There’s something about a beautifully glazed ham that instantly turns any meal into a celebration. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, ham has that irresistible way of bringing everyone to the table. And here’s the secret — the glaze is what truly makes it shine.
After trying countless versions over the years, from honey mustard to brown sugar, this Coke Glazed Spiral Ham has become my absolute favorite. The Coca-Cola creates a sweet, glossy caramelized coating that’s perfectly balanced — not too rich, not too sweet, and it tastes like you’ve been tending to it for hours (even though it’s surprisingly easy).
Best of all, once it’s in the oven, the hard work is done. You can relax, prep your sides, or enjoy a cup of coffee while your kitchen fills with that amazing sweet-and-savory aroma.
🍖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples — Coca-Cola, brown sugar, and a fully cooked spiral ham.
- Sweet and savory glaze: The Coke reduces into a thick, caramel-like glaze with a subtle spice and molasses depth.
- Holiday-ready: A show-stopping main dish that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make.
- Effortless prep: The spiral-cut ham makes glazing and serving simple — just brush, bake, and enjoy.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 (10 lb) fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (bone-in preferred)
- 1 (12 oz) can Coca-Cola
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
For the Glaze Thickener:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ham
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large roasting pan.
Place the spiral ham in the pan, separating the slices slightly so the glaze can reach between them.
Step 2: Add the Brown Sugar Rub
Rub brown sugar all over the ham, working it between the slices. This creates a base layer of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
Step 3: Pour the Coke and Bake
Pour Coca-Cola evenly over the ham. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 90 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with the juices from the pan.
Step 4: Caramelize the Top
After 90 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for 30 minutes more, allowing the glaze to thicken and the ham to turn golden and sticky.
Step 5: Thicken the Glaze
Once done, transfer the ham to a serving platter.
Pour the pan juices into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
Whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a bowl, then slowly add it to the simmering juices. Stir until the glaze thickens — about a minute or two.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Pour the warm glaze over the ham, coating every slice. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, glossy perfection.
💡 Substitution Ideas
- No Coke? Try Pepsi, Dr Pepper, or root beer for a different twist. Even ginger ale gives a light, mellow sweetness.
- Out of brown sugar? Use white sugar, honey, or maple syrup (reduce the soda slightly if using liquid sweeteners).
- Different ham cuts: A regular bone-in ham works fine — just score the surface in a diamond pattern before glazing.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t glaze too early: Add your glaze during the final 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Keep it covered: Wrap the ham in foil while baking so it stays moist.
- Dissolve your cornstarch fully: Mix it into cold water before adding to the glaze to avoid lumps.
- Let it rest: Give the ham 10–15 minutes to rest before slicing so the juices redistribute.
🍽️ What to Serve With Coke Glazed Ham
This rich, sweet, and savory ham pairs wonderfully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Fresh cranberry sauce
- Buttery dinner rolls or glazed carrots
Drizzle a little extra glaze over your sides — trust me, it’s incredible!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Ham freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Slice or store whole — whichever you prefer.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or reheat slices in the microwave. The glaze caramelizes even more when reheated!
⏱️ Quick Recipe Overview
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15–20 minutes |
| Cooking | 2 hours |
| Total | 2 hours 15–20 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy-Medium |
This Coke Glazed Spiral Ham is the perfect mix of simple and spectacular — a dish that feels festive yet approachable. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your holiday feast or the star of a cozy Sunday meal, its glossy, caramelized coating and juicy, tender slices will have everyone coming back for seconds.