Imagine the aroma of a perfectly glazed ham wafting through your home, a centerpiece that not only dazzles the eyes but also tantalizes the taste buds. Our Coca Cola Glazed Brown Sugar Ham is the ultimate showstopper for any gathering, combining the rich flavors of brown sugar and honey with the unique sweetness of Coca Cola. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary game and leave your guests raving long after the last slice is gone. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
- 1 cup Coca Cola
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven to accommodate the ham.
- Place the ham fat-side up in a large roasting pan or baking dish. If the ham has a thick fat layer, score it in a diamond pattern with shallow cuts, which will help the glaze penetrate and create a beautiful presentation.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together Coca Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and ground cloves until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour about half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it's evenly coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting during cooking.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and help retain moisture.
- Bake the ham for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). For fully cooked hams, you're essentially reheating and adding flavor.
- Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with additional glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even coverage and caramelization.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil completely to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful, sticky exterior.
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, and if desired, brush with any remaining glaze for extra shine and flavor.
- Slice and serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an elegant presentation.
Tips
- Bring the Ham to Room Temperature: For the best results, remove the ham from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking. This step helps ensure even cooking throughout the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to 325°F (165°C) before placing the ham inside. A properly heated oven is key to achieving that perfect glaze.
- Score the Fat: If your ham has a thick layer of fat, scoring it in a diamond pattern not only enhances the appearance but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Baste Regularly: Don’t forget to baste the ham every 30 minutes with the reserved glaze! This will help create a beautiful caramelized crust and keep the ham moist.
- Remove Foil for Caramelization: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, take off the foil to let the glaze caramelize. This is when the magic happens, transforming your ham into a sticky, sweet masterpiece.
- Rest Before Slicing: After removing the ham from the oven, let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before serving. It adds a pop of color and an aromatic finish to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
