Cola-Glazed Fresh Ham with Bourbon Infusion
This delectable recipe features a fresh ham, ideally suited for special occasions and holiday feasts. The dish takes advantage of cola's sweetness to create a rich, caramelized glaze that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the ham. Notably, fresh ham — which has not been smoked or cooked — provides a tender, juicy texture that pairs beautifully with the bourbon accents in the glaze. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, and it's essential to use regular soda for the best results. With proper scoring and glazing, you’ll achieve a stunningly glazed ham that will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh ham
7-9 lbs (rinsed, dried, and scored)
salt
2 teaspoons (to season)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to season)
all-purpose seasoning
1 teaspoon (to season)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to season)
whole cloves
as needed (to insert into scored lines)
dark brown sugar
1 cup (to rub on the ham)
cola
4 cups (divided for baking and glazing)
Bourbon
1/2 cup (for glaze)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F and arrange the rack in the center.
2
Prepare the fresh ham by rinsing it under cold water and thoroughly drying it with paper towels. Allow the ham to come to room temperature for optimal cooking.
3
Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 1 inch apart and cutting down at least 1/2 inch deep. This method is crucial for allowing the glaze to penetrate the meat.
4
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and all-purpose seasoning. Generously season the entire surface of the ham with this spice mixture.
5
Insert whole cloves into the ham, pressing a clove into each intersection of your scored lines.
6
Rub the dark brown sugar into the scored areas of the ham, pressing firmly to adhere.
7
Place the ham on a large roasting pan, ensuring the fatty side is facing up. Pour 2 cups of cola into the bottom of the pan, which will help keep the ham moist during cooking.
8
Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
9
While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze by combining the remaining 2 cups of cola with the bourbon in a bowl.
10
After the first hour of baking, begin basting the ham with the cola-bourbon glaze every 20-30 minutes. Continue baking the ham for an additional 2 to 2.5 hours or until the skin is dark brown and crusty, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If the skin browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
11
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
37g
Carbs
22g
Protein
250mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cola-Glazed Fresh Ham with Bourbon Infusion?
It is a savory holiday dish featuring a fresh ham glazed with a mixture of regular cola and bourbon for a caramelized, sweet-and-spicy finish.
What size fresh ham is needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires a fresh ham weighing between 7 and 9 lbs.
Can I use a pre-smoked ham for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for fresh ham, which has not been smoked or cooked, to ensure a tender and juicy texture.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 325°F and arrange the rack in the center position.
How should I prepare the ham before seasoning?
Rinse the ham under cold water, dry it thoroughly with paper towels, and allow it to come to room temperature.
What is the purpose of scoring the ham skin?
Scoring the skin is crucial because it allows the glaze and seasonings to penetrate the meat deeper.
How deep should the scoring cuts be?
The cuts should be made in a diamond pattern at least 1/2 inch deep.
What seasonings are used in the spice mixture?
The spice mixture consists of salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and all-purpose seasoning.
How are whole cloves used in the recipe?
Insert a whole clove into each intersection of the diamond-scored lines on the ham.
How do I apply the dark brown sugar?
Rub the dark brown sugar into the scored areas of the ham, pressing firmly so it adheres to the meat.
How much cola is required in total?
The recipe uses 4 cups of cola in total: 2 cups for the pan and 2 cups for the glaze.
Why is cola added to the roasting pan?
Pouring cola into the bottom of the pan helps keep the ham moist during the long cooking process.
Which side of the ham should face up in the roasting pan?
Place the ham in the pan with the fatty side facing up.
How long does the ham bake before you start basting?
The ham should bake for an initial 1 hour before you begin the glazing process.
How do I make the bourbon glaze?
Combine the remaining 2 cups of cola with 1/2 cup of bourbon in a bowl.
How often should I baste the ham with the glaze?
Baste the ham with the cola-bourbon glaze every 20 to 30 minutes after the first hour of baking.
What is the total cooking time for the ham?
Total baking time is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What is the safe internal temperature for this ham?
The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What should I do if the ham skin browns too quickly?
If the skin is darkening too fast, cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
Does the ham need to rest after cooking?
Yes, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Can I use diet soda for the glaze?
No, it is essential to use regular soda for the best results, as the sugar in regular soda is necessary for caramelization.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 18g of fat, 37g of carbohydrates, and 22g of protein.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: fresh ham, salt, pepper, all-purpose seasoning, cayenne, cloves, brown sugar, cola, and bourbon.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday feasts?
Yes, it is ideally suited for special occasions, holiday feasts, and entertaining guests.
What texture does a fresh ham provide?
A fresh ham provides a tender and juicy texture compared to the firmer texture of cured or smoked hams.
What provides the spicy kick in this recipe?
The cayenne pepper in the dry rub provides a subtle spicy balance to the sweet glaze.
Do I need to peel the skin off the ham?
No, you score the skin so it becomes dark brown and crusty during the baking and basting process.
What kind of bourbon should I use?
Any standard bourbon will work to provide the necessary flavor accents for the glaze.
What happens to the cola in the pan?
The cola in the pan mixes with meat juices and helps steam the ham to keep it from drying out.
How far apart should the scoring lines be?
The scoring lines should be approximately 1 inch apart to create the diamond pattern.