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The Unbelievably Easy, Infinitely Delicious Cola Baked Ham

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t exactly known for her culinary prowess. But there was one dish, and one dish only, that she absolutely nailed every single time: her holiday ham. The secret? A surprising ingredient that always raised eyebrows and delighted taste buds in equal measure – cola. The sweet, bubbly soda transformed a simple pre-cooked ham into a tender, glistening masterpiece, and the aroma alone was enough to make any holiday feel complete. It’s a taste of childhood nostalgia, and I’m excited to share this incredibly simple, yet unforgettable recipe.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 40
Yield: 1 large ham
Dietary Type: Varies (depending on ham ingredients)

Ingredients

10 lbs pre-cooked ham
6 fluid ounce cans cola drink (classic Coca-Cola or Pepsi works best)

Equipment Needed

Large turkey roasting oven bag
Large baking dish
Oven

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius). This low and slow cooking method ensures a tender and juicy ham.
Prepare the ham by carefully removing any large, visible areas of excess fat. While some fat is desirable for flavor, too much can render the ham greasy.
Place the ham inside a large turkey roasting oven bag. These bags are designed to withstand high temperatures and will help keep the ham moist during baking.
Transfer the bag containing the ham to a large baking dish. This will provide support and catch any potential leaks.
Pour the 6 fluid ounces of cola directly over the ham inside the bag. The cola will act as a braising liquid, infusing the ham with sweetness and caramelizing during baking.
Carefully remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly. A vacuum-sealed environment helps to retain moisture and intensifies the flavor infusion.
Using a fork or knife, prick a few small holes in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the bag from bursting.
Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 hours. The exact baking time will depend on the size and type of ham, so it’s important to monitor its internal temperature. The ham is already pre-cooked so you are just bringing it up to a serving temperature and infusing the flavour from the Cola.
Once baking is complete, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes before proceeding.
Carefully open the bag and pour off the excess cola juice. This juice can be reserved for basting or discarded.
Finally, slice the cola baked ham and serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the bag: Using a roasting bag is crucial for keeping the ham moist and preventing it from drying out during the long baking time.
Cola Choice: While classic Coca-Cola or Pepsi are traditional, you can experiment with other cola flavors. Cherry cola or vanilla cola can add a unique twist. Diet cola is not recommended as it doesn’t caramelize the same way and can impart an artificial flavor.
Score the Ham: For a more visually appealing ham, consider scoring the top of the ham in a diamond pattern before baking. This also helps the cola penetrate deeper into the meat. Lightly brush with mustard before scoring for a more intense glaze and flavour.
Basting: For an even richer flavor and glaze, baste the ham with the reserved cola juice every hour during the last two hours of baking.
Internal Temperature: Although the ham is pre-cooked, you want to ensure it is heated through. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Make-Ahead: The ham can be baked a day ahead of time and refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving. This is great for planning a stress-free holiday meal.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the cola baked ham hot, warm, or even at room temperature. It’s fantastic as a centerpiece for holiday dinners or as part of a buffet spread.

Excellent side dish pairings include:

Mashed potatoes
Sweet potato casserole
Green bean casserole
Roasted vegetables (asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots)
Dinner rolls

Leftover cola baked ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the ham in slices or chunks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat, wrap the ham in foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick and easy meal.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	168 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	58 g	35%
Total Fat	6.5 g	9%
Saturated Fat	2.2 g	10%
Cholesterol	59 mg	19%
Sodium	1719 mg	71%
Total Carbohydrate	0.5 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0.4 g	1%
Protein	25.3 g	50%

Variations & Substitutions

Spiced Cola: Add a teaspoon of ground cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the cola for a warm, festive flavor.
Pineapple Glaze: Add pineapple juice to the cola or serve with grilled pineapple slices for a tropical twist.
Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for some of the cola for a richer, more decadent glaze.
Smoked Ham: Use a smoked ham for an even deeper, smokier flavor.
Cola Reduction: After baking, simmer the reserved cola juice in a saucepan until it reduces to a thick, syrupy glaze. Brush over the ham before serving.
Honey-Garlic Glaze: Before baking, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Brush the mixture over the ham before placing it in the bag with the cola.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a bone-in ham. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful.

Q: Can I use sugar-free cola?
A: While you can use sugar-free cola, the results may not be as desirable. The regular cola provides sugars that caramelize and contribute to the unique flavor. Sugar-free versions may not caramelize properly.

Q: Do I need to add any other seasonings?
A: The cola provides ample sweetness and flavor, but you can add other seasonings like mustard, cloves, or pepper to your liking.

Q: Can I cook this ham in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook it in a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker, pour over the cola, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until heated through.

Q: How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
A: The roasting bag helps retain moisture, but basting the ham with the reserved cola juice during the last couple of hours of baking can also help. Don’t overcook the ham.

Final Thoughts

This Cola Baked Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary flavors. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, embrace its simplicity, and create your own memories with this surprisingly delicious dish. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback, and consider pairing it with a crisp, chilled Pinot Noir or a sparkling cider to complete the perfect holiday meal. Enjoy!

Cola Baked Ham Recipe