Juicy Cherry Coke Glazed Ham Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering cherry coke ham promises a delightful culinary adventure that will surprise your taste buds.

Bubbling carbonation and sweet fruit notes create an unexpected glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

Sweet meets savory in this clever twist on traditional ham preparations.

Cola’s secret weapon brings incredible depth to your main course.

Unexpected ingredients often spark the most memorable meals.

Families and dinner guests will marvel at the complex flavors dancing across their plates.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can produce such spectacular results.

Tasty Variations Of Nigella Cherry Coke Ham

• Spiced Root Beer Glaze: Replace Cherry Coke with root beer, adding ginger and nutmeg for a warm, rich flavor profile.
• Maple Bourbon Ham: Swap Cherry Coke with bourbon and maple syrup, incorporating brown sugar for deeper caramelization.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Alternative: Use young jackfruit as a meat substitute, adapting the glaze to create a similar sweet and tangy coating.
• Low-Sodium Option: Reduce sugar and mustard, use diet cola, and add fresh herbs like thyme to maintain moisture and flavor without excess salt.

What Pairs Well With Nigella Cherry Coke Ham

• Pair Sweet Red Wine: Select a luscious, fruit-forward red wine like Lambrusco or Zinfandel that complements the ham's sweet and tangy Cherry Coke glaze.
• Create Bright Salad Side: Toss a crisp arugula salad with goat cheese, candied pecans, and a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich, sweet ham flavors.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Complement: Prepare roasted brussels sprouts with garlic and pancetta to provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet and caramelized ham.
• Serve Sparkling Beverage: Offer chilled sparkling apple cider or a cherry-infused mocktail to echo the Cherry Coke's fruity undertones and refresh the palate.

How To Store Nigella Cherry Coke Ham Safely

• Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap ham slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Label with date.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Cover ham with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140F. Drizzle reserved glaze for extra flavor.
• Place ham slices on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Answers To FAQs About Nigella Cherry Coke Ham

• Why use Cherry Coke in this ham recipe?

Cherry Coke adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor that helps tenderize the meat while creating a rich, caramelized glaze that enhances the ham’s natural taste.

• Can I substitute regular Coke for Cherry Coke?

Yes, but regular Coke won’t provide the same fruity depth. If Cherry Coke isn’t available, add a splash of cherry juice or use maraschino cherry syrup to mimic the flavor profile.

• What type of ham works best for this recipe?

A bone-in fully cooked ham is ideal. Pre-cooked hams ensure even heating and absorb the glaze better, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Why People Love Nigella Cherry Coke Ham

• Boost Family Feast: Elevate your holiday table with this crowd-pleasing ham that transforms a classic dish into a memorable centerpiece.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, reducing kitchen stress.
• Customize Flavor Profile: Blend of Cherry Coke, spices, and zest creates a unique glaze that adds depth and excitement to traditional ham preparation.
• Impress Guests Easily: Stunning caramelized exterior and rich, complex flavor will make you look like a culinary expert without requiring professional cooking skills.

Everything You’ll Need For Nigella Cherry Coke Ham

• Ham: A classic centerpiece cut that provides the base for this sweet and tangy recipe.

• Cherry Coke, Sugar, Mustard, Cloves, Cinnamon, Orange Zest: A vibrant mixture that creates a rich, caramelized coating with deep flavor complexity.

• Fresh Cherries: Adds a beautiful, colorful finish that complements the ham's glossy glaze.

Steps For Cooking Nigella Cherry Coke Ham Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325°F. Position a rack inside a roasting dish and gently place your ham on it, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 2: Craft the Magical Glaze

• Cherry Coke
• Sugar
• Mustard
• Whole cloves
• Ground cinnamon
• Orange zest

Stir and let the mixture bubble until it transforms into a glossy, thick syrup that’ll make your ham sing with deliciousness.

Step 3: First Glaze Bath

Pour half of the stunning glaze over the ham, making sure every inch gets some love. Wrap the entire dish snugly with aluminum foil to lock in all those incredible flavors.

Step 4: Slow Roast and Baste

Slide the ham into the oven and let it roast. The magic rule is 15 minutes per pound. Every half hour, pull out the ham and lovingly baste it with more of that irresistible glaze.

Step 5: Caramelize the Goodness

For the final 15 minutes, remove the foil and let the ham develop a gorgeous caramelized exterior that’ll make mouths water.

Step 6: Rest and Beautify

After removing from the oven, let the ham rest for 15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Scatter fresh cherries around for a stunning presentation.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Carve the ham into beautiful slices. Drizzle with the remaining glaze and serve while it’s wonderfully warm. Watch your guests swoon with delight!

Tips To Nail Your Nigella Cherry Coke Ham

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Reserve some glaze to drizzle over sliced ham for an extra punch of sweet and tangy Cherry Coke goodness.
• Prevent Drying Out: Baste the ham regularly to keep it moist and ensure each slice remains succulent and tender.
• Check Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the ham reaches the perfect internal temperature without overcooking.
• Elevate Presentation: Garnish with fresh cherries and a sprinkle of orange zest to create a stunning, restaurant-worthy centerpiece.
• Simplify Cleanup: Line the roasting pan with foil to make post-cooking cleanup quick and effortless.

Cherry Coke Ham Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern charm meets classic comfort in this Cherry Coke Ham, where fizzy soda creates a glossy, caramelized glaze that elevates Sunday dinner. Succulent ham slices dripping with cherry-infused richness promise a memorable meal that brings family together with nostalgic flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 boneless ham (4–5 pounds)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cups Cherry Coke
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 10 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange

Garnish:

• Maraschino cherries

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 325°F and positioning a rack inside a roasting dish.
2. Create a fragrant glaze by combining Cherry Coke, sugar, mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and citrus zest in a saucepan, simmering until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy.
3. Generously drench the ham with half of the prepared glaze, ensuring even coverage.
4. Carefully shield the ham with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
5. Roast the ham, calculating 15 minutes per pound, and periodically baste with the remaining glaze every half hour to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
6. During the final 15 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the exterior to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
7. After removing from the oven, let the ham rest for 15 minutes to redistribute internal juices and stabilize temperature.
8. Artfully garnish with fresh cherries for a decorative touch.
9. Slice the ham into elegant portions and serve warm, accompanied by additional glaze for those desiring extra flavor.

Notes

• Tenderize the ham by using Cherry Coke’s natural acids, which help break down proteins and keep meat juicy during roasting.
• Adjust sugar levels in glaze for those watching carbohydrate intake, substituting with sugar-free alternatives or reducing overall sweetness.
• Choose low-sodium ham or trim visible fat to create a healthier version of this classic holiday dish for health-conscious individuals.
• Create a gluten-free version by ensuring all ingredients like mustard and spices are certified gluten-free before preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes per pound
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 318
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 1280 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg