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Perfect Slow Cooker Ham Recipe with Sweet Cola Brown Sugar Glaze for Easy Holiday Meals

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A simple and delicious slow cooker ham recipe featuring a sweet cola and brown sugar glaze that creates a sticky, caramelized finish. Perfect for holidays and easy family dinners.

Ingredients

  • Fully cooked bone-in ham (about 5-7 pounds / 2.3-3.2 kg)
  • Cola (12 oz / 355 ml)
  • Brown sugar (1 cup / 200 g, packed)
  • Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons)
  • Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
  • Whole cloves (optional, about 10-12)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 12 oz (355 ml) of cola, 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper to taste until smooth and sugar mostly dissolved.
  2. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, gently score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) deep. Optionally, stud the ham with 10-12 whole cloves at the intersections of the diamond cuts.
  3. Place the ham in the slow cooker flat-side down, ensuring it fits comfortably.
  4. Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it seeps into the scored cuts. Reserve about 1/3 of the glaze for basting.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (240 to 300 minutes), or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  6. Baste the ham with reserved glaze around the 2.5-hour mark to build a sticky, glossy finish.
  7. Optional: For a caramelized crust, transfer the ham to a foil-lined baking sheet after slow cooking, brush with extra glaze, and broil on HIGH for 3-5 minutes, watching closely.
  8. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for juiciness. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. For a crispier glaze, broil the ham after slow cooking. Leftover ham can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ham, cola glaze ham, brown sugar ham, holiday ham recipe, easy ham recipe, sweet and savory ham, slow cooker recipes

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/perfect-slow-cooker-ham-recipe-with-sweet-cola-brown-sugar-glaze-for-easy-holiday-meals/