Sweet, Sticky Holiday Ham with a Dr. Pepper Brown Sugar Glaze
If you’re looking for a show-stopping ham that’s incredibly easy to make, this Baked Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham might become your new holiday tradition.
The magic ingredient? Dr. Pepper.
This classic soda creates a rich, caramelized glaze when combined with brown sugar, spices, and ham juices. As the ham bakes, the glaze thickens into a sweet, sticky coating that runs down every slice, giving you that glossy, juicy ham everyone reaches for first.
It’s one of my favorite ways to prepare ham for Easter, Christmas, or a Sunday family dinner because it takes very little work but looks incredibly impressive on the table.
The soda helps tenderize the ham while adding a subtle blend of cherry, vanilla, and spice notes that balance perfectly with salty cured ham.
And the best part?
Your house will smell absolutely incredible while it bakes.
Why You’ll Love Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham
This recipe works so well because it uses simple ingredients to create bold flavor.
✔ Easy holiday centerpiece
✔ Sweet and sticky caramelized glaze
✔ Only a few ingredients
✔ Perfect for Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner
✔ Great for leftovers like ham sandwiches and soups
It’s the kind of recipe that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked spiral sliced ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 can Dr. Pepper
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish:
orange slices
fresh bay leaves
grapes or cranberries
How to Make Baked Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan.
Step 2: Add Dr. Pepper
Pour the Dr. Pepper into the bottom of the roasting pan.
This keeps the ham moist and creates flavorful juices for the glaze.
Cover the ham loosely with foil.
Step 3: Bake the Ham
Bake for about 12–15 minutes per pound.
An 8–10 pound ham usually takes about 2 to 2½ hours.
Step 4: Make the Dr. Pepper Glaze
While the ham is baking, combine in a saucepan:
brown sugar
honey
Dijon mustard
cinnamon
cloves
black pepper
Add about ½ cup of the Dr. Pepper ham juices from the roasting pan.
Simmer for 5–8 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
Step 5: Glaze the Ham
During the last 30 minutes of baking, brush the glaze generously over the ham.
Return to the oven uncovered and repeat glazing every 10 minutes.
This creates that beautiful sticky caramelized coating.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let the ham rest 10 minutes before serving.
Arrange slices on a cutting board or platter and drizzle extra glaze over the top.
Garnish with orange slices, grapes, bay leaves, or fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for the Best Dr. Pepper Ham
Use a Spiral Ham
Spiral sliced ham lets the glaze run between the slices for better flavor.
Don’t Skip the Foil
Covering the ham prevents it from drying out.
Baste Often
Basting with glaze creates that shiny, sticky finish.
Save the Juices
The pan juices make amazing gravy or can be used in soups.
What to Serve with Dr. Pepper Ham
This ham pairs perfectly with classic comfort sides.
Colcannon potatoes
creamy mashed potatoes
roasted carrots
green beans
buttery dinner rolls
mac and cheese
scalloped potatoes
Leftover ham is also fantastic in:
ham and bean soup
breakfast omelets
ham sandwiches
quiche
Easy Baked Dr Pepper Glazed Ham
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 SERVINGS 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This easy baked Dr Pepper glazed ham is juicy, sweet, and coated in a sticky brown sugar glaze. A simple holiday ham recipe perfect for Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
1 spiral sliced fully cooked ham (8–10 pounds)
1 can Dr Pepper
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish
orange slices
green grapes
fresh bay leaves
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325°F.
-
Place the spiral sliced ham cut side down in a large roasting pan.
-
Pour the Dr Pepper into the bottom of the roasting pan. Cover the ham loosely with foil.
-
Bake the ham for about 12–15 minutes per pound, approximately 2 to 2½ hours.
-
While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
-
Add about ½ cup of the Dr Pepper pan juices from the roasting pan and simmer over medium heat for 5–8 minutes until the glaze thickens.
-
During the last 30 minutes of baking, brush the glaze generously over the ham.
-
Continue baking uncovered, brushing with glaze every 10 minutes to create a sticky caramelized coating.
-
Remove ham from the oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use a spiral sliced ham so the glaze seeps between each slice for maximum flavor.
Baste frequently during the final baking time to create a rich caramelized glaze.
Leftover ham is perfect for sandwiches, soups, omelets, and breakfast casseroles.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 2 HOURS 35 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
How to Store Leftover Ham
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Does Dr. Pepper really work with ham?
Yes! Dr. Pepper contains flavors like cherry, vanilla, and caramel that create a deep sweet glaze perfect for ham.
Can I use Diet Dr. Pepper?
Regular Dr. Pepper works best because the sugar helps the glaze caramelize.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the ham earlier in the day and reheat covered with extra glaze.
Can I use another soda?
Cola or root beer can work, but Dr. Pepper creates a richer flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want a holiday ham that’s incredibly juicy, sweet, and packed with flavor, this Baked Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham is a must try.
It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for a holiday table.
Between the sticky glaze, tender slices, and rich caramelized edges, it’s the kind of ham people will talk about long after dinner is over.
And don’t forget to save the leftovers — because ham the next day might be even better.
