Cola-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Mustard

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender ham baked in a sweet and tangy cola glaze, balanced with brown sugar and Dijon mustard, perfect for festive dinners. This american-inspired brunch ready in about 105 minutes combines pounds bone-in ham, cola soda, brown sugar into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 10, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves 10 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the surface of the 6-pound bone-in ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8 inch deep and stud with 12 whole cloves pressed into intersections.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups cola soda, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup Dijon mustard until smooth and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Place the ham flat side down in a large roasting pan and brush generously with half of the cola glaze. Pour 1 cup of cola soda into the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 1.5 hours, basting every 20 minutes with the remaining cola glaze and pan juices, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Season with 1/2 tsp ground black pepper to taste and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cola-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Mustard take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Cola-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Mustard?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cola-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Mustard?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cola-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Mustard for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cola-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Mustard?

American brunch like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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