Description
This Crockpot Brown Sugar Cola Glazed Ham is a deliciously sweet and savory recipe perfect for any holiday or family gathering. Slow-cooked to tender perfection with a caramelized cola and brown sugar glaze, this ham delivers rich flavors with minimal effort, making it an ideal centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Ham
- 5–8 pound cooked ham (bone in)
Glaze
- 1 can Coca Cola (12 fl oz)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Place the cooked bone-in ham in the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably without needing to trim.
- Make the Glaze: In a small 1-quart saucepan over high heat, combine the brown sugar, Coca Cola, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the ham, making sure the glaze seeps into any pre-sliced sections to maximize flavor infusion.
- Slow Cook the Ham: Cover and cook the ham on low for 8 hours, basting every 2 hours with the cooking juices to keep it moist and flavorful. Alternatively, cook on high for 6 hours with the same basting routine.
- Rest and Slice: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly until it can be handled safely. Slice the ham to your desired thickness for serving.
- Optional Broil for Extra Glaze: If not serving immediately, preheat the broiler. Transfer the ham to an oven-safe baking dish, brush generously with remaining glaze, and broil for about 5 minutes. Continue glazing as preferred during broiling to achieve a luscious caramelized finish.
Notes
- Use Dijon mustard in the glaze to emulsify and enhance flavor; it should not be omitted.
- Baste the ham every couple of hours during cooking for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the ham before purchase to avoid trimming.
- Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze for 3-4 months.
- Reheat leftover ham with saved glaze using a microwave, slow cooker, or covered stovetop over medium heat for best results.
