Start with a fully cooked spiral ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. Set it cut-side down, coat the top with brown sugar, and pour the cola around and over the ham. By serving time, you’ll have warm slices and a dark, sweet sauce to pass at the table.
What You’ll Need
- Fully cooked spiral-cut ham. A 7- to 9-pound ham serves 10 to 12. Check its shape against your slow cooker before starting so the lid can sit flat.
- Brown sugar. Use 1 packed cup. Light brown sugar gives the glaze a milder flavor, while dark brown sugar brings a stronger molasses note.
- Coca-Cola. One 12-ounce can of regular Coca-Cola gives the brown sugar a liquid base and adds caramel flavor to the sauce.
How to Make Crock Pot Coca-Cola Ham
Unwrap the ham and set it cut-side down in the slow cooker. If the lid sits slightly ajar, trim a small piece from the ham so it closes securely. Rub the brown sugar over the top and let some fall between the slices. Pour the Coca-Cola slowly around the base and over the top so some of the sugar stays in place as cooking begins.
Cover and heat on LOW for about 4–5 hours, following the reheating directions on your ham package. If convenient, baste once or twice with the liquid from the bottom, then replace the lid promptly. Spoon the glaze over the ham just before serving.
Tips for Juicy Ham and a Thicker Glaze
- Keep the slices together while heating. Leaving the spiral ham intact helps shield the cut surfaces. Separate the slices when you’re ready to serve.
- Check the ham toward the early end of the cooking window. Size and slow cooker shape affect how quickly it heats. Serve once it’s heated through to help keep the slices juicy.
- Reduce the sauce if you want it thicker. A covered slow cooker retains moisture, so the glaze may stay pourable. For a syrupier finish, transfer some of the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer uncovered until it lightly coats a spoon.
What to Serve with Coca-Cola Ham
Pair the sweet glaze with savory sides such as scalloped potatoes, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts. Soft dinner rolls work well for catching the extra sauce. Pass the glaze separately so everyone can add as much as they like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to baste the ham?
Basting is optional. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the ham once or twice if you’re nearby, or save it all for the final glaze.
What if the ham comes with a glaze packet?
Set it aside. The brown sugar and Coca-Cola make the glaze for this recipe.
What can I do with leftover ham?
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container. Use the slices in sandwiches or dice them for omelets, potato soup, or a breakfast casserole.
3-Ingredient Crock Pot Coca-Cola Ham Recipe Card
Fully cooked spiral ham warmed in the slow cooker with a sweet brown sugar and cola glaze.
- Prep time — About 10 minutes
- Cook time — About 4–5 hours on LOW
- Servings — 10–12
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham, about 7–9 pounds
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 can (12 ounces) Coca-Cola
Instructions
- Remove the packaging and place the ham cut-side down in the slow cooker. Trim a small piece if needed so the lid closes securely.
- Rub the brown sugar over the top of the ham, allowing some to fall between the slices.
- Pour the Coca-Cola around and over the ham. Cover and cook on LOW for about 4–5 hours, following the package’s reheating directions. Baste once or twice if desired.
- When the ham is heated through, spoon some glaze over it. Separate the slices and serve warm with extra glaze on the side.