Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Cola Baked Ham—a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a memorable Sunday dinner. This recipe transforms a tender, bone-in spiral-cut ham into a caramelized masterpiece, thanks to a rich glaze made with fizzy cola, brown sugar, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Infused with warm, aromatic whole cloves and the optional sweetness of pineapple juice, every slice bursts with sweet and savory perfection. Baked low and slow, this ham develops a sticky, golden exterior while remaining juicy and flavorful inside. With just 15 minutes of prep time and easy basting steps, you'll create a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Serve it warm with extra glaze for added indulgence and watch your guests savor every bite!
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Remove the ham from its packaging and place it flat-side down on a rack in a large roasting pan.
Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern by making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep into the fat layer. Insert whole cloves at the intersection of each diamond shape if using.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and pineapple juice (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Brush a portion of the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, remove the foil and brush the ham with more glaze. Continue to bake, uncovered, for an additional 30-40 minutes, basting with the glaze every 10-15 minutes. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Once done baking, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Serve the ham warm with extra glaze drizzled on top or on the side. Enjoy!
Calories |
3691 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 106.1 g | 136% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.3 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 907 mg | 302% | |
| Sodium | 22572 mg | 981% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 290.7 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 284.0 g | ||
| Protein | 381.9 g | 764% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 331 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 5309 mg | 113% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.