Baked Ham with Coca-Cola Glaze is a tender, savory, and slightly sweet holiday main dish with a glossy caramelized finish. This easy baked ham recipe is ideal for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or any special gathering where you want a centerpiece that feels impressive without being complicated.
A beautifully glazed ham is one of those dishes that instantly makes a meal feel special. As it warms in the oven, the smoky aroma fills the kitchen, and the sweet Coca-Cola glaze turns rich, sticky, and flavorful. The soda blends with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar to create a balanced glaze that is sweet, tangy, and savory all at once.
This Coca-Cola ham recipe works especially well with a fully cooked bone-in ham because the meat only needs to be reheated, not cooked from raw. The glaze is added near the end of the baking time, giving it just enough heat to caramelize without burning. The result is a moist baked ham with a shiny, flavorful coating that slices beautifully and pairs well with classic side dishes.
If you have leftovers, use them in simple meals such as ham and beans, deviled ham spread, cheesy corn casserole, breakfast casserole with ham and tater tots, green beans with ham and potatoes, corn chowder, or ham and egg hash.
Choosing the Best Cut of Meat for Glazed Ham
Ham comes from the hind leg and thigh area of the pig. Because it is a large cut of meat, grocery stores commonly sell it in halves. Most hams available at supermarkets are fully cooked, which means this recipe focuses on reheating the ham and adding flavor with a Coca-Cola glaze. If you want a fresh, uncooked ham, you may need to look for one through a local farmer or butcher.
Hams are usually sold either boneless or bone-in. The most common cuts are the butt end, shank end, center-cut slices, and spiral-cut ham.
- The butt or sirloin end comes from the upper part of the leg and contains the femur and pelvic bones. It is often lean, tender, and flavorful, but it can be a little more difficult to carve because of the bone structure.
- The shank end comes from the lower part of the leg. It is a popular choice for baked ham because it usually has one main bone, making it easier to carve. It is also often more budget-friendly, though it can dry out faster if overbaked.
- Center-cut slices come from the middle of the leg. They are commonly sold in thick slices and include the leg bone along with several sections of meat.
- Spiral-cut ham is pre-sliced around the center bone. This makes serving simple and gives you even slices with very little effort.
For this baked ham with Coca-Cola glaze, a spiral-cut ham is a convenient option because it is already sliced and easy to serve. However, the glaze and baking method can also be used with the other cuts listed above.
How Much Ham Should I Serve Per Person?
If ham is the main course and there are not many other proteins on the menu, plan on about ⅓ to ½ pound of boneless ham per person, or ¾ to one pound of bone-in ham per person. If the ham is part of a buffet or you are serving several main dishes, ¼ to ⅓ pound per person is usually enough.
It is also helpful to think about your guests. If you are feeding a group with hearty appetites, or if ham is always a favorite at your table, buy closer to the higher end of the estimate. Leftover ham is easy to use in soups, casseroles, breakfasts, sandwiches, and side dishes, so having a little extra is rarely a problem.
Ingredients and Tools You Will Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this flavorful Coca-Cola glazed ham. The glaze is quick to prepare and uses pantry-friendly items that create a rich, sweet, and tangy finish.
- 1 bone-in fully cooked half ham shank — about 10 pounds
- ½ cup dark soda — Coca-Cola works well, but Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, or root beer can also be used. Avoid diet soda because the sweetener may not hold up well under high heat and can leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Large roasting pan or baking dish
- Medium saucepan
Why You Should Bake the Ham Before Glazing It
Most grocery store hams are already cooked, so the goal is to warm the ham through without drying it out. A glaze contains sugar, and sugar can burn if it is exposed to high heat for too long. For that reason, the ham is baked covered for most of the cooking time, then uncovered and glazed during the final 30 minutes.
This method gives the Coca-Cola glaze time to thicken, cling to the outside of the ham, and caramelize lightly. It also helps protect the meat from becoming dry while still giving the finished ham that classic glossy, sweet-savory coating.
How Long to Bake a Pre-Cooked Ham
Baking time depends on the size of the ham and your oven. As a general guide, bake a fully cooked ham at 375 degrees F for about 15 to 20 minutes per pound. The ham is ready when the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate result.
- 6 pounds = about 60 minutes
- 7 pounds = about 75 minutes
- 8 pounds = about 90 minutes
- 9 pounds = about 105 minutes
- 10 pounds = about 120 minutes
- 11 pounds = about 135 minutes
- 12 pounds = about 150 minutes
These times are estimates. Altitude, oven performance, pan size, and whether other dishes are baking at the same time can all affect the total cooking time.
How to Make Baked Ham with Coca-Cola Glaze
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place the fully cooked ham in a roasting pan or baking dish with the cut side facing down. This helps protect the meat from drying out as it heats.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Position the oven rack in the center of the oven and bake according to the timing guide above, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
- While the ham is baking, prepare the Coca-Cola glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the soda, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk in the cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the glaze to a boil, stirring often, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until thickened.
- Thirty minutes before the ham is finished baking, remove it from the oven and take off the foil.
- Brush or spoon about one-third of the glaze generously over the outside of the ham. Return the ham to the oven uncovered.
- Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes for the final 30 minutes of baking.
- Remove the Coca-Cola glazed ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Do not throw away the juices in the bottom of the roasting pan. Strain them into a serving dish or gravy boat and serve them alongside the ham for extra flavor.
If you enjoy cooking with Coca-Cola, similar sweet-savory ideas include chocolate Coca-Cola cake, Coca-Cola chicken drumsticks, Coca-Cola marinated oven-baked brisket, and Coca-Cola Jello fruit salad.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Most oval slow cookers hold about 7 to 8 quarts and can fit a ham up to about seven or eight pounds. Extra-large slow cookers may hold a larger ham, but always make sure the lid can close securely before you begin.
Unlike oven baking, the ham does not need to be placed cut side down in a slow cooker. Fit it in the best way you can, as long as the lid sits properly. Because the slow cooker traps moisture, the ham is less likely to dry out. Cook on low for about one hour per pound or on high for about 30 minutes per pound. Add the glaze during the final hour of cooking so it has time to warm and coat the ham.
Instant Pot Instructions
Before buying a ham for the Instant Pot or another electric pressure cooker, check the size of your appliance. A 6-quart pressure cooker can usually hold a 5 to 6-pound ham. An 8-quart pressure cooker can usually hold a 7 to 8-pound ham.
Add at least one cup of water to the bottom of the insert, then place the trivet inside. Wrap the ham in foil in a way that allows you to pour the glaze over the top while keeping the liquid contained inside the foil. Seal the foil. Cook on the manual setting for 1 ½ minutes per pound. For example, an eight-pound ham needs about 12 minutes. Release the pressure manually or allow it to release naturally, then let the ham rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
Storage. Store leftover ham in an airtight food-safe container or freezer bag in the refrigerator within two hours. Eat or freeze the leftovers within four days.
Freezing. Transfer leftover ham to a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed package. Use within three months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving or reheating.
Reheating. Individual ham slices can be reheated in the microwave on high for up to one minute. To reheat a larger amount of sliced ham, place it in a covered casserole dish to keep it from drying out. Bake at 250 degrees F for 45 minutes to one hour, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you plan to serve the ham cold or at room temperature, it can be baked and glazed up to four days in advance. Let it cool completely, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it. For the best texture, wait to slice the ham until the day you serve it so the slices do not dry out. The glaze can also be made the day before, cooled, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat. If it becomes too thick, thin it with a small amount of Coca-Cola or chicken broth.
Yes. Since this recipe uses a fully cooked ham, it can be eaten cold after it has been properly stored.
Baking several dishes at the same time can affect the cooking time. Check the ham with a thermometer and make sure it reaches 140 degrees F before serving.
Continue simmering the glaze until some of the liquid reduces and the glaze reaches the consistency you want.
The brown sugar may not be fully dissolved. Keep simmering the glaze while stirring until it becomes smooth.
Yes. Boneless ham usually heats faster than bone-in ham. Plan on about 10 to 15 minutes per pound and check the internal temperature.
It is best to thaw the ham before baking. Starting from frozen can cause uneven heating and will greatly increase the baking time.
Yes. Yellow mustard, spicy mustard, or whole-grain mustard can be used in place of Dijon mustard.
Most modern commercially prepared hams are not as salty as traditional cured hams once were, so soaking is usually unnecessary. If you want to reduce some of the saltiness, cover the ham completely with cold water and soak it for 4 to 6 hours before baking.
For a spiral-cut ham, follow the slices that are already cut around the bone. For a shank or butt portion, use a sharp carving knife and cut thin slices, working carefully around the bone.
Side Dish Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Cheesy ranch roasted potatoes
- Yellow squash casserole
- Marinated asparagus
- Broccoli salad with bacon and cranberries
- Cheesy broccoli casserole
- Southern cornbread dressing with chicken
- Blueberry Jello salad
Leftover Ham Recipes
- Southern green beans with ham and potatoes
- Ham and cheddar corn chowder
- Ham and egg hash with potatoes
Baked Ham with Coca-Cola Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in fully cooked ham shank (about 10 pounds)
- ½ cup dark soda, such as Coca-Cola
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Place the ham in a roasting pan or baking dish with the cut side down. Cover with foil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the soda, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk in the cornstarch until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until thickened.
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Thirty minutes before the end of the baking time, remove the ham from the oven and uncover it.
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Brush the glaze generously over the outside of the ham. Return the ham to the oven uncovered and baste every 10 minutes for 30 minutes.
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Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage. Refrigerate leftover ham in an airtight container or freezer bag within two hours. Eat or freeze within four days.
Freezing. Freeze leftover ham in a freezer bag or vacuum-sealed package for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for up to one minute. For several slices, place them in a covered casserole dish and bake at 250 degrees F for 45 minutes to one hour, or until warmed through.
Nutrition
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Calories: 120kcal
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Carbohydrates: 1g
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Protein: 16g
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Fat: 5g
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Saturated Fat: 2.5g
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Cholesterol: 40mg
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Sodium: 990mg
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Sugar: 1g