Dr. Pepper-Glazed Ham: A Sweet and Savory Delight

The aroma of Dr. Pepper always takes me back to summer afternoons spent with my grandfather. He’d have a sweating glass bottle, the condensation leaving rings on the porch table as he regaled me with stories. I never imagined that same beloved soda could transform a humble ham into a show-stopping centerpiece. Now, years later, the subtle spice of Dr. Pepper infused into a perfectly glazed ham brings back those cherished memories with every bite, adding a touch of nostalgia to our holiday table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 16
• Yield: 1 ham
• Dietary Type: Varies based on ham – check label (typically not gluten-free)

Ingredients

• ½ cup Dr. Pepper cola
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 bone-in half ham, preferably shank end (7 to 10 pounds)
• 1 oven cooking bag

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• 13×9-inch baking dish
• Oven
• Instant-read thermometer
• Basting brush

Instructions

1. First, prepare the Dr. Pepper glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the Dr. Pepper, light brown sugar, fresh orange juice, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the glaze to simmer until it has reduced and thickened into a syrupy consistency. This should take approximately 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture measures about ¾ cup. The glaze can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for several days. Just reheat it before using.
3. While the glaze is simmering, prepare the ham. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard the plastic disk that covers the bone.
4. Place the ham inside the oven cooking bag, then tie the bag securely shut. Position the ham cut-side down in a 13×9-inch baking dish. Using a knife, carefully cut 4 slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Allow the ham to stand at room temperature for 1 ½ hours. This will help ensure more even cooking.
6. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
7. Bake the ham until the center registers about 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) on an instant-read thermometer. The baking time will vary depending on the weight of your ham, but it generally takes about 14 minutes per pound. This should be approximately 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours. Monitor the internal temperature carefully to avoid overcooking.
8. Once the ham has reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit, remove it from the oven. Carefully roll back the sides of the oven bag to expose the ham.
9. Using a basting brush, liberally brush the ham with the prepared Dr. Pepper glaze. Return the ham to the oven for a brief period, about 10 minutes, or until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
10. Remove the ham from the oven and brush it again with the remaining glaze. Loosely cover the ham with foil and let it rest for 30 to 40 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a deeper, more complex flavor, try using a smoked ham. The smoky notes will complement the sweetness of the Dr. Pepper glaze beautifully.
• If you don’t have an oven bag, you can bake the ham directly in the baking dish, but be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. You may need to baste it with the glaze more frequently.
• If the glaze starts to thicken too much while simmering, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
• Don’t discard the pan drippings after baking! Strain them and use them to make a delicious gravy. Just whisk in a little flour or cornstarch to thicken.
• To prevent the ham from sticking to the baking dish, lightly grease the dish with cooking spray before placing the ham inside the oven bag.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

To serve, carve the Dr. Pepper-glazed ham into thin slices and arrange it on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a pop of color. The ham is delicious served hot or cold.

Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover ham for longer storage; it will maintain its quality for about 1-2 months.

To reheat, wrap the ham in foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	300 kcal	15%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	70mg	23%
Sodium	800mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate	15g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	14g	–
Protein	30g	60%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Dr. Pepper mixture.
• If you don’t have fresh orange juice, you can use bottled orange juice, but fresh juice will provide a brighter flavor.
• Maple syrup can be substituted for brown sugar in the glaze for a slightly different flavor profile.
• For a citrusy twist, add some orange zest to the glaze.
• Experiment with different types of mustard, such as grainy mustard or honey mustard, to customize the glaze to your liking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, the glaze can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before using.

Q: What if I don’t have an oven bag?
A: If you don’t have an oven bag, you can bake the ham directly in the baking dish, but be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out and baste with glaze frequently.

Q: How do I know when the ham is done?
A: The ham is done when the center registers about 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) on an instant-read thermometer before glazing.

Q: Can I use a different type of soda?
A: While Dr. Pepper provides a unique and delicious flavor, you can experiment with other colas or dark sodas, but the flavor will be different.

Q: What do I do with the leftover ham?
A: Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, or omelets. It’s also delicious served cold with crackers and cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Dr. Pepper-Glazed Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to creating lasting memories around your own table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the glaze and make it your own. The combination of sweet and savory is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Gather your loved ones, share this delicious ham, and savor the joy of good food and good company. And if you happen to have a glass of Dr. Pepper on the side, well, that’s just a bonus!