Cola Glazed Ham: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Centerpiece

Cola glazed ham is a classic holiday dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make. The cola adds a unique sweetness and caramelization that complements the savory ham beautifully. This recipe provides detailed instructions to ensure a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning centerpiece for your next gathering. Get ready to wow your guests with this unforgettable Cola Glazed Ham!

Why Cola Glazed Ham?

Why use cola? It’s more than just a novelty ingredient. The sugars in the cola contribute to a beautiful, glossy glaze that crisps up in the oven. The cola’s acidity also helps to tenderize the ham and balance the sweetness. The result is a ham that’s both sweet and savory, with a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and ensure you don’t miss anything crucial.

* **Bone-in, fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds):** A bone-in ham provides more flavor and moisture than a boneless one. Ensure it’s fully cooked for safety. An 8-10 pound ham will serve approximately 16-20 people.
* **Cola (1 can, 12 ounces):** Use your favorite brand of regular cola. Diet cola will not work as effectively due to the lack of sugar needed for caramelization.
* **Brown sugar (1 cup, packed):** Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, molasses-like flavor to the glaze. Light or dark brown sugar can be used; dark brown will result in a deeper color and more intense molasses flavor.
* **Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons):** Dijon mustard provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the cola and brown sugar. It also helps the glaze adhere to the ham.
* **Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons):** Apple cider vinegar adds acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile. It also helps tenderize the ham.
* **Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon):** Ground cloves add a warm, aromatic spice that complements the ham and cola perfectly. Be careful not to overdo it, as cloves can be overpowering.
* **Optional: Whole cloves:** For studding the ham, which adds visual appeal and a subtle clove flavor.
* **Optional: Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries:** For decorative purposes. While not essential to the flavor, they add a festive touch.

Equipment Needed

* **Large roasting pan:** Choose a roasting pan large enough to accommodate the ham without it touching the sides. A pan with a rack is ideal, as it allows air to circulate around the ham and promotes even cooking.
* **Sharp knife:** For scoring the ham, which allows the glaze to penetrate and enhances its flavor.
* **Small saucepan:** For making the cola glaze.
* **Whisk:** For combining the glaze ingredients.
* **Basting brush:** For applying the glaze to the ham.
* **Aluminum foil:** For covering the ham during part of the baking process to prevent it from drying out.
* **Meat thermometer:** Essential for ensuring the ham is heated through to a safe internal temperature.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfectly Cola Glazed Ham:

**1. Prepare the Ham:**

* Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any netting or plastic disc covering the bone. Pat the ham dry with paper towels. This will help the glaze adhere better.
* Place the ham in the roasting pan. If your pan has a rack, place the ham on the rack. This allows for better air circulation and more even cooking.
* Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern. Make the cuts about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Scoring allows the glaze to penetrate the ham and creates a visually appealing presentation. Be careful not to cut too deep, as you don’t want to separate the slices.
* **Optional:** If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves at the intersections of the diamond pattern. This adds a subtle clove flavor and a festive touch.

**2. Make the Cola Glaze:**

* In a small saucepan, combine the cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
* Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is dissolved.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly and is syrupy. Be careful not to burn the glaze. It should coat the back of a spoon.
* Remove the glaze from the heat and set aside.

**3. Bake the Ham:**

* Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
* Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the ham moist during baking.
* Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents the ham from drying out and allows it to heat through evenly. Make sure the foil is securely sealed around the edges of the pan.
* Bake the ham for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, being careful not to touch the bone.

**4. Glaze the Ham:**

* Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil. Be cautious of escaping steam.
* Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
* Using a basting brush, generously brush the cola glaze over the entire surface of the ham. Make sure to get the glaze into all the crevices created by the scoring.
* Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Baste the ham with the glaze every 5 minutes to build up a thick, glossy coating. Watch carefully to prevent the glaze from burning.
* **Optional:** During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can decorate the ham with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries secured with toothpicks. This adds a festive touch to the presentation.

**5. Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more moist and flavorful product. Tent the ham loosely with foil during the resting period to keep it warm.
* Carve the ham and serve immediately. The cola glaze will create a beautiful, flavorful crust that complements the savory ham perfectly. Serve with your favorite holiday sides.

Tips for Success

* **Don’t overcook the ham:** Overcooked ham will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and remove it from the oven immediately.
* **Baste frequently:** Basting the ham with the cola glaze every 5 minutes during the final baking stage is crucial for creating a thick, glossy, and flavorful crust.
* **Watch the glaze carefully:** The cola glaze can burn easily, so keep a close eye on the ham during the final baking stage. If the glaze starts to darken too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
* **Let the ham rest:** Resting the ham for at least 10-15 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful product.
* **Use a sharp knife for carving:** A sharp knife will make carving the ham much easier and will result in cleaner slices.
* **Choose the right ham:** Opt for a bone-in, fully cooked ham for the best flavor and moisture. A spiral-cut ham can also be used, but be aware that it may dry out more easily.
* **Adjust the glaze to your taste:** If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar. If you prefer a more tangy glaze, add a little more apple cider vinegar.

Variations and Additions

* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a little heat.
* **Add fruit:** Incorporate other fruits into the glaze, such as orange zest, pineapple juice, or chopped cherries.
* **Use different spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
* **Add onions or garlic:** For a savory twist, add chopped onions or minced garlic to the glaze.
* **Bourbon glaze:** Substitute some of the cola with bourbon for a richer, more complex flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cola glazed ham is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

* **Classic holiday sides:** Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce.
* **Fresh and bright sides:** Roasted asparagus, glazed carrots, a simple green salad.
* **Hearty sides:** Macaroni and cheese, scalloped potatoes, cornbread.
* **Dessert:** Pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie.

Make-Ahead Tips

* **Glaze:** The cola glaze can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
* **Ham:** The ham can be baked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before glazing and serving.

Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover ham in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Sliced ham can be reheated in a skillet with a little butter or oil.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Sugar: 15-25g

Conclusion

This Cola Glazed Ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the beautiful presentation, makes it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering. With these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll be able to create a moist, flavorful, and unforgettable ham that your guests will rave about. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly special holiday meal!