Imagine a ham so tender it practically melts in your mouth, glazed with a sweet and tangy combination of brown sugar and cola that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Cola Glazed Ham is not just another holiday dish – it's a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a show-stopping centerpiece that looks and tastes like you've been slaving in the kitchen all day.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup cola
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigeration 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Trim any excess fat from the ham, leaving a thin layer for moisture and flavor. If the ham has a thick rind, you may want to score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate.
- Place the ham in a large slow cooker, positioning it with the fat side facing up to help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cola, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it covers as much of the surface as possible. Use a basting brush to help distribute the glaze evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the ham for approximately 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Every 1-2 hours, open the slow cooker and baste the ham with the accumulated glaze and juices to enhance flavor and prevent drying.
- During the last hour of cooking, you can spoon additional brown sugar over the ham's surface for a more caramelized finish.
- Once done, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: If you desire a more caramelized exterior, transfer the ham to a preheated oven at 425°F for 10-15 minutes to create a slightly crisp glaze.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm, drizzling any remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the meat.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your ham sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Basting is Key: Don't skip the basting step! Every 1-2 hours, spoon those delicious juices over the ham to keep it moist and intensify the flavor.
- Thermometer Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the perfect internal temperature of 140°F.
- Glaze Hack: For an extra caramelized finish, sprinkle additional brown sugar during the last hour of cooking.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly juicy.
- Optional Crisp: If you want a slightly crispy exterior, finish the ham in a 425°F oven for 10-15 minutes after slow cooking.Pro tip: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and works beautifully for holiday gatherings or special family dinners!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
