Looking for a mouthwatering dish that’s both savory and sweet? The Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ham is a delightful combination of juicy ham infused with the flavors of cherry cola and aromatic spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests. In this article, we’ll explore how to create this succulent dish using your slow cooker.
With these simple steps and tips, you can create a show-stopping Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ham that’s tender, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy the savory-sweet goodness and the compliments that come with serving this delicious dish
The Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ham offers a unique twist on a classic dish, infusing the ham with the sweet and tangy flavors of cherry cola while slow cooking to tender perfection. This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for busy days when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 5-7 pounds)
- 2 cups cherry cola (regular or diet)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Whole cloves for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed:
- Slow cooker
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare the Ham:
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in the slow cooker. If necessary, trim any excess fat from the ham, leaving a thin layer for flavor and moisture.
2. Create the Glaze:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cherry cola, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cloves. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended to create the glaze.
3. Glaze the Ham:
- Pour a portion of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it is coated evenly. Use a basting brush to spread the glaze evenly over the surface of the ham.
4. Slow Cook the Ham:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the ham on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the ham is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for optimal doneness.
5. Baste Periodically:
- During the cooking process, baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 1-2 hours to keep it moist and flavorful. If desired, you can also insert whole cloves into the ham for added aroma and presentation.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Once the ham is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the ham moist and flavorful.
7. Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice the Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ham into desired thickness, and serve warm with the remaining glaze from the slow cooker drizzled over the slices for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ham:
- Ham Selection: Choose a fully cooked bone-in ham for this recipe, as it retains moisture and flavor during slow cooking.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more or less brown sugar and honey to achieve your preferred sweetness and stickiness.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to add additional spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a more complex flavor profile.
- Leftover Delights: Use leftover ham slices in sandwiches, salads, or omelets for delicious meals beyond the initial serving.