Easter and holidays often bring the centerpiece dish to mind, and for many, that’s a beautifully cooked ham. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the prospect of preparing a large, show-stopping ham, you’re not alone. But what if we told you that creating a stunning glazed ham, worthy of a holiday table, is actually quite simple? Inspired by the straightforward and flavorful recipes of the Pioneer Woman, this recipe will guide you through creating a Coca-Cola glazed ham that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make. Get ready to wow your guests with this Ham Pioneer Woman style!
Gather Your Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Ham
Before we dive into the method, let’s make sure you have everything you need to create this delicious ham pioneer woman inspired dish.
- 1 bone-in ham (8-12 lbs), uncut, or 2 boneless half hams, uncut. (For a truly impressive presentation, bone-in is recommended, but boneless works too!)
- Whole cloves – these add a touch of flavor and create that classic, beautiful studded ham look.
- 1.5 cups brown sugar – for that rich, caramelized glaze.
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – the secret ingredient to balance the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard – adds a tangy depth to the glaze.
- 1/2 can Coca-Cola (or Dr. Pepper for a Pioneer Woman twist!) – the magic ingredient for a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Optional: Fresh parsley and lemon for garnish – to make your ham platter picture-perfect.
uncut ham
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Glazed Ham
Now, let’s get cooking! This ham pioneer woman recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, so you can confidently create a holiday ham masterpiece.
Preparing the Ham
- Scoring the Ham: Place your ham on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife or a long serrated knife, make diagonal cuts across the surface of the ham, about 1/2 inch deep.
diagonal ham cuts
- Turn the ham and make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a diamond pattern. This not only looks beautiful but also helps the glaze penetrate the ham, keeping it moist and flavorful.
diamond ham cuts
- Studding with Cloves: Take your whole cloves and insert them into the center of each diamond. This is where the ham pioneer woman touch comes in – it’s both decorative and adds a subtle warm spice note.
whole cloves
cloves in ham diamonds
- Roasting the Ham: Place the prepared ham in a roasting pan or a large glass pan. Add a little water or broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist during cooking. Cover the pan tightly with foil.
ham in roasting pan
- Bake: Cook in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 15 minutes per pound. For a 10-pound ham, this would be around 2.5 hours. Always refer to the packaging instructions for specific cooking times, and remember, low and slow is the key to a juicy ham, just like Pioneer Woman would advise!
ham covered in foil
Making the Coca-Cola Glaze
While your ham is baking, it’s time to prepare the star of the show – the Coca-Cola glaze. This glaze is what truly elevates this recipe to ham pioneer woman levels of deliciousness!
- Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Coca-Cola (or Dr. Pepper).
glaze ingredients in saucepan
coca-cola glaze mixture
- Simmer the Glaze: Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture becomes foamy. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
simmering coca-cola glaze
Glazing and Baking the Ham
- First Glaze: After the ham has cooked for the first hour, remove it from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Brush a generous amount of the Coca-Cola glaze all over the ham, making sure to get into all the diamond cuts.
glazed ham brushing
- Repeat Glazing: Return the ham to the oven and continue to bake, brushing with glaze every 20 minutes for the next 1-1.5 hours, or until the ham is fully cooked and beautifully glazed. This repeated glazing is key to that signature glossy finish, just like a ham pioneer woman would perfect!
glazed ham close up
- Final Glaze and Serve: Reserve a little glaze for serving. Once the ham is cooked through, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. Brush with the reserved glaze for extra shine and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a stunning presentation.
final glazed holiday ham
pre-cut glazed ham
glazed ham platter
Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Ham
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches the correct internal temperature (usually 140°F or 60°C for pre-cooked hams – always check packaging). Overcooked ham can be dry.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to experiment with the glaze! A splash of bourbon or a pinch of smoked paprika can add extra layers of flavor. But the classic Coca-Cola glaze is a winner, especially when channeling your inner Pioneer Woman.
- Serving Suggestions: This ham pioneer woman inspired glazed ham pairs perfectly with classic side dishes like macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, or a fresh slaw. And don’t forget dessert!
holiday ham with sides
This Coca-Cola glazed ham recipe, with a nod to the Pioneer Woman‘s approachable and delicious style, is sure to become a holiday favorite. It’s easier than you might think to create a truly impressive and flavorful centerpiece for your next gathering. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
