Are you looking for a mouth-watering, fall-apart ham recipe that’s incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Coca-Cola glazed ham cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This sweet and savory dish is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or even a simple family dinner. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of cooking a delicious ham in a slow cooker with Coke, providing you with a step-by-step recipe and valuable tips to ensure a successful outcome.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Ham?
Using a slow cooker for ham is an excellent idea for several reasons:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy people, as they allow you to cook a meal while you’re away from home. Simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and come back to a deliciously cooked ham.
- Tenderization: Slow cookers are great for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat, making them perfect for cooking ham. The low heat and moisture help to break down the connective tissues, resulting in a tender and juicy ham.
- Easy to serve: Slow cookers are also great for serving, as they keep the food warm for a long time. This makes them perfect for buffets, parties, or special occasions.
Why Use Coca-Cola for Glazing Ham?
Using Coca-Cola for glazing ham may seem unusual, but it’s actually a popular technique that produces amazing results. Here are some reasons why you should try it:
- Sweet and sticky glaze: Coca-Cola contains sugar and caramel flavoring, which creates a sweet and sticky glaze when cooked. This glaze adds a rich, depth of flavor to the ham that’s hard to resist.
- Balances the saltiness: Ham can be quite salty, but the sweetness of the Coca-Cola glaze helps to balance out the flavors. This creates a deliciously sweet and savory taste experience.
- Easy to make: The Coca-Cola glaze is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and no cooking time. Simply mix the ingredients together and brush them over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make this delicious Coca-Cola glazed ham in a slow cooker, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cherries (optional)
- Slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon
- Whisk
Preparing the Ham
Before cooking the ham, you’ll need to prepare it by trimming excess fat and scoring the surface. Here’s how:
- Place the ham on a cutting board and trim any excess fat from the surface.
- Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Cut about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
Making the Coca-Cola Glaze
The Coca-Cola glaze is incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. Here’s how:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some in the scored lines.
Cooking the Ham
Now it’s time to cook the ham. Here’s how:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer. It should read at least 140°F.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ham with the Coca-Cola glaze every 10 minutes. This will help to create a sticky and caramelized crust.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use a boneless ham: If you prefer a boneless ham, you can use a 2-3 pound boneless ham. Cooking time will be shorter, so check the internal temperature after 4-6 hours.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your ham, you can add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the Coca-Cola glaze.
- Use different types of soda: If you don’t have Coca-Cola, you can use other types of soda like Dr Pepper or root beer. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
- Add some fruit: If you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your ham, you can add some chopped fresh pineapple or cherries to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Coca-Cola glazed ham is perfect for serving at special occasions, holidays, or even a simple family dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with sides: Serve the ham with some delicious sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
- Use as a sandwich filling: Slice the ham thinly and use it as a filling for sandwiches. It’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
- Serve at a buffet: This ham is perfect for serving at a buffet, as it’s easy to slice and serve. You can also add some other delicious dishes like mac and cheese, baked beans, or coleslaw.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham in a slow cooker with Coke is an easy and delicious way to prepare a special meal. The Coca-Cola glaze adds a sweet and sticky flavor to the ham that’s hard to resist. With this recipe, you’ll have a mouth-watering, fall-apart ham that’s perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it is?
What is the best type of ham to use for a Coca-Cola glazed ham in a slow cooker?
The best type of ham to use for a Coca-Cola glazed ham in a slow cooker is a bone-in ham, preferably a smoked or cured ham. This type of ham holds its shape well and has a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and sticky Coca-Cola glaze. You can use either a spiral-cut ham or a whole ham, whichever is available in your local market.
When selecting a ham, look for one that is labeled as “smoked” or “cured” and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. Avoid using a pre-glazed ham, as the glaze may not be compatible with the Coca-Cola glaze. Also, make sure to choose a ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker, leaving enough room for the glaze to simmer and caramelize.
How do I prepare the ham before cooking it in the slow cooker?
Before cooking the ham in the slow cooker, you’ll need to prepare it by scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a crispy, caramelized crust. Use a sharp knife to score the fat layer, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as this can cause the meat to dry out.
Next, place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up. This will help the glaze to drizzle down and coat the meat evenly. If using a spiral-cut ham, you can place it in the slow cooker cut side down to prevent the slices from separating during cooking.
What is the role of Coca-Cola in the glaze, and can I substitute it with another ingredient?
Coca-Cola plays a crucial role in the glaze, providing a rich, sweet, and sticky flavor that complements the savory flavor of the ham. The acidity in the Coca-Cola also helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and juicy. While you can substitute Coca-Cola with another ingredient, such as pineapple juice or ginger ale, the flavor and texture of the glaze may be affected.
If you prefer not to use Coca-Cola, you can try substituting it with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the glaze may not be the same. Coca-Cola is a key ingredient in this recipe, and its unique flavor profile is what sets it apart from other glazed ham recipes.
How long does it take to cook a Coca-Cola glazed ham in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a Coca-Cola glazed ham in a slow cooker will depend on the size and type of ham you’re using. Generally, a 5-7 pound bone-in ham will take around 8-10 hours to cook on low or 4-6 hours to cook on high. It’s essential to cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F to ensure food safety.
To check the internal temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any fat or bone. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check the ham for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If it slides in easily, the ham is cooked.
Can I make the Coca-Cola glaze ahead of time, and how do I store it?
Yes, you can make the Coca-Cola glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To make the glaze, combine the Coca-Cola, brown sugar, mustard, and spices in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the glaze until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
To store the glaze, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to use the glaze, simply give it a good stir and brush it over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How do I serve a Coca-Cola glazed ham, and what are some popular side dishes?
A Coca-Cola glazed ham is perfect for special occasions, such as holidays or family gatherings. To serve, slice the ham thinly and arrange it on a platter or individual plates. You can serve the ham with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
Some popular side dishes that go well with a Coca-Cola glazed ham include pineapple rings, cherry sauce, or a fruit salad. You can also serve the ham with some crusty bread or rolls to mop up the sweet and sticky glaze.
Can I freeze a cooked Coca-Cola glazed ham, and how do I reheat it?
Yes, you can freeze a cooked Coca-Cola glazed ham for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the ham cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to reheat the ham, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven or slow cooker.
To reheat the ham in the oven, place it in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Heat the ham in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. To reheat the ham in the slow cooker, place it in the slow cooker and cook on low for about 2-3 hours, or until it’s warmed through.