Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ham
Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ham
There’s something magical about a recipe that’s easy to make, smells incredible while it cooks, and tastes like it took hours of effort — and this Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ham is exactly that kind of dish.
It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and absolutely packed with flavor. The ham slow-cooks in a delicious mix of Cherry Coke, maraschino cherries, brown sugar, and just the right touch of spice to create a tender, juicy centerpiece your family and guests will love.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a cozy Sunday supper, or just want something fun and flavorful for dinner, this ham recipe is a must-try.
Plus, it requires just a few ingredients and practically no hands-on time. You just set it and forget it!
Ingredients
- 1 (4–6 lb) fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 (12 oz) can Cherry Coke
- 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, including the juice
- ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, adds warmth and depth)
- Fresh herbs or extra cherries for garnish (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ham
1. Prep the Ham
Place your ham in the slow cooker. If it’s a little too tall for the lid to close securely, you can trim a bit off the bottom or sides. You want the lid to fit tightly so all that delicious moisture stays in.
2. Mix the Glaze
In a medium bowl, stir together the Cherry Coke, the entire jar of maraschino cherries (juice and all), brown sugar, garlic salt, onion powder, and cloves. This creates a sweet and slightly tangy glaze that’s full of flavor.
3. Pour & Cook
Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure it coats the top and sides. Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 4–5 hours
- or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours
Baste once or twice during cooking if you can — but don’t worry if you can’t. The ham will still be juicy and flavorful.
4. Finish & Serve
Once the ham is heated through and glazed to perfection, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon the cherry glaze over the top and garnish with a few whole cherries or fresh herbs for an extra-pretty presentation.
Tips for Success
- Use a spiral-cut ham for easier serving and even flavor distribution.
- To thicken the glaze, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer on the stovetop for 5–10 minutes until syrupy.
- Leftovers? Make sliders, breakfast scrambles, or dice the ham into mac and cheese!
- If you don’t have Cherry Coke, you can substitute regular cola and a bit of cherry juice or grenadine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ham is the kind of recipe that gets rave reviews from both kids and adults. The Cherry Coke adds a fun twist and helps tenderize the ham while giving it a slightly caramelized finish.
The maraschino cherries add beautiful color and an extra pop of sweetness, making this dish as festive as it is flavorful.
It’s perfect for holiday meals like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, but easy enough to make on a weekend for a comforting dinner at home. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss main course that’s guaranteed to impress, this Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ham is it. It’s rich, juicy, and glazed with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or buttery rolls for a meal everyone will remember.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want plenty of leftovers for the week, this recipe is a winner. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to ham recipe!
