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7-Up Holiday Ham: A Sweet and Savory Celebration

The aroma still transports me back to childhood Christmases. My grandmother, a woman whose kitchen was the heart of our family gatherings, always presented a glistening ham as the centerpiece of our holiday feast. The sweet, tangy glaze, subtly infused with the bubbly zest of 7-Up, was utterly irresistible. It was a dish that symbolized warmth, family, and the sheer joy of the season. Even now, decades later, that familiar scent conjures up images of laughter, crackling fires, and the unconditional love that permeated those cherished holiday memories.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (Oven): 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time (Slow Cooker): 2-6 hours
Total Time (Oven): 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time (Slow Cooker): 2-6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: Varies depending on ham size
Dietary Type: Not specified, generally considered non-vegetarian

Ingredients

4-6 lbs of pre-cooked ham
1 (20 ounce) bottle 7-Up soda
4 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup Crosse & Blackwell Ham Glaze
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple (chunks, rings, or crushed)
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Equipment Needed

Saucepan
Roasting pan (for oven method)
Aluminum foil (for oven method)
Slow cooker (for slow cooker method)

Instructions

This recipe offers two cooking methods, both delivering delicious results. Choose the one that best suits your time and equipment availability!

Oven Method:

Begin by preparing the glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
Once the butter is melted, add 1/3 cup of brown sugar, the 20-ounce bottle of 7-Up soda, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of Crosse & Blackwell Ham Glaze.
Whisk the ingredients together continuously until the mixture comes to a simmer. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
Place the 4-6 lb pre-cooked ham in a roasting pan. If your ham is particularly large, you might want to use a sturdy, disposable aluminum pan.
Pour the prepared glaze mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring it coats all surfaces.
Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. This will help retain moisture and prevent the ham from drying out during baking.
Bake the ham in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 1/2 hours.
During the last 30 minutes of baking, you can remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and give the ham a beautiful, glossy finish. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Slow Cooker Method:

Begin by preparing the glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
Once the butter is melted, add 1/3 cup of brown sugar, the 20-ounce bottle of 7-Up soda, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of Crosse & Blackwell Ham Glaze.
Whisk the ingredients together continuously until the mixture comes to a simmer. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
Pour a small amount of the prepared glaze into the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help prevent the ham from sticking and add flavor from the bottom up.
Place the 4-6 lb pre-cooked ham in the slow cooker.
Pour the remaining glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it’s well coated.
Cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of your ham and the power of your slow cooker. The ham is ready when it is heated through and the glaze is nicely caramelized.
Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Important Note: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) before serving. This is especially important if using the slow cooker method, as cooking times can vary.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Scoring the Ham: Before applying the glaze, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing the flavor and creating an appealing presentation.
Glaze Consistency: If the glaze becomes too thick, add a splash more of 7-Up to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, continue cooking it for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pineapple Placement: If using pineapple rings, secure them to the ham with toothpicks after glazing for a classic holiday look. If using crushed or chunked pineapple, simply sprinkle it over the glazed ham before baking or slow cooking.
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the glaze mixture.
Make-Ahead Tip: The glaze can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before pouring it over the ham.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the 7-Up Holiday Ham hot, sliced into thin or thick portions, depending on your preference. It’s a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table and pairs beautifully with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, scalloped potatoes, and dinner rolls.

Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it in the microwave or oven. Reheated ham is excellent in sandwiches, salads, or omelets.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	10g	50%
Cholesterol	100mg	33%
Sodium	1500mg	63%
Total Carbohydrate	25g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	20g	N/A
Protein	30g	60%

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar in the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.
Citrus Burst: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the glaze for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
Diet 7-Up: For a slightly lower sugar content, you can use Diet 7-Up, though it might slightly affect the glaze’s thickness.
Honey Glaze: Substitute the brown sugar with honey, adding a distinct floral sweetness to the ham. Reduce the amount of honey slightly, as it is sweeter than brown sugar.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different brand of ham glaze?
A: Yes, while the recipe calls for Crosse & Blackwell, any ham glaze you prefer will work. Just be mindful of the sweetness levels, as some glazes are sweeter than others.

Q: How do I prevent the ham from drying out in the oven?
A: Covering the ham tightly with foil during the majority of the baking time helps retain moisture. Basting the ham with the glaze throughout the cooking process also prevents it from drying out.

Q: Can I make this recipe without pineapple?
A: Absolutely! The pineapple is optional. If you don’t care for it, simply omit it from the recipe.

Q: How long can I store leftover ham in the freezer?
A: Properly stored, leftover ham can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or place it in an airtight freezer bag.

Q: Is it necessary to score the ham before glazing?
A: No, it’s not absolutely necessary, but scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful and visually appealing final product.

Final Thoughts

This 7-Up Holiday Ham recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a tradition waiting to be created. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe is straightforward and delivers exceptional results every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe, share it with your loved ones, and let the sweet and savory flavors of the 7-Up Holiday Ham become a cherished part of your family’s holiday celebrations. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and unforgettable meal. Happy cooking!

7-Up Holiday Ham Recipe