Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham – The Sweet & Savory Star of the Table: When it comes to big family meals or holiday gatherings, you really can’t go wrong with a juicy, spiral-cut ham. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and always looks impressive on the table. But if you want to take it from traditional to totally unforgettable, it’s time to introduce your ham to a little something special: Dr. Pepper glaze. So if you’re looking for the best glazed ham recipe, this Dr. Pepper ham is IT! oven-baked with that iconic sweet glaze that literally is mouthwatering. Take a spiral ham and pair it with Dr. Pepper, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar for the most delicious tender ham.
A sweet and savory ham that is gorgeous for serving up at the holidays. Pair with your favorite holiday side dishes and devour the ham slice by slice.
I love making ham at the holidays, but I get tired of the classic pineapple ham recipes. So I wanted to elevate my ham game this year! Try it out if you want something new and different!
Reasons You Will Love Dr. Pepper Ham
- An oven-baked ham that allows for a hands-off approach. Plus it makes your home smell incredible.
- The mixture creates a sweet sticky glaze on the ham that is incredible!
- Kids and adults love the flavor of this glazed ham recipe.
- Minimal ingredients are needed for this recipe! Which makes it super easy to prep.
- This ham bakes up beautifully so it offers a stunning presentation value if you want to serve it during the holidays.
Ingredients Needed
Ham – I used a 5-7 pound spiral ham. If you opt for a larger ham just make more glaze mixture to ensure it fully is coated.
Dr. Pepper – Classic Dr. Pepper is used in this recipe. It helps to keep the meat moist but also adds a nice sweet flavor.
Mustard – Dijon mustard is my go-to for this. As it has a tangy but not over-powerful flavor. It’s the perfect mustard.
Brown Sugar – Personally I recommend light brown sugar as dark brown sugar is too strong and takes away from the other flavors.
Water – You do need some water to help dilute the mixture. I recommend using filtered water.
Variations to Recipe
Here are a few simple ways you can change up how you flavor your dish! Pick and choose what fits you best!
- Spiral-cut hams work best as they allow the mixture to be baked into the slices of meat. But you can offer types of hams.
- Spicy mustard, yellow mustard, or even a stone ground mustard can be substituted.
- Swap the soda with Coca-Cola or even Pepsi for a slight flavor change.
- Use less brown sugar if you don’t want your mixture to be as sweet.
- You can add a few spices to the brown sugar for added flavor. Garlic, onion powder, etc are good examples.
- Use a turkey oven bag instead of covering it with foil if you would find that easier.
Tip for Baking Ham
Type of Ham
You can use different types of ham. I recommend a good-quality ham that way you get the best flavor. Bone-in will take longer to cook but can be used. Spiral-cut is what I used.
Glaze
You will cook the glaze in a saucepan and then brush on top of the ham. Make sure to follow this step so you get the optimal flavor. You bake the ham for a while as is, and then when it is closer to serving you will add on the sweet and savory glaze.
Covering Ham
Make sure you cover the ham with a lid, or foil, or even place it in a turkey bag. It is important to have ham sealed so it doesn’t dry out as it bakes in the oven.
Basting Ham
I do recommend that you baste the ham with the glaze, as it is going to get deep within the crevices of the ham. Basting also will help keep the ham moist as it is finishing up baking in the oven.
Use A Meat Thermometer
It is important that your ham reaches the proper internal temperature of 145 degrees. So for that, if you use a meat thermometer you ensure it is the proper temperature before serving.
Putting Dr Pepper in ham?!? Yes, you read that right. Dr. Pepper—the beloved, slightly spicy, cherry-ish soda—makes one heck of a glaze. Paired with brown sugar and a touch of Dijon mustard, it creates a sticky, sweet, and tangy coating that takes a classic ham and turns it into the MVP of any meal.
Why Dr. Pepper?
Dr. Pepper brings a deep, rich sweetness that’s totally unique. It’s got just enough spice and fruitiness to give the glaze extra depth, without overpowering the savory ham underneath. Combined with brown sugar and a hint of mustard, you get that perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a beautiful caramelized finish.
And the best part? This glaze is incredibly simple. No fancy ingredients, no long prep time—just pour, bake, and brush your way to one seriously delicious centerpiece.
Low Effort, Big Flavor
This ham recipe is as low-stress as it gets. After a quick prep, most of the work happens in the oven while you kick back or focus on the rest of your meal. The glaze comes together in minutes on the stovetop, and the final result is a ham that’s tender, flavorful, and absolutely dripping in sticky-sweet goodness.
Plus, using a spiral-sliced ham means it’s already carved and ready to go. Just warm it up, glaze it, and serve.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Dr. Pepper Ham isn’t just for holidays (though it will steal the show at Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving). It’s also great for Sunday dinners, meal prepping, or any time you want to serve something that feels a little extra without a ton of effort.
Garnishing Ham
You can add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary around the ham for a really gorgeous visual appeal.
Allow Ham To Rest
Make sure that once you remove the ham from the oven you allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This will help lock in the moisture so when you go to slice the ham it doesn’t become too dry.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate: You will want to keep any of the ham you do not eat right away in a sealed container in the fridge. It will last 3-4 days in the fridge once it has been cooked.
Freezing: You have another option and that is to freeze leftover meat. Place in a freezer bag or container and freeze for 4-6 months. Then thaw in the fridge overnight for a slow thaw, or defrost. Use the ham as you wish in other recipes or even heat and eat as is.
Ways to Use Leftover Ham
One thing I hear a lot of people say is they get tired of eating leftovers. Well, I wanted to share some easy ways to use up the leftover ham in different recipes so it doesn’t taste just like leftovers. You then create a whole meal, using the leftovers but without the getting bored.
Try this cheesy potato and kielbasa casserole. Swap the kielbasa with ham and you have an easy casserole that you can dish up for the whole family. Or make this cheesy cauliflower casserole and add some diced ham to transform it from a side dish to a main dish.
Or you can add ham to this potato soup for a comforting meal that takes minimal effort to make. This is my favorite potato soup recipe ever.
FAQs
Can I Make Dr Pepper Glazed Ham Ahead of Time?
Go right ahead and make the glaze a day before you need it. Then store in the fridge in a sealed container. Then when ready brush over the ham as you would if you made it fresh.
Can I Make Dr Pepper Glazed Ham in a Slow Cooker?
Add the ham to the slow cooker, and pour glaze over the ham. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until it reaches proper internal temperature. Depending on size of the ham will depend on the cooking time. Then transfer to pan and finish in the oven uncovered to create that sticky glaze.
Do I Need to Cover the Ham While Baking?
Yes, you do need the ham covered or it will dry out as it bakes in the oven. At the end of cooking time, you will leave uncovered so the glaze can create that caramelization you want.
Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted veggies, or even a fresh salad to round out the meal. And don’t forget to save some leftovers—it’s just as good (if not better) the next day in sandwiches, omelets, or fried up with breakfast potatoes.
Can I Use Diet Dr Pepper or a Sugar-Free Alternative?
You can use diet but you will find it won’t create the same texture of the glaze. The sugar in the soda is a big part of the glaze. So if you swap know the texture will vary.
If you’re looking to wow your guests or just shake up your usual dinner routine, this Dr. Pepper Ham is the way to go. It’s juicy, packed with flavor, and has that perfect sticky glaze that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (and asking for the recipe).
So go ahead—pop open a can, fire up the oven, and get ready to serve a ham that’s anything but ordinary.
More Ham Recipes
Dr. Pepper Ham
Ingredients
- 1 5-7 lb spiral ham
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 ½ cups Dr. Pepper
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Place ham into a large roasting or baking dish.
- Pour ⅓ cup water into the bottom of the roasting pan and cover the ham with foil.
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 25 minutes.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together the remaining ingredients. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and begins to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the ham has baked, remove from the oven and pour or brush ¾ of the glaze onto the ham.
- Return the glazed ham to the oven, uncovered, and cook for another 20 minutes.
- Brush the remaining glaze onto the ham and serve, enjoy!
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