Coca-Cola Glazed Ham

Once you try this Coca-Cola glazed ham, you’ll serve it on every holiday! 

When I first heard about using Coca-Cola in a ham glaze, I was like, “Say what now?”

But let me tell you, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. It tenderizes the ham and infuses it with a unique, caramel-like sweetness.

It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

If you’re looking to shake up your ham game, give this recipe a try. 

Why You’ll Love This Coca-Cola Glazed Ham

Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of sweet cola, tangy mustard, and savory ham is impossible to resist.

Easy to Make: This recipe creates a show-stopping main dish with minimal effort. It’s so perfect for the holidays.

Tender and Juicy: Slow baking the ham in a cola bath gives it so much moisture and flavor.

Crowd-Pleaser: It’ll be a hit at any gathering, from holiday feasts to casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

• Spiral Cut Ham: It’s tender, juicy, and ready to be glazed to perfection.
  
• Brown Sugar: It creates a sticky, finger-licking glaze.
  
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy, sharp, and slightly spicy, it cuts through the sweetness.
  
• Coca-Cola: The secret ingredient! It tenderizes the ham and fills it with flavor.
  
• Ground Cloves: They add a subtle, festive flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Coca-Cola Glazed Ham

Follow these simple steps to make this ham.

1. Prep the ham. Place the spiral-cut ham cut side down in a foil-lined roasting pan.

2. Make the glaze. Mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Coca-Cola, and ground cloves until combined. Pour over the ham. Separate the slices to let the glaze seep in.

3. Bake covered. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake at 325°F for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes.

4. Bake uncovered. Remove the foil and bake for another 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes

5. Rest the ham. Remove ham from oven, spoon the pan juices over it, tent with foil, and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Tips For the Best Coca-Cola Glazed Ham

These tips and tricks will make your ham the star of the show.

• Make it pretty. If your ham isn’t pre-sliced, score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
  
• Be generous with basting. Baste the ham with the pan juices every 20 minutes during baking to keep it moist and flavorful.
  
• Go low and slow. Cook the ham at a low temperature (325°F) for a longer time to allow the glaze to caramelize without burning.
  
• Bust out the thermometer. Before removing the ham from the oven, use a meat thermometer. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
  
• Thicken the glaze. Simmer the remaining glaze in a saucepan using a cornstarch slurry, for a thicker, more flavorful sauce.
  
• Try fun variations. Experiment with different flavors. Add maple syrup, honey, orange juice, or bourbon to the glaze.
  
• Be super creative. Dress up your ham with festive garnishes. Try pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, or fresh herbs.

How to Store

Here’s how to keep leftover ham fresh to make sandwiches and more.

To Store: Place leftover ham in an air-tight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Keep any remaining glaze in a separate sealed container in the fridge.

To Freeze: Wrap ham tightly in plastic wrap and foil and place in a freezer bag or air-tight container. Freeze for up to 1-3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: Reheat ham slices in the microwave. Or, place the whole ham covered in a 325°F oven until heated through to 140°F internal temperature. Brush with the reserved glaze before serving.

Coca-Cola Glazed Ham

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American

Servings

15

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

25

minutes

Calories

315

kcal

This Coca-Cola glazed ham will be the hit of any gathering! It’s sweet, savory, and bursting with delicious flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-10) pound fully cooked spiral-cut ham

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

• 1 can Coca-Cola (not diet)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan lined with foil.
• In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Coca-Cola, and ground cloves until combined. Pour the glaze all over the ham, separating the slices a little so the glaze can get in between. Use your hands to rub the glaze into the ham if needed.
• Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour, basting with the pan juices every 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the outside is caramelized and browned. The internal temperature should read 140°F.
• Remove the ham from the oven and spoon the pan juices over it. Tent with foil and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Optional: Pour the remaining glaze into a saucepan and simmer until thickened. You can add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to help it thicken. Brush the thickened glaze over the sliced ham or serve on the side.