Ingredients
- Bone-in Ham (8-10 lbs): Choose a fully cooked, bone-in ham for the best flavor and moisture. The bone adds depth to the ham as it cooks.
- Coca Cola (1 can, 12 oz): The star ingredient! Regular Coca Cola is recommended for its classic flavor profile, but you can experiment with other cola variations for subtle differences.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky, caramelized glaze. Light or dark brown sugar works well, with dark brown sugar offering a richer molasses flavor.
- Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons): Provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness and adds complexity to the glaze.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Another element of tanginess that balances the sweetness and helps tenderize the ham.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami depth and savory notes to the glaze, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Ground Cloves (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, aromatic spice that complements the ham and glaze beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness, rounding out the spice blend.
- Optional: Orange Zest (1 tablespoon): For a brighter, citrusy note in the glaze.
- Optional: Pineapple Juice (¼ cup): Can be added to the glaze for a tropical twist and extra moisture.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your ham. If your ham has skin, you can score it in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut too deep into the meat. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates visually appealing squares after baking. Place the ham in a large roasting pan. A roasting rack inside the pan is optional, but it helps to elevate the ham slightly and allows for better air circulation.
- Prepare the Coca Cola Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Coca Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. If using, add the orange zest and pineapple juice at this stage as well.
- Simmer and Reduce the Glaze: Bring the glaze mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the brown sugar dissolves completely. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the glaze gently simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened and reduced in volume. You want the glaze to be syrupy enough to coat the ham nicely but not too thick that it becomes sticky and burnt in the oven. Stir occasionally during the simmering process to prevent sticking and ensure even reduction.
- Glaze the Ham Initially: Once the glaze has reduced, remove it from the heat. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush about half of the glaze all over the ham, ensuring you get into the scores if you made them. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting later.
- Bake the Ham: Pour about 1 cup of water or chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This helps to create steam and prevent the ham from drying out during baking. Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil. This is crucial for keeping the ham moist and tender. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or according to the instructions on your ham packaging. A general guideline is about 2-2.5 hours for an 8-10 lb ham, but always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully heated through (140°F or 60°C).
- Baste and Glaze Repeatedly: After the initial baking time (about halfway through), remove the foil from the roasting pan. Increase the oven temperature slightly to 350°F (175°C). Baste the ham generously with the remaining glaze. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue to bake for another 30-45 minutes, basting with the pan juices and any remaining glaze every 10-15 minutes. This repeated basting is key to creating that beautiful, glossy, flavorful glaze. Keep a close eye on the ham during this final stage to prevent the glaze from burning. If it starts to darken too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- Check for Doneness and Rest: The ham is done when its internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is deeply caramelized and sticky. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Tent the ham loosely with foil while it rests to keep it warm.
- Carve and Serve: After resting, transfer the ham to a cutting board. Carve the ham against the grain, slicing it into portions of your desired thickness. Arrange the ham slices on a serving platter and spoon any pan juices over the top for extra flavor and moisture. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Coca Cola Glazed Ham!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g