Dr. Pepper Ham is one of those dishes that catches your attention with its unique combination of flavors, marrying sweet, smoky, and tangy all in one dish. If you’ve ever savored the taste of a succulent ham glazed with a rich syrupy sauce, you know just how special it can be. The unexpected addition of Dr. Pepper soda infuses the ham with a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor that simply elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill holiday ham; it’s a real crowd-pleaser perfect for any family gathering or festive occasion.

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I first prepared Dr. Pepper Ham for a Thanksgiving meal when I was looking for something different to impress my relatives. The combination of brown sugar and Dr. Pepper melds seamlessly with the savory ham, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Every bite bursts with flavor. The first time I served it, I watched as everyone eagerly returned for seconds—it’s hard to resist! This recipe is not only easy but also a fantastic way to make a simple meal the star of your table. Trust me, once you try Dr. Pepper Ham, you’ll be enamored and want to make it over and over again!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Dr. Pepper Ham
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Dr. Pepper Ham

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping this ham takes just 90 minutes, with less than 30 minutes of actual hands-on time!
Irresistible Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious, it will have everyone asking for your secret!
Eye-Catching Appeal: The caramelized glaze gives this ham a stunning shine that will impress your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, family get-togethers, or any day you crave something special.
Great Leftovers: Enjoy the delicious taste even days later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 (7 to 10 pound) ham bone-in, spiral sliced: Choose a good quality ham for best flavor; spiral sliced makes serving easy.
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: This adds sweetness and helps form a lovely glaze. Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
1/2 cup Dr. Pepper: The star ingredient that brings a distinct flavor profile to the ham; avoid diet versions for the best results.
2 tablespoons orange juice: This adds a refreshing note to balance the sweetness of the glaze. You could substitute with pineapple juice if you prefer.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Provides a little tang, enhancing the overall flavor. Yellow mustard can be a substitute if needed.

How to Make Dr. Pepper Ham

Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging, ensuring to take off the plastic disk that covers the bone. Place the ham into an oven bag, then twist and secure the bag shut. Set the ham cut-side down in a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. Let it sit at room temperature for about 90 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: During the waiting period, arrange an oven rack in the lower-middle position and preheat your oven to 325°F. Once preheated, bake the ham until the center reaches 140°F, which will take about 1½ to 2½ hours based on the weight. (Aim for roughly 15 minutes per pound; you can open the bag slightly to check the temperature, but avoid puncturing it.)
Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, Dr. Pepper, orange juice, and Dijon mustard. Let this mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it achieves a syrupy consistency—approximately 8 minutes.
Glaze the Ham: After baking the ham for the necessary time, carefully remove it from the oven. Roll back the sides of the oven bag to expose the ham. Brush about half of the glaze generously over the surface of the ham. Return the ham to the oven and bake it for an additional 10 minutes, or until the glaze becomes sticky.
Finish and Rest: Once done, take the ham out of the oven and remove the oven bag. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 30 to 40 minutes to lock in those flavorful juices.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, place any uneaten ham in an airtight container and refrigerate, where it will keep well for up to four days. If you’re looking to store it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy that delicious ham again, just reheat it in the oven at 325°F for about 20 to 30 minutes until warmed through. Just a note: While the texture may change slightly after freezing, you can refresh it with a little more glaze if needed.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Aim for room temperature ham before cooking to ensure even heating. If you’ve just taken it out of the fridge, let it sit out for about an hour.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature accurately; this will help avoid overcooking.
Don’t skip the resting period! It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist ham.
Looking for a twist? Consider adding spices like cloves or nutmeg to the glaze for a seasonal flavor.
If making ahead, prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook the ham.

Nothing feels quite as special as filling the room with the aroma of a beautifully glazed ham—especially when it’s a show-stopper like Dr. Pepper Ham. This dish combines sweet and savory notes, creating a delightful centerpiece for any meal. As you prepare your first ham, think about experimenting with slight variations in your glaze or side dishes to make the experience even more personal.

Succulent ham with a pop of flavor is a fantastic way to leave your guests talking about your meal long after they’ve polished their plates. So go ahead — roll up your sleeves, and let this ham become the star of your next gathering.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of soda for this ham?

You can try using other sodas like root beer or cola for unique flavor twists. Just keep in mind that each soda will produce a different sweetness level and taste.

Is there a way to cook this ham faster?

While ham is best cooked slowly for optimal flavor, if you’re in a pinch, using a higher temperature (375°F) can reduce cooking time. Just make sure to keep an eye on the temperature so it doesn’t dry out.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ham and glaze a day in advance, then simply bake it the day you plan to serve it. Just remember to store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

How can I make this recipe a bit healthier?

Substituting the brown sugar with a sugar alternative can reduce the calorie count, but adjust slowly as the sweetness level may differ significantly. Additionally, using low-sodium ham can help with salt intake.

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Dr. Pepper Ham

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Sabine
Prep Time: 90 minutes
Cook Time: 280 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Dr. Pepper Ham is a delightful dish that combines a spiral sliced ham with a sweet glaze of brown sugar and Dr. Pepper, making it perfect for gatherings. Its easy preparation and rich flavor will impress every guest.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (7 to 10 pound) ham bone-in, spiral sliced
3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
1/2 cup dr. pepper
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons dijon mustard

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Instructions

Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in an oven bag, securing it tightly. Place the ham cut-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it rest at room temperature for 90 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and arrange an oven rack in the lower-middle position. Bake the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees, approximately 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours, or about 15 minutes per pound. Open the bag slightly to check the temperature without puncturing it.
In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, Dr. Pepper, orange juice, and dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, about 8 minutes.
After baking, carefully open the oven bag to expose the ham. Brush half of the glaze over the ham and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky.
Remove the ham from the oven, discard the bag, and brush with the remaining glaze. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 30 to 40 minutes.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked properly.
Allowing the ham to sit out at room temperature before baking helps it cook evenly.
The glaze can be adjusted by adding additional spices or adjusting the sweetness to taste.