Get ready to transform an ordinary ham into a showstopping centerpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds! This Southern Coca Cola Ham is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that combines the classic Southern tradition with a surprising twist of America's favorite fizzy drink. Imagine a perfectly glazed ham with a golden-brown crust that's simultaneously sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or just want to impress your family with an extraordinary meal, this recipe is your ticket to becoming a kitchen legend.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup Coca Cola
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigerator 1 hour 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. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating 1/4-inch deep cuts. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates an attractive presentation.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together Coca Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth and well combined, creating a rich, sweet glaze.
- Pour about 1/3 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 retain moisture.
- Bake the ham for approximately 2 hours, or roughly 15-20 minutes per pound. Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with additional glaze, returning the foil after each basting.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil completely to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The ham is ready when it reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, and if desired, drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor and shine.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm, accompanied by any remaining glaze as a sauce.
Tips
- • Always let your ham come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating. • Score the ham's fat layer in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and create a beautiful presentation. • Baste frequently to keep the ham moist and develop a rich, caramelized exterior. • Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking—140°F is the sweet spot for a perfectly cooked ham. • Let the ham rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and flavorful result. • Don't discard the remaining glaze—use it as a sauce when serving for extra flavor. • If you're watching sodium intake, choose a lower-sodium ham and adjust the glaze accordingly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 770kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 300mg
