Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Cola Ham – Sweet, Tender & Effortless
If you’re looking for an incredibly easy holiday or family dinner recipe, this Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Cola Ham is the perfect choice. With just three simple ingredients, you can create a tender, juicy ham coated in a rich sweet glaze that tastes like it took hours of effort.
The cola slowly caramelizes as the ham cooks, creating a deliciously sticky glaze while keeping the meat moist and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want a comforting main dish without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Best of all, the slow cooker does almost all the work for you.
Why You’ll Love This Cola Ham Recipe
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Only 3 simple ingredients
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Perfect for holidays and family dinners
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Sweet, tender, and juicy ham
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Slow cooker does all the work
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Great for leftovers and sandwiches
Ingredients
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1 fully cooked ham (about 5–7 pounds)
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1 can (12 oz) cola
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1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the ham into the slow cooker with the cut side facing down.
2. Add the Ingredients
Pour the cola over the ham, then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or until the ham is heated through and tender.
4. Baste for Flavor
Occasionally spoon the sweet cola juices over the ham during cooking if possible.
5. Serve
Slice the ham and drizzle some of the sweet glaze from the slow cooker over the top before serving.
Tips for the Best Cola Ham
Choose a spiral-cut ham for easy serving and better flavor absorption.
If the ham is too large for your slow cooker, trim slightly or wrap foil around the top.
For a thicker glaze, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced.
Delicious Variations
Pineapple Cola Ham – Add pineapple slices for extra sweetness.
Spiced Holiday Ham – Add cloves or cinnamon sticks for a festive flavor.
Honey Cola Ham – Replace half the brown sugar with honey.
What to Serve with Cola Ham
This sweet and savory ham pairs perfectly with:
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Mashed potatoes
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Mac and cheese
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Green beans
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Dinner rolls
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Sweet potato casserole
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Cola Ham is proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal ingredients and almost no prep, you’ll get a sweet, tender ham that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or an easy family dinner. Once you try this simple slow cooker recipe, it may become your go-to ham recipe every time.