How to Make Coke & Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
The caramelized sugars in the cola make an irresistible sweet glaze for your holiday ham. Be sure to get a ham big enough for leftovers—it is nearly as good sliced up for sandwiches or fried with eggs as it is when presented in its full glory just out of the oven.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe for a Sweet and Savory Feast
This cola and brown sugar glazed ham recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized sugar with the bold flavor of cola, creating a beautifully glossy and tender ham. This recipe is ideal for slow roasting, and using the Anolon Advanced Nonstick Roaster with Rack ensures even heat distribution for a perfectly cooked ham with a crispy outer layer. The pan's nonstick surface makes cleanup effortless, while its sturdy design allows for easy handling when moving from the oven to the serving table. The combination of cola and brown sugar in the glaze gives the ham a rich, deep flavor that’s both sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
This ham is perfect for holiday meals like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, but it also shines at family dinners or special celebrations. To complete the meal, serve it with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green bean casserole. A tangy cranberry sauce or a bright, zesty salad can help balance the ham’s sweetness, while warm dinner rolls and butter make for the perfect finishing touch. For a more Southern-inspired feast, you might add cornbread or mac and cheese to the spread, creating a truly comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (11-12 pound) shank half bone-in cooked ham
- 4 cups cola
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Trim any skin and excess fat on the ham. With a sharp knife, score the ham all over in a diamond pattern. Place the ham in a large Anolon Advanced Bronze nonstick roasting pan then pour 1 cup of the cola and 1 cup of the orange juice over it. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the remaining 3 cups cola, 1 cup orange juice, sugar and mustard in a medium Anolon saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until reduced to 1 cup and mixture is slightly syrupy, about 45-48 minutes.
- After the ham has roasted 1 hour 15 minutes remove the foil and baste with some of the cola glaze. Continue roasting and basting ham every 15 minutes with the glaze until it is glossy and an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 145F, about 1 hour 15 minutes -1 hour 30 minutes longer. Remove from the oven and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.