Slow Cooker Lemon-Lime Soda Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper, more intense flavor, you can prepare the glaze by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a small amount of the soda into a paste before rubbing it over the ham. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed across every surface of the meat.

If you find the glaze is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the ham and simmer the pan juices in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.

When serving, consider the presentation of the spiral slices. You can fan them out on a large platter to showcase the glaze and the beautiful, uniform cuts. If you have extra sauce, keep it warm in a small gravy boat to serve on the side. This allows guests to add as much or as little of the sweet, zesty glaze as they prefer, ensuring that the ham stays moist until the very last piece is enjoyed at the table.

Variations

• Spiced Pineapple Ham: Replace the lemon-lime soda with pineapple juice and add a pinch of ground cloves to the brown sugar mix. This creates a tropical, aromatic glaze that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the ham.
• Savory Herb Ham: For a less sweet version, omit the cinnamon and add two tablespoons of Dijon mustard and a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the glaze. This provides a sophisticated, savory depth.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Gently warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of water or juice to maintain moisture.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the meat from drying out. If you have a large amount of leftover ham, consider slicing it into smaller portions before refrigerating. This makes it easier to grab for quick sandwiches or to add to other dishes later in the week. Properly stored, the ham will maintain its quality for several days in the refrigerator, provided it is cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking.

You can prepare the ham and add the glaze ingredients up to two hours before starting the slow cooker. Keep the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator until you are ready to begin.

Do not leave the raw ham at room temperature for longer than 30 minutes, as this is not food-safe. Cooking the ham in advance and then reheating it is also a viable option, as the flavors often meld and deepen when the meat is allowed to rest in its juices overnight.

Serving ideas

This ham is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic meal, serve it alongside roasted root vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze.

The zesty notes of the lemon-lime soda and the warmth of the cinnamon complement both savory and sweet sides, making it a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual family gatherings throughout the year.

Consider serving the ham as the centerpiece of a buffet. The ease of the slow cooker means you have more time to focus on other parts of your menu. Because the meat is so tender and flavorful, it requires very little additional preparation.

Simply slice, arrange, and garnish with a few fresh herbs if desired. The simple, elegant presentation of the fanned slices will impress guests while keeping the dining experience relaxed and enjoyable for everyone at the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Lemon-Lime Soda Ham

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 half spiral-sliced bone-in ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 12 oz lemon-lime soda

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-sliced ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably in the basin. If the ham is too tall for the lid to close, you may need to trim the base slightly or use a larger vessel.
2. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the surface of the ham, ensuring it gets between the slices. Pour the lemon-lime soda over the top, allowing it to pool at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove it carefully. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the reduced pan juices.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

24.5 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

0.2 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

1150 mg

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