Cranberry Cola Glazed Ham

Name: Cranberry Cola Glazed Ham (Oven-Baked)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8 lb) spiral-sliced half ham, bone-in; 1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce; 1 (12 oz) can Coca-Cola; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed and divided

This Cranberry Cola Glazed Ham is an easy oven-baked centerpiece where jellied cranberry sauce, Coca-Cola, and Dijon mustard create a tangy-sweet glaze right in the roasting pan.

🌍American 🏷️Baked ham 🏷️Glazed ham 🏷️Holiday ham 🏷️Cranberry Coca-cola

🏷️

🏷️Pork

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TikTok

Total

2h 30m

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

1 (8 lb) spiral-sliced half ham, bone-in
1 (14 oz) can jellied cranberry sauce
1 (12 oz) can Coca-Cola
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed and divided

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven according to the ham's package directions (typically 325°F). Discard the glaze packet that comes with the ham.
2
In a large bowl or measuring cup, break up the jellied cranberry sauce with a spoon.
3
Pour the Coca-Cola and add the Dijon mustard into the cranberry sauce. Whisk until well combined.
4
Place the ham in a roasting pan. Sprinkle the garlic powder and onion powder all over the ham.
5
Pour about half of the cranberry-cola mixture over the ham, making sure to get some between the slices. Reserve the other half for later.
6
Sprinkle with half of the brown sugar and press it onto the surface of the ham.
7
Turn the ham so it rests flesh-side down in the pan. Rub any glaze from the bottom of the pan over the top.
8
Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes per pound, according to package instructions.
9
About 40 minutes before the total cooking time is up, carefully remove the ham from the oven and take off the aluminum foil.
10
Flip the ham over so the sliced side is facing up.
11
Pour the remaining cranberry-cola mixture over the top, followed by the rest of the brown sugar.
12
Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for the final 40 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and nicely glazed.
13
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon the pan juices over the ham before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Place ham cut-side down in the roasting pan with about 1 cup of water or cola at the bottom to prevent sticking and keep meat moist.
Brush glaze onto the ham in the last 30–45 minutes of baking so the brown sugar caramelizes without burning.
Whisk the glaze ingredients together until the cranberry sauce is fully dissolved; lumps will not coat evenly.
Tent the ham loosely with foil for the first hour, then uncover to allow the surface to glaze and caramelize in the final phase.

Substitutions

Jellied cranberry sauce → whole-berry cranberry sauce (will have visible berries; texture changes slightly)
Coca-Cola → ginger ale, Dr. Pepper, or apple cider (alters sweetness and spice balance)
Dijon mustard → yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard (changes tang and heat level)
Brown sugar → white sugar or honey (reduces molasses depth but maintains sweetness)

Storage & make-ahead

Cool the ham completely, wrap in foil or store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days; reheat gently at 325°F until warmed through.

Equipment

roasting pan with lid or foil · meat thermometer · basting brush

Common Questions

How long does it take to bake an 8-pound spiral-sliced ham?

Spiral-sliced ham typically bakes at 325°F for about 15–20 minutes per pound, so an 8-pound ham will take roughly 2–2.5 hours. Cover with foil to prevent drying.

Can I make this ham ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the ham, cool it completely, wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently at 325°F, covered, until warmed through (about 10 minutes per pound).

What if I don't have Coca-Cola?

Substitute with another cola, ginger ale, or apple cider for a similar sweet and tangy effect, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Should I score the ham before glazing?

Optional. Light scoring (in a crosshatch pattern) helps the glaze penetrate the surface and caramelize, but spiral-sliced hams don't require it.

How do I know when the ham is done?

Heat the ham to an internal temperature of 140°F (use a meat thermometer). Pre-cooked spiral-sliced ham only needs heating through; it's already safe to eat.