Holiday Cola Ham Recipe

Here’s a recipe for a delicious Holiday Cola Ham. This sweet and savory dish is perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (about 6-8 pounds)
• 2 cups cola (regular, not diet)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife.
   • Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
2. Make the Glaze:
   • In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cloves, cinnamon, and ginger until well combined.
3. Apply the Glaze:
   • Pour 1 cup of the cola over the ham.
   • Rub the glaze mixture all over the scored surface of the ham.
   • Pour the remaining cola around the base of the ham in the roasting pan.
4. Bake the Ham:
   • Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes per pound. For a 6-pound ham, this would be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
   • Baste the ham with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil to allow the ham to brown.
   • If using, add pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top of the ham with toothpicks during the last 20 minutes of baking.
   • Continue to baste the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Rest and Carve:
   • Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
   • Serve warm with your favorite holiday sides.

Enjoy your Holiday Cola Ham!