The first time I made this Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, my family gathered in the kitchen, entranced by the sweet, enticing aroma enveloping the air. The blend of cola and brown sugar bubbling away in the crockpot feels almost nostalgic, transporting me back to warm, joyful holidays spent together. As I whisked the glaze, I couldn’t help but marvel at how easily this dish transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast—perfect for gatherings, Sunday dinners, or simply indulging in homemade comfort food.
This recipe shines not just for its flavor but also for its effortless preparation. With a little bit of planning, you simply set the ham in the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and revel in the anticipation of an impressive dish that looks and tastes like a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, this glazed ham is sure to become a family favorite. So dust off that crockpot, and let’s dive into this delightful, crowd-pleasing recipe!
Why is this Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham special?
Easy preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create an impressive centerpiece for any meal.
Unmatched flavor: The sweet, tangy glaze of cola and brown sugar melds beautifully with the savory ham, delivering a delightful taste sensation.
Perfect for gatherings: This dish makes serving a crowd a breeze, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Versatile dish: Great for holidays, Sunday dinners, or everyday celebrations, it adapts effortlessly to your needs.
Get ready to impress your guests with this mouthwatering recipe that combines simplicity and flavor!
Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Ingredients
• Let’s gather the essentials for this delicious dish!
For the Ham
- Fully cooked, bone-in ham – ensures a juicy and flavorful center.
- Regular cola – it’s the secret to that sweet, caramelized glaze.
For the Cola Mixture
- Brown sugar – adds a rich sweetness that complements the ham perfectly.
- Honey – enhances the glaze’s depth while adding extra moisture.
- Dijon mustard – balances the sweetness with a tangy zing.
- Apple cider vinegar – introduces a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon – infuses warmth and a hint of spice in every bite.
- Ground cloves – a little goes a long way in adding festive flavor.
- Black pepper – brings a subtle heat that rounds out the sweetness.
For the Glaze
- Brown sugar (for glaze) – thickens and enriches the finishing touch.
- Reserved ham cooking juices – essential for a moist and flavorful glaze.
- Honey (for glaze) – gives the glaze a lovely sheen and caramelized finish.
- Unsalted butter – enriches the glaze for a luxurious texture.
Enjoy creating your Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with these simple yet delightful ingredients!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
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Prepare the crockpot: Begin by grabbing your 7–8-quart oval slow cooker. Ensure your ham fits comfortably inside with the lid securely closed to retain all that delicious moisture.
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Unwrap the ham: Carefully remove the packaging and any plastic bone guard from your ham. Pat it dry with paper towels and trim off the thick rind if necessary, leaving a thin layer of fat for flavor.
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Mix the cola glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of regular cola, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. This magical blend will create a delightful cola mixture!
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Place the ham in the crockpot: Position the ham right in the center of your crockpot, ensuring that the fat side faces upward to enhance those mouthwatering flavors.
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Pour the cola mixture: Gently pour the lovely cola and brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham, taking a moment to spoon some over the top for an extra coating of sweetness.
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Cook the ham: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Remember to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s reheating safely and evenly!
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Baste halfway through: About halfway through the cooking time, take the lid off and baste the ham with some of the warm cooking liquid to keep it juicy and flavorful.
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Prepare the glaze: When the ham is nearing doneness, measure out ¼ cup of the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Add ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon butter to create a luscious glaze.
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Simmer the glaze: Over medium heat, simmer your glaze mixture for 5–8 minutes, stirring frequently until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency—irresistible!
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Glaze the ham: Carefully spoon or brush the thickened glaze over the cooked ham, coating it generously for that delectable bite.
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Broil for a finish: For an extra touch, transfer the ham to a foil-lined, broiler-safe baking dish. Broil for 2–4 minutes, keeping a watchful eye to prevent burning. Then, return the ham to the crockpot.
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Rest before slicing: Allow the ham to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve it whole in the crockpot, surrounded by that beautiful glaze and flavorful cooking liquid.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of extra honey before serving for an added touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham?
Create a feast that complements the rich, sweet notes of your ham with these delicious side dishes.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery smoothness of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the ham’s sweet glaze, creating a comforting bite.
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Roasted Garlic Green Beans: These fresh, crunchy green beans bring a bright, garlicky flavor that cuts through the richness of the ham.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness matches the ham while adding a vibrant color and texture contrast to your plate.
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Sweet Potato Casserole: A touch of warm spices in sweet potato casserole provides a delightful harmony with the brown sugar glaze of the ham.
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Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy slaw adds a refreshing element, giving a contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of the ham.
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Cornbread Muffins: Soft and buttery, cornbread muffins complement the sweetness of the glaze and are perfect for soaking up those delicious juices.
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Apple Cider: A glass of crisp apple cider not only refreshes the palate but also echoes the subtle fruity notes in the glaze.
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Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of pumpkin pie, balancing its spice with the ham’s sweetness for a festive touch.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham preparations are perfect for busy cooks! You can season and glaze the ham up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight in the refrigerator. Simply prepare the cola mixture, pour it over the ham, and cover tightly to keep it fresh. You can also measure and mix the glaze ingredients ahead of time, storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, set the ham in the slow cooker and let it work its magic—this ensures a delicious centerpiece with minimal effort on the day of your meal, providing maximum flavor with every slice!
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Fridge: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the flavors again.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, basting with leftover juices for extra flavor.
Glaze storage: If you have leftover glaze, store it separately in the fridge for up to 1 week to drizzle over other dishes or future meals.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Basting is key: Baste your ham halfway through cooking to keep it moist and enhance flavor. Don’t skip this step!
Choose the right ham: Opt for a fully cooked, bone-in ham to ensure juiciness and flavor. Avoid excess trimming that removes too much fat.
Monitor cooking time: Cook on LOW for best results, but if you’re short on time, HIGH works too. Just keep an eye on the ham’s internal temperature!
Make glaze in advance: Prepare your glaze ahead of time and refrigerate. This can save you time when the ham is done cooking.
Broiling for texture: Broil the ham briefly for that caramelized finish, but watch closely to prevent burning. You’ll want that beautiful glaze!
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham and make it a comforting family favorite.
Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Variations
Personalize your delicious ham with these simple twists and swaps that will delight your taste buds!
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cola mixture for a subtle, spicy undertone that elevates the flavor. Just a pinch can transform your dish!
- Pineapple Twist: Substitute half the cola with pineapple juice for a fruity glaze that adds a tangy sweetness, perfect for tropical flavor lovers.
- Maple Magic: Swap honey for maple syrup to infuse a warm, earthy sweetness into the glaze—perfect for cozy gatherings around the table.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cooking process for an aromatic profile that enhances the savory notes of the ham.
- Apple Flavor: Incorporate diced apples or apple slices in the slow cooker to add a fruity dimension, softening beautifully as they cook.
- Mustard Variations: Try using whole grain mustard instead of Dijon for added texture and a more robust flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
- Citrus Zing: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the glaze for a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the ham.
- Chutney Addition: Mix in a spoonful of your favorite fruit chutney into the glaze for a deliciously complex flavor that adds a gourmet touch.
Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs
How do I select the perfect ham?
Absolutely! When choosing a ham for your Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, look for a fully cooked, bone-in variety that weighs between 5 to 6 pounds. The bone-in variety offers better moisture retention and richer flavor. Check for a nice layer of fat, ensuring it’s not overly trimmed, as this adds juiciness during cooking.
How should I store leftovers?
Very simple! After enjoying your delicious ham, allow it to cool to room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also cover the ham tightly with plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a container for added freshness.
Can I freeze the ham and for how long?
Definitely! To freeze your Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if the ham is dry after cooking?
Oh, no! If your ham turns out a bit dry, don’t worry—you can easily rescue it! Before serving, slice the ham and warm it gently in a pan over low heat, adding some of the reserved cooking juices or glaze to keep it moist. Basting while reheating can help restore some juiciness and flavor, making it just as delightful as the first serve!
Is this recipe safe for anyone with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham includes common ingredients but does contain potential allergens like honey and mustard. For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the Dijon mustard with a mustard alternative or omit it entirely, and use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. Always check the labels for your specific dietary needs!
How do I make this ham taste even better?
For an enhanced flavor experience, consider amplifying the spices in your cola mixture! Add extra ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg for warmth, or throw in a few cloves for an aromatic twist. Additionally, basting the ham with its juices halfway through cooking not only keeps it moist but also infuses deeper flavor in every bite.
Enjoy these tips while preparing your delicious Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham!
Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Cola and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the crockpot: Begin by grabbing your 7–8-quart oval slow cooker. Ensure your ham fits comfortably inside with the lid securely closed to retain all that delicious moisture.
- Unwrap the ham: Carefully remove the packaging and any plastic bone guard from your ham. Pat it dry with paper towels and trim off the thick rind if necessary, leaving a thin layer of fat for flavor.
- Mix the cola glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of regular cola, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
- Place the ham in the crockpot: Position the ham right in the center of your crockpot, ensuring that the fat side faces upward to enhance those mouthwatering flavors.
- Pour the cola mixture: Gently pour the cola and brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham, taking a moment to spoon some over the top for an extra coating of sweetness.
- Cook the ham: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Baste halfway through: Halfway through cooking, take the lid off and baste the ham with some of the warm cooking liquid.
- Prepare the glaze: When the ham is nearing doneness, measure out ¼ cup of the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Add ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon butter.
- Simmer the glaze: Over medium heat, simmer your glaze mixture for 5–8 minutes, stirring frequently until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency.
- Glaze the ham: Spoon or brush the thickened glaze over the cooked ham, coating it generously.
- Broil for a finish: Transfer the ham to a foil-lined, broiler-safe baking dish. Broil for 2–4 minutes, then return the ham to the crockpot.
- Rest before slicing: Allow the ham to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve it whole in the crockpot.
