Description
Succulent cola-glazed Easter ham brings Southern charm to your holiday table, infusing classic comfort with unexpected fizzy sweetness. Rich flavors and glossy glaze make you the star of family gatherings, promising a memorable centerpiece that delights everyone.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (6-8 pounds) bone-in ham
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 (12 fluid ounces / 355 milliliters) cola
- 1 cup (240 grams) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Dijon mustard
Spice Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 325°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the ham.
- Transform the ham’s exterior by etching a delicate diamond pattern across its surface, ensuring shallow cuts that enhance visual appeal and glaze absorption.
- Position the ham in a roasting vessel, generously dousing it with cola to infuse moisture and complex flavor undertones.
- Envelop the ham loosely with aluminum foil, then roast for approximately 1 1/2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Craft a luxurious glaze by combining brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper in a saucepan.
- Simmer the glaze over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and reduce into a rich, viscous consistency.
- Extract the ham from the oven and lavishly coat its surface with the prepared glaze, ensuring thorough and even coverage.
- Return the ham to the oven uncovered, roasting for an additional 30-45 minutes and repeatedly basting every 10 minutes to develop a caramelized, glossy exterior.
- Once the ham achieves a golden-brown finish with a perfectly caramelized glaze, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Scoring the ham creates beautiful presentation and helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- Use regular cola for consistent sweetness, avoiding diet versions which might alter the glaze’s caramelization process.
- Select a bone-in ham for more succulent and flavorful results, as the bone helps retain moisture during roasting.
- Adjust cooking time based on ham weight, typically 15-20 minutes per pound to ensure perfect internal temperature without drying out the meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg