Name: Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ham
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (6-8 lbs); 2 cups Cherry Coke; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (optional); Whole cloves (for studding, optional)

This Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ham is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Slow-cooked in a glaze of cherry cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, this ham turns out incredibly juicy and tender. Ideal for holidays, special occasions, or an effortless weeknight meal!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choose the Right Ham: A fully cooked, bone-in ham works best for this recipe as it stays moist and absorbs more flavor. Spiral-cut hams allow the glaze to seep in.
Basting is Key: Every couple of hours, spoon the juices over the ham for a richer glaze.

Low and Slow Wins the Race: Cooking on low heat for several hours ensures deep flavor infusion and tender texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: While the ham is pre-cooked, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F for optimal juiciness.
Let it Rest: Allow the ham to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.

Reduce the Glaze: If you want a thicker sauce, transfer the juices to a saucepan and simmer until syrupy before drizzling over the ham.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ham is an easy yet impressive dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The cherry cola creates a caramelized, sweet-savory glaze, while the brown sugar and Dijon mustard enhance the depth of flavor. Perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even a casual Sunday dinner, this ham is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker does all the work, keeping the ham tender and juicy without drying it out. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while it cooks is simply irresistible. Leftovers? Even better! Use them in sandwiches, omelets, or soups.

Yield: 10 servings

Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ham

This slow cooker Cherry Coke ham is tender, juicy, and caramelized to perfection with a sweet-savory glaze—perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (6-8 lbs)
2 cups Cherry Coke
1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (optional)
Whole cloves (for studding, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel.

If using whole cloves, insert them evenly into the ham for extra spice and aroma.
Place the ham flat side down in a slow cooker.
Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together Cherry Coke, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves.

Pour the mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring it gets into any crevices.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Baste the ham every 1-2 hours with the juices for a richer flavor.

Thicken the Glaze (Optional but Recommended!): Once the ham is cooked, transfer the juices to a small saucepan.
Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with extra glaze drizzled on top.

Notes

If your ham is too large for the slow cooker, trim a small portion or wrap the lid with foil to trap heat.
The longer the ham sits in the glaze, the better the flavor! Consider marinating it overnight before cooking.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 98Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 9mgSodium 231mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 0gSugar 19gProtein 3g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredient Notes

Ham: A bone-in, pre-cooked ham (6-8 pounds) is best for flavor and tenderness. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly.
Cherry Cola: Adds sweetness and depth while helping caramelize the glaze. Use regular Cherry Coke (not diet) for the best results.

Brown Sugar: Enhances the rich molasses undertones, balancing the acidity of the soda.
Dijon Mustard: A hint of sharpness to cut through the sweetness, giving the ham a more complex taste.
Cloves & Cinnamon: Warm spices that enhance the smoky-sweet profile of the ham.

Maraschino Cherry Juice: Optional, but it boosts the cherry flavor and adds a beautiful glaze color.

Variations and Substitutions

Cola Options: If you don’t have Cherry Coke, use regular Coke with a splash of cherry juice or Dr Pepper for a unique twist.
Sugar Alternatives: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different layer of sweetness.

Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
Glaze Upgrade: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or apple cider vinegar to enhance the depth of flavor.
Oven Method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, bake the ham at 325°F for about 2-3 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

Storage Options

Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, until heated through.