Southern Style Coca-Cola Glazed Ham
Inspired by my partner's family's beloved Easter tradition in Mississippi, this Coca-Cola Glazed Ham is a true showstopper. With a smoky flavor from the hickory and a sweet, tangy glaze made from Coca-Cola and pineapple, this dish is perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions. While I’ve never been fond of ham, this recipe's delightful combination of textures and flavors pleasantly surprised me. I can confidently say that any ham enthusiast will be singing its praises. It's now a staple in my cooking repertoire, ensuring that I make it every year to honor this cherished family recipe.
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hickory-smoked bone-in ham
8-10 lbs (Rinsed and dried)
Cloves
As needed (Whole)
Coca-Cola
12 ounces (Regular sodas, preferably classic)
Pineapple slices in heavy syrup
1 (20 ounce) can (Drained, syrup reserved for glaze)
Brown sugar
1-2 cups (Packed, as desired)
Maraschino cherries
10 (With stems removed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
First, rinse the ham under cold water and then pat it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the ham in a crisscross, diamond pattern, making 1-inch cuts. Be sure to cut deep enough to penetrate the surface, but not too deeply.
3
In the intersections of the cuts, insert cloves into the ham, one for each cross.
4
In a large baking pan, whisk together the Coca-Cola and the reserved pineapple syrup until well combined. Place the ham cut-side down in the pan and generously baste it with the cola and syrup mixture.
5
Pat the brown sugar all over the ham, ensuring an even coating. Cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during cooking.
6
Bake the ham in the preheated oven, covered, for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches between 135°F and 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature as this really helps with precision. Remember to baste the ham with the juices from the pan every 20 minutes.
7
At the halfway mark of cooking, carefully remove the foil. Attach the drained pineapple slices to the surface of the ham using toothpicks, and fill each pineapple slice hole with a maraschino cherry, also secured with toothpicks.
8
Continue baking the ham uncovered, basting frequently and keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
9
For a beautifully caramelized glaze, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely and baste constantly for that perfect finish.
10
Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and juicy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Style Coca-Cola Glazed Ham?
It is a traditional Mississippi-style holiday dish featuring a hickory-smoked ham glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of Coca-Cola, pineapple syrup, and brown sugar.
What kind of ham should I use?
This recipe calls for an 8-10 lb hickory-smoked bone-in ham.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to serve approximately 20 people.
What is the first step in preparing the ham?
Rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels before scoring.
How do I score the ham?
Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a crisscross, diamond pattern with 1-inch cuts, being careful not to cut too deeply.
Where do the cloves go?
Insert a whole clove into each intersection of the crisscross cuts.
How do I make the liquid glaze base?
Whisk 12 ounces of regular Coca-Cola with the reserved syrup from a 20-ounce can of pineapple slices.
How is the brown sugar applied?
Pat 1-2 cups of packed brown sugar all over the surface of the ham to ensure an even coating.
What is the initial oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
Should the ham be covered while baking?
Yes, cover it with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking process to prevent it from drying out.
How long per pound should I cook the ham?
Bake the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound.
What is the target internal temperature?
The ham is ready when the internal temperature reaches between 135°F and 145°F.
How often should I baste the ham?
Baste the ham with the juices from the pan every 20 minutes.
When do I add the pineapple slices?
Add the pineapple slices at the halfway mark of the total cooking time after removing the foil.
How do I attach the fruit decorations?
Use toothpicks to secure the pineapple slices and maraschino cherries to the ham.
How do I get a caramelized finish?
Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
How long should the ham rest?
Allow the ham to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Why is resting the ham necessary?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and juicy.
Can I use Diet Coke?
The recipe recommends regular classic Coca-Cola for the best flavor and glaze consistency.
What type of cherries are used?
Use 10 maraschino cherries with the stems removed.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: ham, cloves, Coca-Cola, pineapple slices, brown sugar, and cherries.
What orientation should the ham be in the pan?
Place the ham cut-side down in a large baking pan.
What tools do I need for temperature checking?
A meat thermometer is highly recommended for precision.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, it is specifically inspired by a family Easter tradition in Mississippi.
How deep should the score marks be?
They should be deep enough to penetrate the surface but not excessively deep into the meat.
What is the flavor profile?
It is a smoky, sweet, and tangy dish with a beautifully caramelized exterior.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
The glaze is whisked together in the pan just before the ham starts baking.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Baste constantly and watch the ham closely during the final high-heat phase.
What type of pineapple is used?
One 20-ounce can of pineapple slices in heavy syrup.
What should I do with the pineapple juice in the can?
Reserve the syrup and mix it with the Coca-Cola to create the glaze liquid.