I don’t always wait for Christmas or Sunday lunch to enjoy this sticky, juicy ham. Sometimes, I just crave something easy that tastes amazing, and this is the winner. If you’re short on time or energy, this slow cooker ham in Coke recipe is a dream. All you need is a ham joint, a bottle of cola, and a few basic pantry staples. That’s it!
Here’s how I do it: I place the ham into the slow cooker, pour over the cola, and just let it gently bubble away until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Using the slow cooker ham in Coke recipe keeps the kitchen cool-especially handy during summer or when you want a no-fuss meal. The cola caramelizes the meat, making it rich and flavorful, no babysitting needed.
After it’s cooked, I cover it in a honey and mustard glaze and pop it under the grill for a few minutes. This step gives it that golden, sticky crust my family loves. It’s a showstopper-crispy on the outside, soft and juicy inside, and everyone always returns for seconds. Major win!
The best part? The leftovers are magical. We love them with eggs and chips, in sandwiches, or diced into pasta dishes. The ham stores well and makes simple meals feel special all over again. If you’ve never made ham like this before, trust me, it’s a game changer.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Ham in Coke
This recipe is all about simple ingredients that work together to make something amazing. You can keep it super basic or level it up with a few aromatics and spices.
Here’s everything you need to make slow cooker ham in Coke recipe.
✅ Essential Ingredients
Ingredient Quantity Notes Gammon joint 1.5 smoked Cola 2 liters Regular-2 kg Unsalted or lightly smoked Cola 2 liters Regular, full sugar (not diet)
✅ Optional Aromatics
Ingredient Purpose: Celery stick adds earthy depth, Carrot adds sweetness, Cinnamon stick for warm spice notesBlack peppercorn, Bay leaves bring a mild kick, Bay leaves bring out savory flavor
✅ For the Glaze
Ingredient Quantity Why It’s Great Honey 3 tbsp Adds sweetness and stickiness Wholegrain mustard 1 tbsp Balances with tang Red wine vinegar 1 tsp Cuts through richness Chinese five spice½ tspOptional, but adds a flavor twist.
Pro Tip: Use full-sugar cola, not diet! Diet versions won’t caramelize properly.
How to Cook Ham in Cola (Slow Cooker Method)
This is where the magic happens. Cooking the ham slowly in cola and spices brings out its best. The meat becomes tender, juicy, and takes on a deep, sweet-savory flavor.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Gammon Joint
- Remove the packaging.
- Rinse under cold water.
- Trim off excess fat if needed.
- Score the fat in a crisscross pattern.
💬 Quote from a home cook: “Scoring the fat helps the glaze stick and crisp up later. It’s a game changer.”
2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Place the gammon joint in the slow cooker.
- Add cola, enough to cover the ham.
- Toss in your aromatics: celery, carrot, cinnamon, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
3. Slow Cook the Ham
- Set the slow cooker to:
- Low for 8-10 hours
- High for 4-5 hours
- Cover and let it cook without peeking.
4. Make the Glaze
- Mix honey, mustard, vinegar, and five-spice.
- Once the ham is cooked, remove it and pat it dry.
- Brush the glaze all over the top.
5. Grill for Sticky Finish
- Pop it under a hot grill for 5-10 minutes.
- Watch closely- it goes from golden to burnt fast!
- Let it rest before slicing.
🎯 Goal: Crispy, golden top with a juicy center.
Can You Cook Gammon Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, don’t worry. You can make this dish on the stovetop or in the oven.
🥘 Stovetop Method
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Place gammon and cola inside, just like above.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on size.
Joint SizeCook Time1.5 kg2.5 hrs2 kg3 hrs
🔥 Oven-Braised Method
- Preheat the oven to 160°C / 320°F.
- Add ham and cola to an oven-safe dish with a lid.
- Bake for 3 hours.
- Glaze and grill at the end for that sticky finish.
Best Sides to Serve With Slow Cooker Ham in Coke
This ham is super versatile. It works for holidays, midweek meals, or party spreads.
🍟 Classic Sides
- Mashed potatoes
- Crispy roasties
- Steamed greens (broccoli, beans, peas)
- Cauliflower cheese
🎄 Holiday Pairings
- Braised red cabbage
- Stuffing balls
- Roasted parsnips
- Gravy and cranberry sauce
🥪 Leftover Magic
- Ham and cheese toasties
- Egg and chips with sliced ham
- Ham pasta with creamy sauce
- Ham fried rice or noodles
💡 Tip: This dish keeps on giving. One gammon joint can stretch across 3-4 meals.
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
Once you’ve cooked this delicious ham, you’ll want to make it last!
🧊 Storage
Method: How Long Tip: Fridge 3-4 days Store in an airtight container Freezer Up to 3 months Slice before freezing for easy use
🔥 Reheating
- Use the microwave or reheat gently in a pan.
- Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
- You can even serve it cold in sandwiches.
🍳 Easy Meal Ideas
- Omelet with ham bits
- Ham and cheese quesadillas
- Ham soup or chowder
- Loaded baked potatoes
📈 Real-World Example: Family Feedback
We tested this dish across 3 households to get honest feedback. Here’s what we found:
Family Type Feedback Busy Parents“Loved how hands-off it was. The kids loved it too.”Empty Nesters“Great with mustard mash and roasted veg.”Solo Student“Super cheap and lasted me all week!”
🧠 Expert Tips and Facts
- Don’t use diet cola. It won’t reduce or caramelize.
- Let it rest. Resting after grilling keeps it juicy.
- Trim excess fat. But leave a little for flavor and glaze.
- Use unsmoked gammon for a cleaner cola flavor.
- Score the fat. It helps the glaze soak in!
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker ham in Coke recipe is a total game-changer. It’s easy. It’s budget-friendly. And it always impresses. Whether you’re feeding a big group or just want something tasty with minimal effort, this dish ticks every box.
The slow cooker does all the hard work. You just toss the ingredients in and walk away. Hours later, you get juicy, tender ham full of sweet and savory flavor. The cola not only cooks the meat but also helps it become soft, rich, and craveable.
The honey mustard glaze is what takes it over the top. Just a quick blast under the grill, and the top turns golden, sticky, and crisp-perfect for that special finish. And let’s not forget the leftovers. This ham stretches far. From sandwiches to soups to pasta, you’ll have easy meals ready for days.
Here’s what makes it even better:
- You can customize the flavors to fit your family.
- It’s perfect for any season, not just holidays.
- You’ll save money by skipping store-bought deli meat.
Whether it’s your first time cooking gammon or you’ve done it a hundred times, using Coke in the slow cooker is a method you’ll want to repeat. It works every time. It’s simple. And it delivers flavor like nothing else.
So next time you’re stuck on what to make, skip the stress. Grab a ham joint, a bottle of cola, and give this recipe a go. You’ll love how easy it is. And your family will love how good it tastes.
FAQs
Can I use Diet Coke for this recipe?
It’s best not to. Diet cola doesn’t caramelize well and may leave a strange aftertaste. For the best results, always use full-sugar cola like Coca-Cola or Pepsi. The sugar helps tenderize the ham and create that deep, sticky flavor.
What type of ham or gammon works best?
Use a boneless, unsmoked gammon joint around 1.5-2kg. Smoked ham is fine too, but it’ll add a stronger flavor. You can also use bone-in ham, but adjust the cooking time to be a bit longer for even tenderness.
Do I need to soak the gammon first?
Only if it’s very salty. Most supermarket gammon joints today are mild, so soaking isn’t necessary. But if you’re unsure, soak it in cold water for a few hours or overnight, then rinse before cooking. This helps reduce any excess saltiness.
Can I cook this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Just place the ham and cola in a covered roasting dish and bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 3 hours. Then glaze and grill as usual. It won’t save quite as much energy, but the flavor and texture will still be amazing.
How long will leftover ham last in the fridge?
Cooked ham keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure it’s wrapped well or stored in an airtight container. It’s also perfect for freezing- just slice it and store it in freezer bags. That way, you’ve got easy meals ready whenever you need them.