Coke Glazed Spiral Ham – Sweet, Caramelized, and Perfect for Holidays

Nothing says holiday comfort like a beautifully baked ham. This Coke Glazed Spiral Ham delivers a tender, juicy spiral-cut ham coated in a rich, sweet glaze made from cola, brown sugar, and honey. It’s the perfect centerpiece for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any family gathering.

Using Coca-Cola as the base of the glaze creates a caramelized, slightly tangy-sweet crust that keeps the ham moist and flavorful. The spiral cut ensures every slice has a perfect balance of meat and glaze.

This recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for holiday celebrations. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a show-stopping ham without hours of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Coke Glazed Ham

• Juicy & flavorful: The glaze keeps the ham moist while adding a caramelized sweetness.
• Easy to prepare: Minimal prep, mostly baking time.
• Perfectly sliced: Spiral ham is pre-sliced for effortless serving.
• Versatile: Great for leftover sandwiches, salads, or casseroles.
• Crowd-pleaser: A guaranteed hit at holiday tables.

Ingredients for Coke Glazed Spiral Ham

• 1 fully cooked spiral ham (8–10 lbs)
• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
• Orange slices for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup and place a rack inside.

2. Prepare the glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine Coca-Cola, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and cloves. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the ham
Remove any packaging and discard any plastic disk covering the bone. Place the ham cut-side down on the roasting rack in your prepared pan.

4. Apply the glaze
Brush the ham generously with about half of the glaze. Reserve the rest for later basting.

5. Bake the ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil, baste with more glaze, and continue baking for another 30–45 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized, brushing every 15 minutes.

6. Rest and serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices for a festive presentation.

Coke Glazed Spiral Ham

A fully cooked spiral ham baked with a sweet, caramelized cola glaze, perfect for holidays or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ham and Glaze

• 1 spiral ham fully cooked, 8–10 lbs
• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
• 0.25 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp ground cloves optional
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary for garnish
• 2–3 slices orange for garnish

Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Basting brush
• Saucepan
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a roasting pan with foil and place a rack inside.
2. In a saucepan, combine Coca-Cola, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and cloves. Heat until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens slightly.
3. Place ham cut-side down on the roasting rack.
4. Brush half of the glaze over the ham.
5. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
6. Remove foil, baste with remaining glaze, and bake an additional 30–45 minutes, brushing every 15 minutes until caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices, then serve.

Notes

Use a fully cooked spiral ham for quick prep. Adjust cloves to taste.

Tips for Perfect Coke Glazed Ham

• Use a fully cooked spiral ham: This makes prep fast, and the baking is mostly to heat through and caramelize the glaze.
• Watch the glaze: Cola sugar can burn, so keep the heat moderate and brush frequently.
• Foil coverage: Covering the ham at the beginning prevents the glaze from over-browning.
• Flavor variations: Add pineapple juice, maple syrup, or a splash of bourbon to the glaze for extra depth.
• Leftovers: Store slices in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or green beans for a classic holiday meal.
• Serve alongside cranberry sauce or apple chutney for a sweet-tangy contrast.
• Use leftover ham in sandwiches, omelets, or casseroles for delicious meals beyond the holiday table.

Fun Fact: The Magic of Cola Glazes

Using cola in glazes is an old culinary trick that creates a sweet, slightly tangy finish without the need for complex sauces. The carbonation and sugars in cola help tenderize the meat and caramelize beautifully in the oven, giving the ham that irresistible glossy finish.

Variations and Flavor Boosters

• Maple Cola Glaze: Add ¼ cup pure maple syrup for a rich, autumnal flavor.
• Spiced Citrus Glaze: Stir in the zest of one orange and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for extra depth.
• Bourbon Cola Glaze: A splash of bourbon adds a warm, complex flavor perfect for adults at holiday meals.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Cover leftover slices tightly with foil or plastic wrap; store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Place slices in a baking dish with a splash of reserved glaze, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This Coke Glazed Spiral Ham is a must-try for anyone looking to add a sweet, caramelized centerpiece to their holiday table. The ease of preparation, combined with the rich flavor of the glaze, makes it a recipe you’ll return to year after year. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a special family gathering, this ham will impress both visually and in taste.