If you are craving a show-stopping centerpiece that blends sweet and savory notes with a unique twist, this Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe is just what you need. The rich caramelized glaze infused with pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and that unmistakable fizz and flavor of Dr Pepper elevates a classic spiral ham to an unforgettable dish. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, this recipe transforms a simple ham into a tender, juicy, and glossy masterpiece that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating the luscious glaze and perfectly cooked ham. From the tropical sweetness of crushed pineapple to the deep caramel notes of brown sugar, every element adds depth, moisture, or that irresistible sticky finish that makes this dish so special.
- 4-6 pound boneless spiral sliced ham: The star of the recipe, already pre-sliced for juicy tenderness and easy serving.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds bright sweetness and a hint of tang, balancing richness.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings caramel undertones and helps create the signature sticky glaze.
- ½ cup honey: Provides natural sweetness and a smooth, glossy finish to the ham.
- 1 cup Dr Pepper: The secret ingredient that infuses a unique soda-flavored complexity and helps tenderize the meat.
How to Make Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start by combining the crushed pineapple along with its juice, brown sugar, honey, and Dr Pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This mixture will become the delicious glaze that gives the ham its iconic flavor.
Step 2: Simmer to Thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to medium low. Allow it to gradually thicken and become glamorously glazy. This typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon beautifully.
Step 3: Glaze the Ham and Slow Cook
Place your spiral sliced ham into a slow cooker and coat it generously with half of the prepared glaze. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the ham to soak up all the rich flavors while becoming incredibly tender.
Step 4: Broil to Perfection
When the ham finishes in the slow cooker, carefully transfer it to a foil-lined sheet pan. Pour the remaining glaze evenly over the ham and place it under your oven’s broiler for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—your goal is a perfectly caramelized top layer without burning any of that luscious sugar.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the glaze has caramelized, your Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe is ready to dazzle at the table. Let it rest just a bit, then slice through the spiral cuts and serve up warm, sticky, juicy perfection.
How to Serve Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation with thoughtful garnishes. Fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme add lovely herbal notes and a pop of green. Thin orange or lemon slices bring inviting color and a subtle citrus aroma that complements the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs wonderfully with comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or a fresh garden salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. For something a bit more festive, consider scalloped potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your meal even more special, try serving the ham on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh fruit like grapes or pineapple chunks. You can also offer extra glaze on the side in a pretty bowl for guests to drizzle as they please. It’s all about making that Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe the star of your dining experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is highly likely because this ham is addictively good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making for incredibly easy next-day meals.
Freezing
The ham freezes beautifully if you want to save some for later. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen ham can last up to 2 months without losing its delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the slices in a low oven or covered skillet with a splash of water or leftover glaze to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the ham. Slow and steady is the key to maintaining that juicy satisfaction.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in spiral ham for this Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe?
Yes! A bone-in spiral ham will work just as well; the cooking times may vary slightly, but the glaze and slow cooking process will still deliver amazing flavor.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the ham in a covered roasting pan at 325°F for about 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 20 minutes.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Warm it gently before using to bring back its lovely smooth texture.
Is Dr Pepper the only soda that works?
Dr Pepper has a unique flavor that really complements the ham, but you can experiment with similar soda options like root beer or cola if needed, though the taste will differ slightly.
How thick should the glaze be before applying to the ham?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling to the ham without running off. It should have a syrupy consistency that becomes glossy once caramelized.
Final Thoughts
This Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that will brighten up any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, the combination of sweet pineapple, caramelized brown sugar, honey, and that unique Dr Pepper fizz brings a joyful twist to traditional ham. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
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Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dr Pepper Ham recipe features a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze made with crushed pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and Dr Pepper soda. Slow-cooked to tender perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized crust, this ham is perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. Yielding 12 servings, this easy-to-make recipe brings a flavorful twist to your traditional baked ham.
Ingredients
Ham
- 4–6 pound boneless spiral sliced ham
Glaze
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup Dr Pepper
Instructions
- Make the glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed pineapple with juice, brown sugar, honey, and Dr Pepper. Stir to mix well.
- Bring to a bubble: Heat the mixture until it just starts to bubble, then reduce heat to medium-low to simmer gently.
- Reduce to glaze consistency: Let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
- Coat the ham: Place the boneless spiral ham into the slow cooker. Pour half of the prepared glaze over the ham, making sure it is well coated.
- Slow cook the ham: Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low heat for 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate and the meat to become tender.
- Prepare for broiling: Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it onto a foil-lined sheet pan.
- Apply remaining glaze: Pour the rest of the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring a good coating for caramelization.
- Broil to caramelize: Place the glazed ham under the oven broiler for about 5-7 minutes, watching it closely to prevent burning. The sugar should caramelize and form a shiny, golden crust.
- Monitor broiling: Keep a close eye during broiling to get the perfect caramelization without charring.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the ham warm. Enjoy your flavorful Dr Pepper glazed ham!
Notes
- Use a boneless spiral sliced ham for easy serving and better glaze penetration.
- Adjust broiling time based on your oven to avoid burning the glaze.
- The slow cooker provides a moist cooking environment that keeps the ham juicy and tender.
- Leftover ham can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, continue simmering it on the stove before applying.
