If you are looking to wow your family and friends with a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor, the Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe will absolutely steal the spotlight at your next gathering. This dish combines the rich, smoky goodness of a spiral ham with a uniquely sweet and tangy glaze made from Dr Pepper, pineapple, brown sugar, and honey. The slow cooking process lets all those flavors mingle into a succulent, tender ham that’s irresistibly caramelized on the outside. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weekend celebration, this recipe brings comfort and sophistication to your table with every juicy slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients combine to create that unforgettable glaze that complements the meat perfectly. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, acidity, and depth of flavor to elevate the entire dish.
- 4-6 pound boneless spiral sliced ham: The star of the dish, pre-sliced for easy serving and quick flavor absorption.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds tropical sweetness and a little tang that pairs wonderfully with the ham’s salty profile.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Gives a deep molasses flavor that creates an addictive caramelized crust.
- ½ cup honey: A natural sweetener that adds a rich, floral note to the glaze.
- 1 cup Dr Pepper: The secret ingredient that brings a complex mix of spices and sweetness, making this glaze truly stand out.
How to Make Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Begin by combining the pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and Dr Pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This mix is where the magic happens as the sugars dissolve, and the flavors start to mesh together beautifully.
Step 2: Bring to a Bubble and Reduce Heat
Once the liquid reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent burning while allowing the glaze to thicken slowly. This stage ensures that all the flavors intensify without becoming too sharp.
Step 3: Thicken the Glaze
Continue cooking the mixture for about 10-15 minutes or until it turns thick and glazy. Stir occasionally to keep the sugars from sticking and burning, aiming for a consistency that will coat the ham luxuriously.
Step 4: Coat the Ham and Begin Slow Cooking
Place your spiral ham into the slow cooker and coat it generously with half of the glaze. This method allows the flavors to infuse continuously as the ham cooks, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Ham
Cover the slow cooker and let the ham cook on low for 4 hours. This slow and steady heat breaks down the meat, locking in moisture and giving you a slice that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Broil for the Perfect Finish
Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it on a foil-lined sheet pan. Brush the remaining glaze over the top, then place the ham under the broiler for 5-7 minutes. Watch it closely—you want a gorgeously caramelized crust without any burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once beautifully caramelized, your Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham is ready to dazzle your guests. Slice into it and prepare for rave reviews as the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes delights every palate.
How to Serve Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme adds a lovely pop of green and fresh aroma that contrasts the rich sweetness of the ham. You could also scatter some pineapple chunks around the serving platter to echo the flavors in the glaze while adding visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, buttery roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. Sweet potato casserole or savory stuffing can also complement the flavor profile wonderfully, making your meal both satisfying and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your spiral ham on a large wooden board surrounded by clusters of grapes, nuts, and sliced cheeses. This not only adds texture and color but also gives guests options to mix and match bites alongside the savory ham. Serving the remaining glaze in a small bowl for drizzling is a nice finishing touch too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will last up to 4 days and remain moist and flavorful enough for delicious second helpings.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the ham into serving portions and freeze them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen ham retains its quality for up to 2 months and is perfect for quick meals or snacks.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe is to warm it gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C), covered loosely with foil to prevent drying. Reheat until warmed through, then brush with some additional glaze before serving to freshen up that irresistible shine and taste.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! Using canned crushed pineapple with juice works perfectly in this recipe, adding the necessary sweetness and acidity to balance the glaze.
Is it possible to make this ham without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can bake the ham in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 20-30 minutes to achieve the same tender, flavorful result.
Can I use a different soda than Dr Pepper?
While Dr Pepper gives this glaze its signature spicy sweetness, other sodas like root beer or cola can be substituted, but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
How thick should the glaze be before applying it to the ham?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling to the ham without running off immediately. This ensures it caramelizes well during the broiling step.
How do I prevent my ham from drying out during cooking?
Keeping the ham in the slow cooker with its lid on ensures it stays moist as it cooks. Brushing it with glaze also helps lock in moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe if you want a dish that feels special but is truly simple to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, and it’s sure to become one of those recipes you reach for time and time again. So grab your slow cooker and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite holiday tradition right here.
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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 offers a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze made with pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and Dr Pepper soda, slow-cooked to tender perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized finish. Perfect for holiday meals or family gatherings, this ham is flavorful, juicy, and easy to prepare.
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
- Prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed pineapple with juice, brown sugar, honey, and Dr Pepper. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Bring to a bubble. Heat the mixture until it begins to bubble, then reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer gently.
- Reduce glaze. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes glazy, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Coat the ham. Place the spiral sliced ham into the slow cooker and pour half of the prepared glaze over it, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Slow cook the ham. Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse and the ham to become tender.
- Remove ham carefully. After cooking, carefully lift the ham from the slow cooker and place it onto a foil-lined sheet pan to prepare for broiling.
- Apply remaining glaze. Pour the remaining half of the glaze over the ham, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
- Broil the ham. Place the sheet pan under the stove broiler for about 5-7 minutes. Watch closely during this time to ensure the glaze caramelizes properly without burning.
- Caramelize the glaze. The goal is to achieve a nicely caramelized, glossy finish on the ham surface from the sugars in the glaze.
- Serve. Once caramelized, remove from the broiler and serve immediately for a deliciously warm and flavorful ham.
Notes
- Monitor the ham closely when broiling to avoid burning the sugar glaze.
- You can substitute Dr Pepper with another cola if desired, but it will affect the flavor.
- Use foil to line the sheet pan for easier cleanup after broiling.
- The glaze can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use.
- Leftover ham makes great sandwiches or can be added to soups.
