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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 325°F and positioning a rack inside a roasting dish.
- 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.
- Generously drench the ham with half of the prepared glaze, ensuring even coverage.
- Carefully shield the ham with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Roast the ham, calculating 15 minutes per pound, and periodically baste with the remaining glaze every half hour to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
- During the final 15 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the exterior to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
- After removing from the oven, let the ham rest for 15 minutes to redistribute internal juices and stabilize temperature.
- Artfully garnish with fresh cherries for a decorative touch.
- 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