Coke Glazed Spiral Ham – A Sweet, Sticky, Crowd-Pleasing Classic for Any Holiday Table

If you’re looking for a show-stopping main dish that’s unbelievably easy but tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen, this Coke Glazed Spiral Ham is the recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a cozy Sunday dinner, a beautifully caramelized spiral-cut ham glazed with a rich mixture of Coca-Cola, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices is always a winner.

Coca-Cola has been used for decades in Southern kitchens to tenderize meats and add a deep, irresistible sweetness. When paired with a spiral ham, Coke creates a glossy glaze that clings to every slice, enhancing the smoky saltiness of the ham with a touch of caramel flavor. This recipe delivers the perfect combination of savory, sweet, tangy, and spiced—all with minimal prep and easy cleanup.

Let’s walk through exactly how to master this timeless holiday centerpiece: juicy, tender ham with perfectly lacquered edges and a glaze that guests will want to pour over everything on their plates.

Why This Coke Glazed Spiral Ham Is So Popular

✔ Nearly foolproof

Spiral hams are already cooked, so you simply heat and glaze.

✔ Perfectly flavored

Coke adds natural caramel notes while the brown sugar thickens into a beautiful glaze.

✔ Feeds a crowd

One ham easily serves 10–12 people.

✔ Amazing leftovers

Ham sandwiches, omelets, sliders, soups—endless options.

✔ Holiday-worthy presentation

The spiral-sliced layers soak in glaze, giving every bite flavor.

Ingredients

For the Ham

• 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (8–10 lbs)
• 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup butter, melted

For the Glaze

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup Coca-Cola
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan or large baking dish.
2. Prepare the Coke Basting Mix
   In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup Coke, melted butter, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the ham.
3. Cover and Bake
   Cover the ham tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
4. Make the Glaze
   In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, ½ cup Coke, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.
5. Glaze the Ham
   Remove foil and brush glaze generously over the ham, spreading it between slices.
6. Final Bake
   Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, basting halfway through, until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
7. Rest and Serve
   Let the ham rest 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.

Coke Glazed Spiral Ham

A tender, sweet, and caramelized spiral ham baked with a rich Coca-Cola brown sugar glaze—perfect for holidays and special gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 320

Ingredients

  

Ham

• 1 spiral-cut ham 8–10 lbs, fully cooked
• 1 cup Coca-Cola for basting
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 cup butter melted

Glaze

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 cup Coca-Cola for glaze
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp ground cloves
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Saucepan
• Basting brush
• Foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
2. Mix Coke, melted butter, and Dijon mustard. Pour over ham.
3. Cover ham with foil and bake for 1 hour.
4. In a saucepan, combine glaze ingredients and simmer until thickened.
5. Brush glaze over ham, spreading between slices.
6. Bake uncovered 20–30 minutes, basting halfway through.
7. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For crispier edges, broil the ham for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Expert Tips for the Best Glazed Spiral Ham

Use Regular Coke

Diet Coke won’t caramelize properly. Use classic Coca-Cola for maximum flavor.

Don’t Overheat the Ham

Spiral hams dry out if cooked too long. Keep them covered until the final glazing period.

Glaze Twice

One application soaks in, the second creates shine.

Let It Rest

Resting allows the glaze to cling and the ham to reabsorb moisture.

Want Crispy Edges?

Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch closely—glaze burns fast!

Variations

Spicy Cola Ham

Add:

• ¼–½ tsp cayenne
• Hot honey drizzle

Maple Coke Glaze

Add:

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

Cherry Cola Glaze

Swap Coke for Cherry Coke for a fruity depth.

Bourbon Coke Glaze

Add 2 tbsp bourbon to the glaze before simmering.

Serving Suggestions

Coke glazed ham pairs beautifully with:

Classic Holiday Sides

• Mashed potatoes
• Mac and cheese
• Roasted carrots
• Sweet potato casserole

Fresh Options

• Green beans
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Garden salad

Party Platters

• Ham sliders
• Charcuterie-style ham boards

How to Use Leftovers

Leftover ham is a treasure! Try:

Breakfast

• Ham and cheese omelets
• Breakfast burritos
• Ham hash

Lunch

• Ham sandwiches
• Croissant sliders
• Ham pasta salad

Dinner

• Ham fried rice
• Ham and potato soup
• Baked ham casserole

Fun Fact About Coca-Cola Cooking

Coca-Cola was originally used in Southern kitchens as a sweetener in glazes because its blend of caramel color, sugar, and acidity works similarly to brown sugar syrups. When heated, it thickens beautifully and clings to meats like ham, ribs, and brisket.