Coca Cola ham is a spiral-cut ham brushed with a simple coke and brown sugar glaze, then baked until caramelized and tender. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this easy ham recipe is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want a show-stopping centerpiece.
This Coke-glazed ham takes only minutes to prepare and delivers a sweet, slightly tangy glaze that clings to every slice. It’s a favorite for Easter and Christmas dinners, and makes excellent leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles, and soups. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, or your favorite holiday sides for a memorable meal.
I first tasted Coca Cola ham years ago at a deli that served Coke-glazed ham sandwiches. Since then I’ve tried and refined this straightforward method: brown sugar rubbed into a spiral ham, a can of Coke poured over it, and slow baking until the glaze is caramelized. The soda adds moisture and a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the salty ham.
This recipe works well for any bone-in ham, but a spiral-cut ham makes serving effortless. The glaze forms as the soda reduces, and a quick cornstarch slurry can thicken the pan juices into a pourable sauce if you prefer a clingy glaze for serving.
Table of Contents
- Coca Cola Ham Ingredients
- How Do You Make Coca Cola Ham?
- Tips For the Perfect Coca Cola Ham
- Quick Tip
- Recipe FAQs
- Flavor Variations
- More Holiday Meal Ideas
- Coca Cola Ham Recipe
Coca Cola Ham Ingredients
Gather a few simple ingredients to make this Coke-glazed ham: spiral-cut ham, brown sugar, Coca Cola (regular, not diet), and an optional bit of cornstarch to thicken the glaze. Cooking spray or a little oil for the roasting pan is helpful.
How Do You Make Coca Cola Ham?
Prepare a roasting pan with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the spiral-cut ham in the pan. Rub brown sugar all over the exterior of the ham, working some between the slices so each piece picks up flavor.
Pour a can of Coca Cola over the ham, covering the bottom of the pan. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 90 minutes, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes so the surface can brown and caramelize.
If you want a thicker glaze, carefully pour the pan juices into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk the slurry into the simmering glaze. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute, until thickened. Spoon the glaze over the ham before serving.
Tips For the Perfect Coca Cola Ham
- Choose a spiral-cut ham for easy serving. If you only find a whole bone-in ham, score the surface in a crosshatch or diamond pattern so the glaze penetrates.
- Do not use diet soda — regular Coca Cola provides the right sweetness and caramelization. If available, Coke made with cane sugar can give a slightly better flavor.
- Use a sharp carving knife when slicing the ham for clean, even pieces.
- Adjust baking time to the weight of your ham. Heat through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked hams that need reheating, or follow package guidance for uncooked hams.
Quick Tip
This recipe is simple, so buy the best-quality ham you can — it makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
For a fully cooked ham, bake about 10 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For this recipe, a typical 10 lb spiral ham reheats well following the timing in the instructions; always check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Coca Cola helps keep the ham moist while it bakes and contributes a sweet, slightly caramelized flavor to the glaze. The soda reduces into a sticky pan glaze that complements the brown sugar.
Flavor Variations
Customize the glaze to suit your taste by adding one of these simple twists:
- Dijon: Stir a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the Coke before pouring over the ham for a savory contrast.
- Citrus: Add 1/4 cup orange or lemon juice to the soda for a bright, citrusy note.
- Honey: Replace some or all of the brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness and sheen.
This Coca Cola ham makes a memorable holiday main course and yields delicious leftovers for sandwiches, salads, and casseroles.
More Holiday Meal Ideas
- Scalloped potatoes and ham
- Herb-roasted turkey
- Sweet potato casserole with pecans
- Bacon-wrapped green bean bundles
- Loaded mashed potato casserole
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Coca Cola Ham
This spiral-cut ham is coated with brown sugar and baked with Coca Cola until the glaze is glossy and caramelized.
Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 2 hours • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes • Serves: 12
Ingredients
- 1 (10 lb) spiral-cut ham
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 can (12 oz) Coca Cola (regular, not diet)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for the pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a large roasting pan with cooking spray and place the ham inside.
- Rub the brown sugar evenly over the outside of the ham, working some between the slices to add flavor to each piece.
- Pour the can of Coca Cola into the pan around the ham.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 90 minutes, basting the ham with pan juices every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 30 minutes, or until the surface is browned and caramelized.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter and spoon pan glaze over the slices. To thicken the glaze, simmer the pan juices in a small pot. Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the simmering glaze and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Pour over the ham.
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
Calories: 324 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 19 g | Sodium: 749 mg | Sugar: 11 g