Coca Cola Glaze Recipe for Ham That Impresses Every Time

When it comes to preparing a holiday ham or any special occasion roast, the glaze is often what makes all the difference. A perfectly sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy glaze can elevate your ham to mouthwatering new heights.

One of the most beloved and surprisingly simple glazes to whip up is the Coca Cola glaze for ham. This glaze brings a beautiful caramelized crust with just the right balance of sweetness and acidity, thanks to the unique flavor profile of Coca Cola.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and delivers incredible results every time.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delicious glaze, including ingredients, equipment, step-by-step instructions, plus some tips and variations to customize the flavor to your liking.

Plus, if you’re curious about other tasty recipes, be sure to check out some of my favorite related dishes linked below!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Coca Cola glaze recipe is a fantastic way to add a new twist to your traditional ham. The soda’s caramel and citrus notes combine beautifully with brown sugar and mustard to create a sticky, flavorful coating that enhances the ham’s natural juiciness.

Unlike heavy, overly sweet glazes, this one strikes a perfect balance, offering a subtle tang and a deep caramel flavor without overpowering the meat. It’s incredibly easy to prepare with pantry staples and requires minimal effort but yields impressive results, making it ideal for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or casual Sunday meals.

Additionally, the glaze forms a glossy, slightly crisp crust that looks as appetizing as it tastes. If you enjoy experimenting with flavors or want a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both traditional and exciting, this Coca Cola glaze will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Coca Cola (regular, not diet)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for extra richness

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Basting brush
• Roasting pan or baking dish
• Meat thermometer (recommended)
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Prepare the glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Coca Cola and brown sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add the flavors: Whisk in the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. Continue stirring to blend the ingredients smoothly.
3. Simmer the glaze: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes or until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Optional sweetness boost: If using, stir in the honey or maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of simmering for a richer flavor.
5. Prepare your ham: Score the surface of your ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully.
6. Apply the glaze: Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush a generous amount of the glaze all over the surface using a basting brush.
7. Roast the ham: Cook the ham according to its weight and your oven’s instructions, usually at 325°F (163°C). Baste the ham every 20 minutes with more glaze to build up a sticky, flavorful crust.
8. Finish and rest: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) to caramelize the glaze further. Remove the ham once it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra kick, add a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. This adds warmth and complexity perfect for adult palates.”

– Use regular Coca Cola rather than diet or zero sugar varieties, as the sugar content is essential for caramelization and sweetness.

– If you want a smokier flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika or use a smoked mustard instead of Dijon.

– For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice or a teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze.

– This glaze works wonderfully not just on ham but also on pork loin or even roasted chicken.

– To reduce the glaze for a thicker consistency, simmer longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition Facts

Note: These nutrition facts are approximate and based on glaze only, not including the ham itself.

Serving Suggestions

This Coca Cola glazed ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a festive meal, consider serving it alongside sweet potato casserole or glazed carrots to complement the sweet and tangy notes of the glaze.

Don’t forget to offer some warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to help mop up the extra glaze on the plate. A crisp white wine or a light, fruity red pairs well with the rich flavors of the ham and glaze.

For more inspiration on hearty and flavorful meals, check out these delicious recipes:

• Dassana Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try
• Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy
• Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide

Conclusion

The Coca Cola glaze for ham is a simple yet extraordinary way to enhance your holiday or special occasion meal. Its perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and tanginess creates a memorable flavor that complements the savory richness of ham without overwhelming it.

This glaze recipe is easy to customize with your favorite spices and additional ingredients, allowing you to make it uniquely yours each time.

Whether you’re cooking for a large family gathering or just a cozy dinner, this glaze will impress your guests and add a delightful touch of nostalgia and fun to your table. Plus, with minimal prep and straightforward steps, you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the celebration.

Give this Coca Cola glaze a try and discover why it’s become a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Coca Cola Glaze Recipe for Ham”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A sweet and tangy glaze made with Coca Cola that perfectly complements baked ham. Easy to prepare and adds a caramelized finish.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “1 glaze for a 6-8 lb ham”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup Coca Cola”, “1/2 cup brown sugar”, “1/4 cup honey”, “2 tablespoons Dijon mustard”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cloves”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 teaspoon soy sauce”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine Coca Cola, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, black pepper, and soy sauce in a saucepan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the glaze thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 20-30 minutes of baking, reapplying every 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove ham from oven and let rest before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “0g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30g”}}