Coke Glazed Spiral Ham – Sweet, Sticky, and Holiday-Perfect

Every holiday table has its hero, and more often than not, that hero is a beautifully glazed spiral ham. There’s something timeless and comforting about a ham that’s tender, juicy, and gleaming with caramelized glaze. But if you’re looking for a glaze that’s equal parts nostalgic and downright irresistible, Coke Glazed Spiral Ham is the showstopper you need. This recipe uses classic Coca-Cola to create a glossy, sweet, gently spiced glaze that melts into every slice of the ham, infusing it with flavor from the inside out.

At first, cola might seem like an unconventional cooking ingredient, but its use in Southern kitchens is well-loved and long-standing. Coke adds caramel notes, a touch of acidity, gentle sweetness, and depth that pairs beautifully with salty ham. When simmered with brown sugar, mustard, honey, and a warming hint of cloves, it transforms into a thick, syrupy glaze that clings to every spiral cut. The result is a ham that’s tender, succulent, and glazed to perfection without feeling overly sugary.

What makes spiral ham even more beloved is its convenience. It’s precooked and pre-sliced, requiring only gentle heating and glazing. That means less stress in the kitchen—great news for busy holiday hosts, Sunday dinner planners, or anyone feeding a crowd. You get a dish that looks elaborate and festive, but comes together with minimal effort. And because spiral ham is naturally juicy, each slice absorbs the glaze beautifully, making every bite flavorful from edge to center.

This Coke Glazed Spiral Ham is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and weekend family dinners. It’s also one of the best leftover ham recipes because the cola glaze keeps the meat tender even after cooling. Use leftovers in omelets, sandwiches, fried rice, soups, or simply enjoy them cold with a smear of mustard.

Let’s take a journey to the heart of holiday cooking—warm kitchens, cozy gatherings, and a ham that steals the spotlight.

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Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked spiral ham (8–10 pounds)
• 2 cups Coca-Cola (not diet)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves (or 6–8 whole cloves)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional garnish: orange slices, rosemary, thyme

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Ham
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the spiral ham cut side down in a roasting pan. Cover the entire pan tightly with foil to keep the ham moist while warming.
2. Bake the Ham
   Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 120–130°F (it’s already cooked; you’re simply warming it).
3. Make the Coke Glaze
   While the ham heats, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine Coca-Cola, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce the Glaze
   Let the mixture simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a shiny, syrupy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
5. Glaze the Ham
   Remove the foil and begin brushing the glaze all over the ham, letting it soak into the spiral layers. Make sure to allow some glaze to drip between slices.
6. Bake Uncovered
   Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20–30 minutes, brushing with glaze every 8–10 minutes until the top is glossy and caramelized.
7. Rest and Serve
   Let the ham rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus slices and serve warm.

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Tips & Tricks

Brush between spiral slices to ensure the glaze flavors the entire ham, not just the surface.

Use classic Coca-Cola, never diet.
Diet sodas don’t caramelize and lack the richness needed for a good glaze.

Prevent drying out.
Cover tightly while warming. Only remove foil when glazing.

Add pineapple juice for a sweet-tart twist.

Use whole cloves stuck into the outer fat layer for a beautiful holiday presentation.

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Variations

• Cherry Cola Glaze: Swap Coke for cherry cola and add 2 tablespoons cherry preserves.
• Spiced Holiday Glaze: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the glaze.
• Maple Coke Glaze: Replace honey with ¼ cup pure maple syrup.
• Coke BBQ Glaze: Add ¼ cup BBQ sauce to the cooked glaze for a smoky finish.
• Orange Coke Ham: Add orange zest and ½ cup fresh orange juice to the glaze.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes.
• Pair with holiday classics like green bean casserole or cornbread.
• Add a bright side like lemony asparagus or a simple green salad.
• For gatherings, slice and arrange on a platter with citrus slices.

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Storage Information

• Refrigerator: 4–5 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap well in foil + freezer bag)
• Reheat: Low oven (275°F) with a splash of Coke or broth to restore juiciness

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FAQ

Why use Coke for glaze?
It caramelizes beautifully, adds shine, and enhances the salty-sweet balance.

Can I use Diet Coke?
No—diet sodas don’t reduce properly and can taste bitter when cooked.

Is spiral ham already cooked?
Yes! You’re simply warming and glazing it.

Can I make the glaze ahead?
Absolutely—prepare up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate.

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History / Fun Facts

Cooking with cola has deep roots in Southern cuisine. In the mid-20th century, home cooks discovered that Coca-Cola added a rich caramel sweetness to meats, especially ham and brisket. It became a staple for Sunday suppers and festive meals. Spiral hams gained popularity in the 1980s when butchers perfected pre-slicing, making them easy to serve while still maintaining moisture. Combining the two—spiral ham and Coke glaze—is a delicious blend of convenience, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor. Today, this dish remains a favorite during holidays and special gatherings, cherished for its simplicity and unforgettable taste.