Coke Glazed Spiral Ham — A Sticky, Sweet, Holiday-Worthy Masterpiece
Few centerpiece dishes combine tradition, simplicity, and irresistible flavor as perfectly as Coke Glazed Spiral Ham. This classic approach transforms an ordinary spiral ham into a glossy, caramelized showstopper infused with the deep, sweet, molasses-like flavor of Coca-Cola. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, hosting a family dinner, or simply craving something special on a Sunday afternoon, this ham delivers unforgettable flavor with almost zero effort.
The magic of this recipe lies in its glaze — a decadent blend of cola, brown sugar, mustard, and spices that simmers down into a sticky, rich coating. As it bakes, the ham absorbs these flavors while the spiral slices allow the glaze to seep deep inside, ensuring every bite is moist, sweet, and savory. The result is a beautifully lacquered ham with crisp caramelized edges and tender slices that fall apart effortlessly.
Coca-Cola glazing has been a Southern tradition for decades, known for its ability to create incredible depth of flavor with minimal ingredients. The cola reduces into a syrup that enhances the ham’s natural smokiness while giving it that unmistakable caramelized shine. Combined with the natural saltiness of the ham and the warmth of spices, the final creation is both comforting and festive.
This recipe is not just delicious — it’s unbelievably easy. Spiral hams are fully cooked, meaning your job is basically to warm them gently while adding layers of glaze. It’s nearly impossible to mess up, making it perfect for beginners and holiday cooks who want stunning results with minimal effort.
Below, you’ll find the complete ingredient list, detailed steps, tips for perfect results, variations, serving ideas, and storage instructions — everything needed to make this ham the star of your table.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham (8–10 lbs)
- 2 cups Coca-Cola (not diet)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (or 6 whole cloves)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: orange slices or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place spiral ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake the ham for 60 minutes to begin warming it through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cloves, and butter.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook 10–12 minutes until thick and syrupy.
- Remove ham from the oven and peel back the foil.
- Brush a generous amount of glaze over the ham, making sure to get between the slices.
- Leave the ham uncovered and bake another 30 minutes.
- Brush additional glaze every 10 minutes, allowing it to caramelize.
- Remove from oven when the edges are sticky and the glaze is bubbling. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Coke Glazed Spiral Ham
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 60 minutes to warm through.
- Combine Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cloves, black pepper, and butter in a saucepan.
- Simmer 10–12 minutes until thickened into a syrupy glaze.
- Remove ham and uncover, brushing generously with glaze.
- Return ham to oven uncovered for 30 minutes, glazing every 10 minutes.
- Remove when glaze is sticky and edges are caramelized. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Why This Coke Glazed Spiral Ham Works So Well
The cola creates a perfect caramel glaze
The sugars in Coca-Cola reduce beautifully, forming a lacquer-like coating.
Spiral ham absorbs flavor easily
Because it’s pre-cut, glaze seeps between each slice, making it juicy throughout.
Minimal prep, maximum payoff
You don’t have to carve, trim, or manage anything complicated — spiral hams are designed to be easy.
Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky
The glaze enhances the natural smokiness of ham while adding sweetness and spice.
Tips for Success
Use regular cola — never diet
Diet sodas do not caramelize and will ruin the texture.
Re-glaze often
The more layers you apply, the richer the final product.
Cook low and slow
Too much heat will dry the ham. Gentle reheating is key.
Use foil in the beginning
Keeps the ham moist before glazing.
Let it rest
A short 10-minute rest redistributes juices and prevents dryness.
Flavor Variations
1. Cherry Coke Glaze
Replace regular Coke with Cherry Coke for a fruity twist.
2. Spicy Coke Glaze
Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper to the glaze.
3. Orange Cola Ham
Add fresh orange zest and ¼ cup orange juice to the glaze.
4. Maple Coke Glaze
Add 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup to the saucepan.
5. Bourbon Coke Ham
Add 2 tablespoons bourbon for depth and smokiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cornbread.
- Pair with a fresh salad or green beans to balance the sweetness.
- Use leftovers in sandwiches, omelets, breakfast hash, or fried rice.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Keeps 4–5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer:
Freeze slices up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Warm gently in a covered baking dish with a splash of Coke for moisture.
Why You’ll Keep Making This Recipe
This Coke Glazed Spiral Ham isn’t just a holiday option — it’s a year-round family favorite. It’s effortless yet impressive, affordable yet elegant, sweet yet savory. The stunning glossy finish makes it look professionally prepared, while the tender slices and rich glaze guarantee a delicious experience. Whether for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a weekend dinner, this ham never disappoints.
