Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Cola Ham 🍖🥤
Description
This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Cola Ham is one of the easiest holiday or family dinner recipes you can make. The cola slowly caramelizes with the sugar and ham juices, creating a sweet, sticky glaze and incredibly tender meat. With just three simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you get a flavorful ham that looks impressive but requires almost no effort.
Ingredients
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1 fully cooked ham (3–5 lbs, boneless or bone-in)
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2 cups cola (regular cola works best)
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1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
Place the ham in your slow cooker. If it’s too big, you can trim a small piece so it fits comfortably.
2. Add the Cola
Pour the cola around and slightly over the ham.
3. Add Brown Sugar
Rub the brown sugar all over the top of the ham so it coats the surface.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
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Low: 4–6 hours
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High: 3–4 hours
During cooking, the cola and sugar will combine to create a rich glaze.
5. Baste for Extra Flavor
Spoon the juices over the ham a few times while it cooks to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Serve
Remove the ham from the slow cooker, slice, and drizzle with the sweet cola glaze from the pot.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This ham pairs perfectly with:
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Mashed potatoes
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Roasted vegetables
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Mac and cheese
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Dinner rolls
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Fresh salad
It’s also amazing for sandwiches the next day.
Variations
1. Pineapple Cola Ham
Add pineapple slices on top before cooking for extra sweetness.
2. Spiced Cola Ham
Add cloves or cinnamon for a warm holiday flavor.
3. Mustard Glazed Version
Mix 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard with the brown sugar for a sweet-tangy glaze.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 24g
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Sugar: 20g
(Values vary depending on ham size and brand.)
Common Questions
Can I use diet cola?
Regular cola works best because the sugar helps create the glaze.
Can I cook it longer?
Yes, but avoid overcooking or the ham may become too soft.
Can I make it in the oven instead?
Yes. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 1½–2 hours, basting occasionally.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cola Ham is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. It’s ideal for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep because it’s easy, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser.