Cola-Glazed Ham is a delightful twist on the traditional baked ham, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The cola in the glaze adds a caramelized sweetness that complements the smoky, salty ham, while the combination of mustard, brown sugar, and spices enhances the overall flavor profile. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, making the ham not just a main course, but the star of the meal. The cola glaze also creates a beautiful, glossy finish that makes the ham look as good as it tastes.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 2 cups cola
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Whole cloves for studding (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ham:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham, cut side down, on a rack in a roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves at the intersections of the cuts.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Glaze the Ham:
- Brush a generous amount of the cola glaze over the ham. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven.
- Baste the Ham:
- Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste it with more glaze. Continue baking until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the size of your ham.
- Finish the Ham:
- During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize on the surface. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, with any extra glaze on the side.
Enjoy your Cola-Glazed Ham with your favorite holiday sides for a festive and flavorful meal!
