectarines instead.
Wine Substitution: Apple juice can be substituted for the sherry wine, although the flavour will change.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the dish. Just be sure to peel, core, and slice the pineapple into rings before frying.

Q: Can I grill the gammon steaks instead of frying them?
A: Yes, grilling is a great option for adding a smoky flavor to the gammon steaks. Just be sure to preheat your grill and cook the steaks over medium heat until they are cooked through.

Q: What’s the best way to keep the gammon steaks warm while I prepare the other ingredients?
A: You can keep the gammon steaks warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C).

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While the gammon steaks are best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it just before serving.

Q: Can I use different types of wine?
A: Other sweet wines like marsala can be substituted for the sherry wine.

Final Thoughts

Gammon steaks with pineapple and cheese is a dish that proves that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special. It’s a celebration of sweet and savory, of textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover (or rediscover) the joy of this classic dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And if you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Perhaps pair it with a crisp green salad or a creamy coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Gammon Steaks With Pineapple and Cheese Recipe