Hey there, busy families! This Crockpot Ham with Coca-Cola Glaze is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is SO simple to make. It’s sweet, savory, and cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. The Coca-Cola glaze adds this caramelized, sticky goodness that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want to impress without the stress. Plus, kids love it—who wouldn’t when there’s a little soda magic involved? Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 fully-cooked spiral-cut ham (about 8-10 lbs)
- 2 cups Coca-Cola
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening glaze, optional)
Pro Tips:
- Line the Crockpot: Use aluminum foil or a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup—trust me on this one!
- Baste Often: For extra flavor, spoon the glaze over the ham every hour or so.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the ham sit for about 15 minutes after cooking for the juices to settle—makes it extra juicy.
- Thicken the Glaze: If you want a thicker glaze, use the cornstarch slurry. Boil the glaze for a couple of minutes on the stovetop before serving.
- Cut Carefully: If serving kids, remove the tougher edges so they can enjoy the tender, flavorful middle slices.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Crockpot (large enough for an 8-10 lb ham)
- Small saucepan (if thickening the glaze)
- Spoon or baster
- Foil or slow cooker liner
- Sharp knife and serving platter
Substitutions & Variations:
- No Coca-Cola? Use Dr Pepper, Pepsi, or even root beer for a fun twist!
- Brown Sugar Swap: Maple syrup works wonderfully in place of brown sugar.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday feel.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- You can mix the glaze ingredients the night before and store in the fridge.
- Reheat leftovers by gently warming slices in the microwave with a little extra glaze.
Instructions:
1. Prep the Ham
Unwrap the ham and place it cut side down in your Crockpot. If it doesn’t fit, you can trim it slightly or position it on its side.
2. Make the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Pour Glaze Over Ham
Pour the glaze all over the ham, making sure it gets into the slices for maximum flavor.
4. Cook the Ham
Cover the Crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, basting with the glaze every hour.
A Crockpot with the lid on, showing the ham cooking inside with the glaze bubbling slightly, on a modern stainless steel gas stove with all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro in a top-down shot.
5. Optional: Thicken the Glaze
Remove the ham and pour the glaze into a saucepan. Heat on medium and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Drizzle over the ham before serving.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with glaze, and serve warm!
Leftovers & Storage:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze ham in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of Coca-Cola or extra glaze to keep the ham juicy when warming it up.
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Ham with Coca-Cola Glaze is a showstopper without the stress! Your family and guests will love the sweet and savory flavor, and you’ll love how simple it is to make. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment to share how it turned out or ask any questions. I can’t wait to hear about your experience!
