Are you looking for a unique and delicious way to cook a ham? Look no further than cooking a ham in Coke in a slow cooker. This sweet and savory twist on a classic dish is sure to become a new favorite. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a ham in Coke in a slow cooker, including the benefits of using a slow cooker, the ingredients you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker is a great way to cook a ham, especially when you’re short on time. Here are just a few of the benefits of using a slow cooker:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy people. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Tender meat: Slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, like ham. The low heat and moisture help to break down the connective tissues, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
- Easy cleanup: Slow cookers are a breeze to clean. Simply wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and wash the lid and any utensils in warm soapy water.
Ingredients Needed
To cook a ham in Coke in a slow cooker, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
- 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 ground black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cherries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking a ham in Coke in a slow cooker is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Preheat your slow cooker to the low setting.
- Remove the ham from the packaging and trim any excess fat.
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Ham
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham for 8-10 hours or overnight.
- After 8 hours, check the ham for tenderness. If it’s not tender, cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients (Optional)
- If using, add the chopped pineapple, cherries, and nuts to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the ham with the Coca-Cola glaze spooned over the top.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind:
- 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 ham for tenderness after 6-8 hours.
- Add other ingredients: You can add other ingredients to the slow cooker, such as sliced onions, carrots, and potatoes, to make a complete meal.
- Use a different type of soda: If you don’t have Coca-Cola, you can use a different type of soda, such as Dr Pepper or root beer.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and unique ham dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try? Cook a ham in Coke in a slow cooker today and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this classic dish.
What is the Coca-Cola Glazed Ham recipe, and how does it differ from traditional glazed ham recipes?
The Coca-Cola Glazed Ham recipe is a unique twist on the classic glazed ham dish. It involves slow-cooking a ham in a mixture of Coca-Cola, brown sugar, and spices to create a sweet and savory glaze. This recipe differs from traditional glazed ham recipes in its use of Coca-Cola, which adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dish.
The Coca-Cola also helps to tenderize the ham and adds a depth of flavor that is not typically found in traditional glazed ham recipes. The slow-cooking process ensures that the glaze is evenly distributed and that the ham is cooked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting, while still enjoying the classic flavors of a glazed ham.
What type of ham is best suited for this recipe?
The best type of ham to use for this recipe is a bone-in, smoked ham. This type of ham has a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory glaze. It is also important to choose a ham that is not too salty, as the Coca-Cola and brown sugar will add a significant amount of sweetness to the dish.
A bone-in ham is also preferred because it allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. If you can’t find a bone-in ham, you can also use a boneless ham, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use diet Coke or Coke Zero instead of regular Coca-Cola?
While it is technically possible to use diet Coke or Coke Zero in this recipe, it is not recommended. The artificial sweeteners in these products can affect the flavor and texture of the glaze, resulting in a less desirable final product.
Regular Coca-Cola contains sugar, which caramelizes and adds a rich, depth of flavor to the glaze. Diet Coke and Coke Zero, on the other hand, contain artificial sweeteners that do not caramelize in the same way. If you want to reduce the sugar content of the recipe, you can try using a smaller amount of regular Coca-Cola or substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
How long does it take to cook the ham in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for the ham will depend on the size and type of ham you are using, as well as your personal preference for doneness. Generally, a 5-7 pound bone-in ham will take around 8-10 hours to cook on low in a slow cooker.
It’s best to cook the ham on low for a longer period of time to ensure that it is tender and falls apart easily. You can also cook the ham on high for a shorter period of time, but be careful not to overcook it. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and check the ham frequently to avoid overcooking.
Can I add other ingredients to the glaze to give it more flavor?
Yes, you can definitely add other ingredients to the glaze to give it more flavor. Some options include Dijon mustard, honey, brown mustard, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. You can also try adding a splash of citrus juice, such as orange or pineapple, to give the glaze a bit of brightness.
When adding new ingredients to the glaze, start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s harder to remove excess ingredients from the glaze. Also, be sure to adjust the amount of Coca-Cola and brown sugar accordingly to avoid an overly sweet or salty glaze.
How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
Leftover Coca-Cola Glazed Ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store in the refrigerator, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a covered container.
To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the ham overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the slow cooker or oven until warmed through.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker. To do so, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham in a large baking dish and score the fat in a diamond pattern. Pour the glaze over the ham and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake the ham for 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the glaze every 20-30 minutes to ensure that it stays moist and flavorful. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.