Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola & Clove Glazed Spiral Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve an even deeper flavor, you can stud the ham with the cloves in a decorative pattern, such as a diamond grid, which looks professional when served.

If the glaze seems too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can carefully remove the ham and place the liquid in a small saucepan over medium heat, reducing it further until it reaches your desired consistency before drizzling it over the sliced meat.

When serving, use a sharp carving knife to follow the natural spiral cuts, which makes portioning the ham much easier.

If you are serving a large crowd, you can keep the ham warm on the 'keep warm' setting of your slow cooker for a short time, but be careful not to let it sit too long, as the sugars in the glaze can continue to darken and potentially burn if left on heat for an extended period.

Variations

• Spiced Orange Ham: Replace the cherry cola with orange soda and use orange marmalade instead of cherry preserves. Add a cinnamon stick to the slow cooker for a warm, citrus-forward holiday flavor profile.
• Bourbon Glazed Ham: Add 1/4 cup of bourbon to the cherry cola mixture before cooking. The alcohol will cook off, leaving a sophisticated, deep oaky flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of the cherries.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the meat to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before storing.

Freezer

Wrap leftovers tightly in heavy-duty foil or place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat slices gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or remaining glaze until warmed through, or microwave on medium power in short intervals.

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. If possible, keep some of the reserved glaze in a separate small container to drizzle over the meat when reheating, which will help maintain its moisture and flavor. Label the container with the date and consume within a few days for the best quality and taste.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the glaze and stud the ham with cloves a few hours ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate.

When ready to cook, pour the liquids over the ham and proceed with the cooking instructions. This makes the day-of preparation incredibly fast, allowing you to focus on other parts of your holiday feast.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham on a warm platter to help keep the temperature steady during the meal. The ruby-red glaze is visually striking, so use a clean, white platter to make the color pop. Arrange the slices slightly overlapping so guests can easily pick them up, and ensure each slice gets a generous coating of the syrupy glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker.

Complement the rich, sweet flavors of the cherry glaze by serving the ham alongside savory sides like roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh, crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette.

The contrast between the sweet, sticky ham and savory, earthy sides creates a balanced and satisfying holiday plate that will impress your guests and keep the meal feeling light and festive.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow-Cooker Cherry Cola & Clove Glazed Spiral Ham

Prep 10 minCook 4 h 30 minRest 10 minTotal 4 h 50 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 8 lb spiral-cut ham
• 1 tbsp whole cloves
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup cherry cola
• 1/2 cup tart cherry preserves
• for serving: fresh thyme and sweet cherries

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-cut ham into the ceramic slow cooker. Carefully insert the whole cloves into the ham at regular intervals. Evenly pack the brown sugar over the top of the ham to ensure it coats the surface as it begins to melt.
2. Pour the cherry cola and the tart cherry preserves over the ham, ensuring the liquid flows between the slices. Cover the slow cooker with the glass lid to trap the steam and moisture during the long cooking cycle.
3. Cook the ham on the LOW setting for 4.5 hours. During the final hour, periodically baste the ham with the reduced cherry syrup. Once finished, ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving on a platter garnished with fresh thyme and sweet cherries.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

32 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.