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Martha Stewart Coca-Cola Ham (Adapted for Lazy People)

The first time I tasted a Coca-Cola ham, it was at a Southern family reunion, and I remember being completely mesmerized. The glistening, mahogany glaze, the sweet and savory aroma… it was unlike any ham I’d ever encountered. Years later, while watching Martha Stewart whip up a version of her own, I was instantly transported back to that sunny afternoon, surrounded by laughter and the comforting scent of home cooking. I knew I had to recreate that magic, but with my own, slightly less precise (read: lazy) approach. This is that ham – a nod to Martha’s classic, but tweaked for the real world where perfection is optional and flavor is everything.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Servings: 5-6
Yield: 1 ham
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

1 (3-7 lb) ham (do not use a spiral-glazed ham or it will tend to dry out faster. Rind is up to you.)
1 lb brown sugar
1 (12 ounce) can Coca-Cola
1 (14 ounce) can pineapple rings
1 cup Manishevitz wine (sweet concord grape wine)
10-12 maraschino cherries (optional)
½ ounce whole cloves (1 small container)

Equipment Needed

Oven
Aluminum roasting pan
Baking/cookie sheet
Toothpicks (optional)
Meat thermometer

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the ham by scoring it crosswise and lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to create a crosshatch or square pattern about ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. This helps the glaze penetrate the ham.
Now, place a clove in the intersection of each square you created. This adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
Transfer the prepared ham to an aluminum roasting pan that has been placed on a baking/cookie sheet. The cookie sheet provides stability and helps catch any drippings.
Completely cover the ham with brown sugar. Don’t be shy! Use the entire pound of brown sugar and pack it on. Some of the sugar may fall off, but just keep adding more.
Bake the ham until the sugar just begins to melt, about 20-30 minutes.
Remove the ham from the oven. Pour the Coca-Cola all over the ham and baste the ham with the sugar mixture that has accumulated in the bottom of the pan.
Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of pineapple juice (drained from the canned pineapple rings) and the Manishevitz wine. This mixture will form the base of your basting liquid.
Bake the ham for about 15 minutes per pound, basting it every 20 minutes with the pineapple juice and wine mixture. This frequent basting ensures a moist and flavorful ham.
During the last 20 minutes of baking, you can decorate the ham with pineapple rings. Secure the rings in place using toothpicks, and if desired, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring, also held in place with a toothpick.
Prior to serving, be sure to remove all toothpicks from the ham.
(Lazy Adaptation) Pack the brown sugar on the ham.
(Lazy Adaptation) Pour the Coca-Cola and wine mixture liberally on the ham.
(Lazy Adaptation) Forget about the pineapples and cherries, unless you really want pineapple, in which case, stick them randomly on the ham.
(Lazy Adaptation) Stuff it in the oven and baste every 20 minutes.
(Lazy Adaptation) Cover with aluminum foil after the first basting. This prevents the ham from drying out.
(Lazy Adaptation) Use a meat thermometer to tell when it’s done. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. Ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe temperature, according to USDA guidelines, and serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Scoring is Key: Don’t skip the scoring step. It not only allows the glaze to penetrate the ham but also creates a beautiful presentation.
Basting is Important: Basting the ham frequently is crucial for keeping it moist and flavorful. If you’re short on time, try basting at least every 30 minutes.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked ham can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature without overcooking. The USDA recommends cooking ham to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allowing it to rest for at least 3 minutes.
Adjust Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
Use Quality Ham: The quality of the ham will affect the final result. Choose a good-quality ham that is not spiral-sliced for best results.
Wine Substitution: If you don’t have Manischewitz wine, you can use another sweet red wine or even grape juice. The Manischewitz adds a unique sweetness, though.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Coca-Cola ham warm, sliced thinly, with your favorite side dishes. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and green beans are all excellent choices. The glaze makes a fantastic sauce to drizzle over the ham and sides.

Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

To reheat leftover ham, you can bake it in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices. Sliced ham can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	4098	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	18%
Total Fat	81.2 g	124%
Saturated Fat	27 g	134%
Cholesterol	708.9 mg	236%
Sodium	20845.1 mg	868%
Total Carbohydrate	539 g	179%
Dietary Fiber	10.4 g	41%
Sugars	510.1 g	2040%
Protein	308 g	616%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a little kick.
Citrus Twist: Add orange or lemon zest to the brown sugar mixture for a brighter flavor.
Smoked Ham: Use a smoked ham for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Dr. Pepper Ham: If you are so inclined, Dr. Pepper works well as a substitute for Coca-Cola.
Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for some of the brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a spiral-sliced ham for this recipe?
A: It’s best to avoid spiral-sliced hams as they tend to dry out more quickly during baking. If you do use one, be sure to monitor it closely and baste frequently.

Q: What if I don’t have Manischewitz wine?
A: You can substitute another sweet red wine or even grape juice. The Manischewitz adds a unique sweetness, but other options will still work well.

Q: How do I know when the ham is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.

Q: Can I make this ham ahead of time?
A: You can bake the ham ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with Coca-Cola ham?
A: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, and coleslaw are all excellent choices.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a Coca-Cola ham recipe that’s both impressive and, dare I say, forgiving enough for even the most “relaxed” of cooks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Whether you stick to Martha’s meticulous instructions or embrace the lazy adaptation, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with the people you love. After all, great food is best enjoyed in good company! And don’t forget to let me know what you think – your feedback is always welcome.

Martha Stewart Coca Cola Ham (Adapted for Lazy People) Recipe