Savory Cola-Glazed Holiday Ham
This Savory Cola-Glazed Holiday Ham is a crowd-pleaser that combines sweet and savory flavors for the perfect festive dish. The fully cooked boneless ham is gently simmered in a rich cola broth, infused with a sweet brown sugar and mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully during the slow-cooking process. Ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or simply to enjoy as delicious leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles, this hassle-free recipe ensures a juicy and flavorful ham. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as this dish cooks to perfection.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fully cooked boneless ham
3-4 lbs (Remove from packaging and lightly score)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (Packed)
Mustard
1 tablespoon (Preferably Boar's Head Honey Mustard)
Coca-Cola
2 (12 ounce) cans (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the fully cooked boneless ham from its packaging. Lightly score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern by making shallow diagonal cuts—about 1/8 inch deep—first in one direction and then in the opposite direction. You may score both sides if preferred.
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and mustard to create a smooth paste. Use your preferred mustard for a personalized touch; Boar's Head Honey Mustard is highly recommended for its balanced flavor.
3
Rub the brown sugar and mustard paste thoroughly into the ham, ensuring it adheres well to the scored areas. This step enhances the flavor and creates a lovely glaze as the ham cooks.
4
Transfer the prepared ham to the crock pot. Carefully pour the two cans of Coca-Cola into the bottom of the pot, making sure not to pour directly over the ham to preserve the glaze.
5
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set to cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours. The ham will become tender and infused with the delicious cola flavor during cooking.
6
Once cooked, remove the ham from the crock pot and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your sensational cola-glazed ham!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cola-Glazed Holiday Ham?
It is a festive dish featuring a fully cooked boneless ham simmered in a cola broth and coated in a sweet brown sugar and mustard glaze.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What size ham should I buy?
You should use a 3-4 lb fully cooked boneless ham.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
A fully cooked boneless ham is recommended for ease of slicing and cooking.
How much brown sugar is needed for the glaze?
You will need 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What kind of mustard should I use?
While you can use your preferred mustard, Boar's Head Honey Mustard is highly recommended for its balanced flavor.
How much cola is required?
The recipe calls for two 12-ounce cans of Coca-Cola.
What does scoring the ham mean?
Scoring means making shallow diagonal cuts about 1/8 inch deep into the surface of the ham.
What pattern should I use when scoring the ham?
A diamond pattern is recommended for the best visual appeal and glaze absorption.
Should I score both sides of the ham?
You can score both sides if you prefer, though the top is most important for the glaze.
How do I prepare the glaze?
In a small mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar and mustard until it forms a smooth paste.
How do I apply the glaze to the ham?
Rub the brown sugar and mustard paste thoroughly into the ham, ensuring it sticks to the scored areas.
Where do I pour the Coca-Cola?
Pour the cola into the bottom of the crock pot, not directly over the ham.
Why shouldn't I pour the cola over the ham?
Pouring it over the ham would wash away the brown sugar and mustard glaze you applied.
What temperature should I set the slow cooker to?
Set the crock pot to the low heat setting.
How long does the ham need to cook?
The ham should cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
Will the ham be tender after cooking?
Yes, the slow-cooking process in the cola broth makes the ham very tender.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is designed as a festive, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for holidays or dinner parties.
Can I use the leftovers for other meals?
Absolutely, the leftovers are delicious in sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.
Does the glaze caramelize?
Yes, the brown sugar and mustard glaze caramelizes beautifully during the long cooking process.
Should I let the ham rest before slicing?
Yes, allow the ham to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the crock pot.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered a hassle-free recipe because the slow cooker does most of the work.
What flavor does the cola provide?
The cola creates a rich, sweet broth that infuses the ham with flavor as it simmers.
Can I use a different brand of soda?
While the recipe specifies Coca-Cola, other similar dark colas can be used as a substitute.
Does the ham need to be refrigerated before cooking?
The ham should be kept refrigerated until you are ready to prepare it for the crock pot.
Is there a specific serving size?
The recipe makes 8 servings, but the specific weight per serving depends on the size of your ham.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Nutritional information like calories and fat content are not specified for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: ham, brown sugar, mustard, and Coca-Cola.
Can I use bone-in ham?
The recipe specifically calls for boneless ham, but a bone-in ham could be used if it fits in your slow cooker.
Is the aroma strong while cooking?
Yes, the dish produces a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen as it slow-cooks.