Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola & Clove Glazed Spiral Ham

Elevate the holiday table with a centerpiece that is as beautiful as it is delicious. This slow-cooker ham recipe combines the deep, nostalgic sweetness of cherry cola with a classic spiral-cut ham, resulting in a perfectly glazed, tender roast that requires minimal active time.

It is the ultimate solution for stress-free holiday hosting, allowing the slow cooker to do the heavy lifting while the kitchen fills with the intoxicating aroma of cloves and fruit.

The magic of this recipe lies in the slow-cooking process, which allows the ham to retain its moisture while absorbing the complex, sweet-tart profile of the cherry cola and preserves. By using a slow cooker, the sugar and fruit juices reduce into a luxurious, sticky glaze that clings to every slice.

This method produces a consistent, tender result every single time, making it a reliable choice for family gatherings, festive dinners, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping main course.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The slow-cooking method is ideal for large roasts like spiral-cut ham because it maintains a steady, low-temperature environment that prevents the meat from drying out. As the ham cooks, the collagen breaks down gently, ensuring every slice remains succulent and tender. This technique also allows the flavors of the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat, far beyond just the outer layer, creating a balanced flavor profile in every bite.

Furthermore, the reduction of cherry cola and cherry preserves creates a natural syrup that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. The slow cooker acts as a miniature oven, concentrating these sugars and acids into a rich, ruby-colored glaze that provides both a stunning visual presentation and a deep, multi-layered sweetness.

This process eliminates the need for constant monitoring, providing a foolproof way to achieve professional-quality results with minimal effort.

Notes and substitutions

When selecting a ham, opt for a high-quality, pre-cooked spiral-cut ham. The spiral-cutting process is crucial as it allows the cherry cola glaze to seep between the layers, ensuring that every piece of meat is evenly seasoned and coated. If the ham is particularly large, ensure it fits properly in the slow cooker without the lid being forced, as a proper seal is necessary for the steam to circulate and keep the meat moist during the cooking process.

The choice of cherry cola and preserves is intentional; the carbonation in the cola helps tenderize the meat, while the preserves provide a concentrated fruit flavor and body to the final glaze.

Feel free to use your preferred brand of tart cherry preserves, as the acidity will balance the sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly. Using fresh whole cloves instead of ground cloves provides a more refined, aromatic spice profile that is synonymous with traditional holiday roasts.

• cherry cola: regular cola or root beer with a splash of cherry juice
• tart cherry preserves: apricot preserves or orange marmalade

Equipment

• Large slow cooker
• Serving platter
• Basting brush