Coca Cola Ham with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This Coca Cola Ham with Bourbon Glaze is a deliciously sweet and savory holiday centerpiece. The combination of brown sugar, mustard, and bourbon creates a rich glaze that perfectly complements the smoky, tender ham. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 8 – 10 lb bone-in ham (spiral or regular cut)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
• ⅓ cup Dijon mustard (or any mustard you prefer)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup bourbon or whiskey (optional, replace with apple juice if desired)
• 12 oz Coca-Cola

Instructions

1. Step 1: Adjust your oven rack to the lower middle position to fit the roasting pan, and preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder to create the glaze. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Trim any excess fat from the ham. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a criss-cross or diamond pattern, laying it flat side down.
4. Step 4: Place the ham in a roasting pan that is at least 2 inches deep.
5. Step 5: Pour the glaze over the top of the ham, brushing or rubbing it into the cuts and crevices. Gently pour the Coca-Cola over the top, being careful not to wash away the glaze. Slowly add the bourbon either over the ham or into the bottom of the pan.
6. Step 6: Cover the ham loosely with foil or a lid.
7. Step 7: Bake the ham for about 15 minutes per pound (for example, a 10 lb ham needs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes).
8. Step 8: Once done, remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
9. Step 9: Pour the pan juices into a medium saucepan and simmer over medium heat until the glaze thickens and reduces. Drizzle this warm glaze over the sliced ham before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder glaze, replace bourbon with apple juice to keep the sweetness without the alcohol.
• Try using grainy or country-style mustard for a different texture and flavor in the glaze.
• Score the ham deeply but carefully to allow the glaze to penetrate and create more flavor.
• If you prefer a more robust flavor, baste the ham with additional glaze halfway through baking.

Storage

Store leftover ham covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at low heat to avoid drying out. The glaze can be warmed and drizzled again to refresh the flavor when serving leftovers.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless ham, but the bone-in version tends to retain more moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time based on weight and shape.

Is it necessary to use Coca-Cola in this recipe?

Coca-Cola adds a unique sweetness and caramel flavor, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with other cola beverages or even a combination of apple juice and a little brown sugar.

Coca Cola Ham with Bourbon Glaze Recipe

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This Coca Cola Ham recipe features a juicy bone-in ham glazed with a sweet and tangy bourbon-coca cola glaze. The ham is scored and slow-baked in the oven, then finished with a reduced bourbon glaze made from the pan juices for an irresistible savory-sweet flavor, perfect for any holiday or special occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 18 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ham and Glaze

• 8 – 10 lb bone-in ham (spiral or regular cut)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
• ⅓ cup Dijon mustard (or your choice of mustard: yellow, grainy, country, brown)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup bourbon or whiskey (optional, can be replaced with apple juice)
• 12 oz Coca-Cola

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the lower middle position to accommodate the ham and preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder together until well combined. Set aside.
3. Trim and Score the Ham: Trim any excess fat from the ham. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a criss-cross or diamond pattern, placing the flat side down.
4. Place Ham in Roasting Pan: Set the ham in a roasting pan or baking dish with sides at least 2 inches deep.
5. Apply Glaze and Add Liquids: Pour the prepared glaze over the top of the ham, brushing or rubbing it into the cuts and crevices to fully coat the surface. Carefully pour the Coca-Cola over the bottom of the pan around the ham without washing off the glaze. Slowly pour the bourbon or whiskey over the top of the ham or into the bottom of the pan.
6. Cover and Roast: Cover the ham loosely with foil or a lid. Roast in the preheated oven, cooking for approximately 15 minutes per pound (e.g., a 10 lb ham will cook for about 2 hours 30 minutes).
7. Rest the Ham: After baking, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and juices.
8. Make Bourbon Glaze: While the ham rests, pour the pan juices into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Simmer until the glaze thickens and reduces to a syrupy consistency.
9. Serve: Slice the ham and drizzle the reduced bourbon glaze over the slices. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Adjust the glaze ingredients proportionally if using a larger or smaller ham.
• If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, substitute bourbon with apple juice.
• Scoring the ham helps the glaze penetrate and adds texture.
• Resting the ham after baking is essential for juicy slices.
• Use a roasting pan with sides deep enough to hold the Coca-Cola and bourbon mixture to avoid spills.
• The glaze can be made ahead and stored chilled for convenience.

Keywords: Coca Cola Ham, Bourbon Glazed Ham, Holiday Ham Recipe, Sweet and Savory Ham, Baked Ham with Glaze