Why Rum and Cola Baked Ham?
Baked Ham is delicious on its own, but when you add a spiced rum and cola glaze, it transforms into something magical! The caramel-like sweetness from the cola pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the ham, while the spiced rum adds a warming, slightly boozy twist that’s perfect for any special occasion. 🍬🍖 The best part? The cola helps tenderise the ham, making it even more succulent. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!
I picked up my leg ham from ALDI (gotta love those deals! 💸) for just $11.49 a kilogram. I grabbed a 1/4 ham, and it was the perfect size to serve a hungry crowd of eight. Talk about value! 🙌 So whether you’re hosting a small dinner or planning for leftovers (hello, ham sandwiches!), this recipe will be your saving grace.
Tips & Tricks to Perfect Your Baked Ham
- Choose a good-quality leg ham: I recommend using a bone-in leg ham for this recipe. The bone adds extra flavour and moisture, ensuring that every slice is tender and juicy.
- Go for spiced rum: Don’t just reach for any rum in your cupboard. Spiced rum adds depth and complexity, with flavours like vanilla, cinnamon, and clove that work wonders in this glaze.
- Use full-strength cola: It’s tempting to opt for diet or sugar-free cola, but trust me, full-strength is the way to go. The sugar helps caramelise the ham and creates that beautiful sticky glaze we’re after.
- Patience is key: Basting the ham every 15 minutes might sound tedious, but it’s worth it. This ensures the ham is constantly coated in that delicious, sticky glaze, and develops a rich, deep colour. Your patience will be rewarded with every bite! 😋
- Let it rest: After all that hard work, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making sure your ham is moist and tender when served.
Serving Suggestions: How to Elevate Your Meal
This Rum and Cola Baked Ham can be the centrepiece of your dinner, but what’s a feast without some tasty sides? Here’s how I like to serve it:
- Creamy Potato Salad: The freshness and creaminess of a potato salad with a light mustard dressing complement the rich flavours of the ham perfectly. 🥔
- Roasted Veggies: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil and roasted until caramelised are the perfect earthy balance to the sweetness of the ham. 🌿
- Pineapple Salsa: For a bit of tropical flair, I love pairing the ham with a fresh pineapple salsa. It’s zesty, sweet, and cuts through the richness of the glaze perfectly. 🍍🌶️
- Crusty Bread: Grab a crusty baguette, and use it to mop up any leftover glaze on your plate. You’ll thank me later! 🥖
Oh, and don’t forget the wine! A crisp Riesling or a fruity Pinot Noir would complement this ham beautifully. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, go for a sparkling apple cider – its tartness balances out the sweetness of the glaze. 🍷🍾
Similar Recipes to Try
If you love this Rum and Cola Baked Ham, here are a few other festive recipes that will tickle your tastebuds:
Share The Love!
So, there you have it, the ultimate Rum and Cola Baked Ham recipe. It’s one of those dishes that looks and tastes like it took hours of effort, but is actually super simple. 🎉 Perfect for a crowd, easy to make ahead, and with a glaze that’s out of this world!
If you decide to give this recipe a go, I’d love to see how it turns out! Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me @steph_cooks_stuff on Instagram. I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!
Now, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, and prepare to wow your guests with this incredibly flavourful Baked Ham!
Rum and Cola Baked Ham
Nothing says celebration like a baked ham, and this Rum and Cola baked ham is a total showstopper. Juicy, sticky, and full of sweet-savoury flavour, it’s perfect for any festive occasion — and it’s easier than you’d think!
Prep Time 10 minutes 
Setting Time
2 hours 10 minutes 
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes 
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Place the ham in a baking dish, skin side up, and pour half of the cola over it.
- Cover and bake the ham in the preheated oven.
- Meanwhile, in a pan, combine the remaining cola, rum, brown sugar, and orange marmalade. Stir well.
- Let this mixture simmer on low heat until it reduces by two-thirds (about 40 minutes).
- Uncover and remove the ham from the oven.
- Glaze the ham with one-third of the reduced cola mixture.
- Return the ham to the oven for 1.5 hours, brushing it with more glaze every 15 minutes until it's dark and sticky.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
This ham turns out so juicy and flavorful - it's a total crowd-pleaser! ???? Perfect for family gatherings or a special weekend treat.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Rum and Cola Baked Ham ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and glaze the ham ahead of time, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven at a low temperature (about 150°C) until warmed through.
What can I do with the leftovers?
So many things! You can use leftover baked ham in sandwiches, throw it into a quiche, or even chop it up for a hearty ham and potato soup. It also pairs beautifully with eggs for breakfast. 🍳🥓
Do I need to use rum in this recipe?
While the rum adds a distinct flavour, you can substitute it with bourbon or whiskey if you prefer. If you want a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the rum and add extra cola and a dash of apple cider vinegar for some extra tang.
