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 break down the connective tissues, resulting in a tender and juicy ham.
- Easy to serve: Slow cookers make it easy to serve a crowd, as the ham can be kept warm for hours. This is especially useful for special occasions or holidays when you need to feed a large group of people.
Why Use Coca-Cola for the Glaze?
Using Coca-Cola for the glaze may seem unusual, but it’s a game-changer for ham. Here’s why:
- Sweet and sticky: Coca-Cola adds a sweet and sticky element to the glaze, which caramelizes beautifully during cooking. This creates a deliciously sweet and savory crust on the ham.
- Depth of flavor: Coca-Cola contains a blend of spices and flavorings that add depth and complexity to the glaze. This helps balance out the saltiness of the ham, creating a more well-rounded flavor profile.
- Easy to make: Using Coca-Cola for the glaze is incredibly easy, as it eliminates the need to mix together multiple ingredients. Simply pour the Coke into the slow cooker, add some brown sugar and spices, and you’re good to go.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make this 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
- 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 quarts in size)
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
Preparing the Ham
Before cooking the ham, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here’s how:
- Trim excess fat: Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the surface of the ham. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat more evenly.
- Score the ham: Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Cut about 1/4 inch deep, being careful not to cut too deeply and damage the meat.
- Season the ham: Rub the ham all over with salt, pepper, and your desired spices. This will help bring out the natural flavors of the ham.
Cooking the Ham
Now it’s time to cook the ham. Here’s how:
- Place the ham in the slow cooker: Position the ham in the slow cooker, flat side down. If the ham is too large, you can trim it to fit or use a larger slow cooker.
- Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the glaze over the ham: Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal. This will help trap the heat and moisture, ensuring the ham cooks evenly.
- Cook the ham: Cook the ham on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Baste the ham with the glaze every hour or so to keep it moist and promote even browning.
Glazing the Ham
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, it’s time to glaze the ham. Here’s how:
- Remove the foil: Remove the aluminum foil from the slow cooker, exposing the ham to the heat.
- Baste the ham: Baste the ham with the glaze, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Increase the heat: If using a slow cooker with a sauté function, increase the heat to high. If not, you can broil the ham in the oven for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Caramelize the glaze: Allow the glaze to caramelize, creating a sticky and sweet crust on the ham. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the heat and the glaze.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the most of this recipe:
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 140°F (60°C).
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your ham, you can add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the glaze.
- Try different types of ham: This recipe works well with various types of ham, including boneless ham, spiral-cut ham, and even ham steaks.
- Add some fruit: Chopped fresh pineapple and cherries make a delicious addition to the glaze, adding natural sweetness and flavor.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham in a slow cooker with Coke is an incredibly easy and delicious way to prepare a special occasion meal. The Coca-Cola glaze adds a sweet and sticky element to the ham, while the slow cooker ensures the meat is tender and juicy. With these simple steps and valuable tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering ham that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
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.