Tender Cola-Glazed Slow Cooker Ham
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Tender Cola-Glazed Slow Cooker Ham, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners. The combination of sweet brown sugar, zesty mustard, and a hint of horseradish forms a delightful glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. Set it in your Crock-Pot and let the cola infuse the ham with a unique sweetness, making it tender and juicy. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a memorable meal that your guests will rave about!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
light brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (ground)
horseradish
1 teaspoon (prepared)
cola
1/4 cup (regular, not diet)
precooked ham
4 lbs (boneless or bone-in)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, dry mustard, and horseradish until well blended.
2
Gradually stir in a small amount of cola to create a thick paste. This will become your flavorful rub.
3
Using your hands, generously apply the paste all over the surface of the precooked ham, ensuring even coverage.
4
Place the glazed ham in the crockpot. Pour the remaining cola over the top to enhance the flavor and keep the ham moist throughout cooking.
5
Cook the ham on high for 1 hour to get it warm and then reduce the setting to low. Continue to cook for an additional 6 to 7 hours, or until the ham is heated through and tender.
6
Once done, remove the ham from the crockpot, let it rest for a few minutes, slice, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tender Cola-Glazed Slow Cooker Ham?
It is a succulent precooked ham flavored with a glaze of brown sugar, mustard, and horseradish, then slow-cooked in cola for a tender and juicy finish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients needed for the glaze?
The glaze consists of 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground dry mustard, 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, and a small amount of cola.
Can I use diet cola for this ham recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of regular cola, not diet, to achieve the best flavor and sweetness.
What size ham should I buy?
The recipe calls for a 4 lb precooked ham.
Does the ham need to be boneless or bone-in?
You can use either a boneless or a bone-in precooked ham for this recipe.
How do I create the flavor rub paste?
Combine the brown sugar, dry mustard, and horseradish in a bowl, then gradually stir in a small amount of cola until it forms a thick paste.
When should I apply the glaze to the ham?
Generously apply the paste all over the surface of the precooked ham before placing it into the slow cooker.
What is the recommended cooking time on the High setting?
The ham should be cooked on high for the first 1 hour to warm it up.
How long should the ham cook on the Low setting?
After the initial hour on high, reduce the setting to low and cook for an additional 6 to 7 hours.
What do I do with the remaining cola?
After glazing the ham and placing it in the crockpot, pour the remaining cola over the top to keep the meat moist.
Is it necessary to let the ham rest after cooking?
Yes, once finished, remove the ham from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
What flavor does the horseradish add?
The horseradish adds a subtle zestiness that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and cola.
Can I use this recipe for a holiday dinner?
Absolutely, this recipe is perfect for festive gatherings, holiday meals, and cozy family dinners.
What kind of mustard is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground dry mustard.
How should the brown sugar be measured?
The 1/2 cup of light brown sugar should be packed into the measuring cup.
Does the glaze caramelize?
Yes, the combination of sugars and slow cooking allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
How much cola is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of regular cola in total, split between the paste and pouring over the ham.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will need a mixing bowl for the glaze and a slow cooker or Crock-Pot for the cooking process.
How do I ensure the ham stays juicy?
Pouring the cola over the ham and cooking it on a low setting in the slow cooker helps keep it tender and moist.
Is the ham served warm or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the ham warm immediately after slicing.
Can I use prepared mustard instead of dry mustard?
The recipe specifically calls for dry mustard to create the right consistency for the rub paste.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that requires minimal prep before the slow cooker takes over.
What should I serve with this cola-glazed ham?
It pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How do I apply the paste?
The instructions suggest using your hands to generously apply the paste all over the ham for even coverage.
Can I use a larger ham?
This recipe is written for a 4 lb ham; if using a larger one, you may need to scale up the glaze ingredients and ensure it fits in your slow cooker.
What if my paste is too thin?
Add the cola very gradually to the sugar mixture to ensure you maintain a thick, spreadable consistency.
Does the cola make the ham taste like soda?
The cola provides a unique sweetness and depth of flavor rather than a distinct soda taste.
What is the total approximate cooking time?
The total cooking time is between 7 and 8 hours.
Can this be made in a Crock-Pot?
Yes, a Crock-Pot is the primary piece of equipment used for this slow-cooked recipe.