coca cola ham recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best coca cola ham recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Coca Cola ham recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to feed your family or a show-stopping main course for a special event, this recipe is sure to impress.

I first discovered this recipe on a family vacation to the south, where it’s a popular tradition. The sweet and tangy flavors of the Coca Cola paired with the salty, meaty taste of the ham is a match made in heaven. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. I’ve made this recipe countless times for my family, and it’s always a hit. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, watching as the ham bakes to perfection in the oven.

And let me tell you, it’s not just a tasty meal – it’s also incredibly healthy. The Coca Cola adds a natural sweetness without adding refined sugars, and the ham is packed with protein and nutrients. I love serving this dish with roasted vegetables or a side salad, making it a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! As an added bonus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as is, or get creative with different toppings or sides.

Some of our favorites include pineapple rings, chopped pecans, or even a drizzle of honey on top. The possibilities are endless! And don’t even get me started on leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully for up to three days in the fridge or freezer.

Coca Cola Ham

Coca Cola Ham

4.8 from 1907 votes

A sweet and tangy glazed ham made with Coca Cola, brown sugar, and mustard. This easy recipe creates a caramelized crust and tender, juicy meat perfect for holidays or special dinners.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 45 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ham

1 bone-in fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs)
2 liters Coca Cola
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Whole cloves for studding (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 325°F.
2Remove ham from packaging and place it flat side down in a large roasting pan.
3Score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep using a sharp knife, then insert a whole clove into the center of each diamond if desired.
4Pour the entire 2 liters of Coca Cola into the roasting pan around the ham, not over the top.
5Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the cola liquid from the pan.
6While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze by combining brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan.
7Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
8After 2 hours, remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 400°F.
9Brush the ham generously with the glaze, then return it to the oven uncovered.
10Continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes, basting with glaze every 10 minutes, until the surface is dark, sticky, and caramelized.
11Check that the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 140°F using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone.
12Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

🔧Equipment

Large roasting pan
Aluminum foil
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Sharp knife
Small saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a less sweet glaze, reduce brown sugar to 3/4 cup. Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. The cola cooking liquid can be strained and used as a base for soup or gravy.

Watch Video Of How Coca Cola Ham Works

This Coca Cola ham recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting guests or just need a delicious meal for your family. It’s perfect for holidays like Easter or Christmas dinner parties.

And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to reheat! Simply slice up some leftover ham and serve with your favorite sides – like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Coca Cola Ham

Q1: What makes Coca Cola ham so unique?

The combination of sweet and tangy flavors from the Coca Cola paired with the salty taste of the ham creates a truly unique taste experience.

Q2: Can I use other types of cola instead of Coca Cola?

No, we highly recommend using Coca Cola specifically as other types may alter the flavor profile.

Q3: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, as it contains ham and is not suitable for vegetarians.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in advance?

No, we recommend making this recipe fresh each time for optimal flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftover ham?

You can store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.

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