A holiday cola ham is a classic and flavorful centerpiece for festive gatherings. The combination of cola, brown sugar, and spices creates a sweet and savory glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the ham. Here’s a delicious holiday cola ham recipe for you to enjoy:
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-9 pounds)
- 1 can (12 ounces) cola (such as Coca-Cola)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Prepare the Ham:
- Place the fully cooked ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep with a sharp knife. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
3. Create the Cola Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
4. Simmer the Glaze:
- Place the saucepan with the glaze ingredients over medium heat.
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly. Stir occasionally.
5. Glaze the Ham:
- Pour approximately half of the cola glaze over the scored ham, ensuring it gets into the crevices.
- Reserve the other half of the glaze for basting during cooking.
6. Bake the Ham:
- Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, sealing it well around the edges.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Baste and Finish:
- Every 20-30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste it with the reserved cola glaze.
- During the last 15-30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful crust on the ham.
8. Rest and Serve:
- Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven.
- Allow it to rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful ham.
9. Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice the cola-glazed holiday ham and serve it as the centerpiece of your festive meal.
This holiday cola ham recipe creates a delectable combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. The cola glaze adds a unique twist to a classic holiday dish, and it’s sure to become a new favorite at your holiday table.