Coca-Cola Basted Ham
A flavorful ham glazed with Coca-Cola and brown sugar, offering a sweet and tangy profile perfect for festive gatherings or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the 10-pound ham on a roasting rack in a large baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine 6 cups of Coca-Cola, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of dry mustard, and 2 tablespoons of prepared mustard.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to create the glaze.
- Brush the ham generously with the Coca-Cola glaze.
- Bake the ham in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with the glaze.
- Remove from oven when heated through and glaze has caramelized.
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an enhanced flavor, let the glaze cool slightly before brushing it onto the ham; this allows it to stick better. If you don't have dry mustard, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. You can also experiment with other sodas for unique flavors, though Coca-Cola is classic in American recipes. Basting every 20 minutes ensures a moist, flavorful ham.
Serving Suggestions
This Coca-Cola Basted Ham pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Consider serving it alongside Potatoes With Hot Bacon Dressing for a delightful contrast. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs or slices of citrus. Leftover ham can also be used in a Ham Graham Loaf for a delicious next-day meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftover ham to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Leftover ham can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, basting with a little glaze or broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coca-Cola Basted Ham contains roughly 574 calories, with 1g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham?
Yes, you can use a bone-in pork shoulder or even a turkey breast. Adjust cooking times based on the weight and type of meat, ensuring it reaches the appropriate internal temperature for safety. The glaze will work well with other pork recipes too, adding a sweet and tangy flavor.
What if I don't have Coca-Cola?
If you don't have Coca-Cola, you can substitute it with another dark soda like Dr. Pepper or root beer, which will still provide a similar sweetness and caramelization. Alternatively, a mixture of apple juice and soy sauce can mimic the flavor profile, though it will change the overall taste slightly.
How do I know when the ham is done?
The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) if pre-cooked, or 160°F (71°C) if uncooked. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham will provide the most accurate reading. Remember to let it rest before slicing to ensure juicy, tender pieces.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).