Transform your holiday spread or weeknight dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with our incredibly easy and utterly delicious Dr. Pepper Ham. This show-stopping entree is designed to be prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker, freeing up precious oven space – a true lifesaver during festive seasons. Featuring a rich, caramelized glaze made with Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, and a hint of bright pineapple, this ham delivers a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Prepare for a moist, tender ham that practically melts in your mouth, leaving a lasting impression on your taste buds.
The magic of cooking with soda, especially a unique blend like Dr. Pepper, lies in its ability to infuse a subtle, complex sweetness and tenderize the meat beautifully. The cola’s carbonation and distinct flavor profile, combined with brown sugar and pineapple, create a deeply caramelized and incredibly juicy ham. Our highly acclaimed Crock Pot Ham with Cola Glaze, which uses Coca-Cola, served as the initial inspiration for this equally fantastic Dr. Pepper ham slow cooker recipe. We’ve refined the flavors to perfectly complement the iconic taste of Dr. Pepper, resulting in a holiday ham that is both familiar and excitingly new.
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Dr. Pepper Ham for Holidays or Anytime
While many classic holiday recipes are cherished traditions, sometimes it’s wonderful to introduce something new and exciting to the menu. Our Dr. Pepper Ham offers a delightful twist that sets it apart from conventional Thanksgiving or Christmas dishes. It’s particularly a favorite for Easter, bringing a vibrant, festive flavor to your spring celebration. One of the greatest advantages of preparing this ham in a slow cooker is the invaluable gift of extra oven space. During the busy holiday season, when your oven is often in high demand for casseroles, roasted vegetables, and other essential side dishes, the slow cooker becomes your best friend, handling the main entree with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for any gathering, big or small, truly making it a ham for holidays or anytime you crave something special.
Crockpot Ham Video Tutorial
Why We Love This Recipe
- Effortless Holiday & Special Occasion Meal: This slow cooker recipe epitomizes convenience, earning its reputation as the ultimate “set-it-and-forget-it” dish. Whether you’re orchestrating an elaborate Christmas feast, a joyous Easter brunch, or simply seeking a comforting Sunday meal, this crock pot ham delivers consistently tender and flavorful results with astonishingly minimal effort. Simply assemble, set the timer, and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, allowing you more time to spend with loved ones or focus on other preparations.
- Irresistibly Sweet & Savory Glaze: The unique Dr. Pepper glaze is where this recipe truly shines. It masterfully strikes a perfect balance, creating a caramelized sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with a rich, savory depth. The soda, far from merely being a liquid, tenderizes the ham while infusing it with its distinctive spice notes, enhancing the meat’s natural flavors. The result is a ham that is incredibly juicy, moist, and so tender it practically melts in your mouth, enveloped in a finger-licking good glaze that will impress even the most discerning palates.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A holiday ham is often synonymous with delicious leftovers, and this recipe is no exception! The incredible flavor of this Dr. Pepper glazed ham only seems to deepen overnight, making it ideal for a variety of subsequent meals. Transform slices into gourmet sandwiches, chop it into breakfast scrambles or savory omelets, or add it to soups and stews for an extra layer of flavor. Storing any remaining ham is a breeze: simply place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully, ready to be enjoyed in future meals.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Precooked Ham: For ultimate convenience and speed in your slow cooker, we strongly recommend using a fully cooked ham. A spiral-sliced ham is often preferred not only for its elegant presentation on the holiday table but also because the pre-cut slices allow the flavorful glaze to seep deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is infused with sweetness. However, any type of fully cooked ham will work beautifully – simply adjust the cooking time slightly if it’s not spiral-sliced, ensuring it’s heated through to the proper internal temperature.
- Dr. Pepper: The star of our glaze! Dr. Pepper offers a unique blend of 23 flavors that perfectly complements the savory ham. Its distinct spice and cherry notes create a wonderfully complex and sweet-yet-tart glaze. If Dr. Pepper isn’t available or you prefer a different profile, you can easily swap it for another dark soda like Mr. Pibb, a classic cherry cola for an intensified fruitiness, or even root beer for a more sarsaparilla-like, vanilla-infused sweetness. The key is to use a carbonated soda for that initial tenderizing effect and flavor contribution.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to experiment with these substitutions to tailor the glaze to your personal taste:
- Brown Sugar: While brown sugar provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelization, you can swap it with an equal amount of pure maple syrup for an earthy, distinct flavor, or honey for a lighter, floral sweetness.
- Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice adds a tropical tang that cuts through the richness of the ham. For alternative flavor profiles, consider using apple cider for a crisp, autumnal note, or orange juice for a brighter, citrusy zest.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard provides a sharp, savory counterpoint to the sweet glaze. If you prefer a milder flavor, yellow mustard offers a classic, less pungent taste. For a sweeter, creamier balance, honey mustard can be a fantastic alternative.
- Add Spices: Elevate the complexity of your glaze by incorporating warm spices. Cloves offer a pungent, sweet aroma, allspice provides a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and nutmeg adds a delicate, nutty warmth. A pinch of ground ginger can also introduce a subtle heat.
- Sweeter Glaze: If you have a pronounced sweet tooth, simply increase the amount of brown sugar or your chosen sweetener to taste. Remember to balance it with a little more acid (like mustard or pineapple juice) to prevent it from becoming cloyingly sweet.
- Spicier Glaze: For those who enjoy a kick, a dash of cayenne pepper will add a pleasant heat without overpowering the other flavors. Alternatively, freshly ground black pepper can provide a more subtle, aromatic spice.
Equipment Used in Our Recipe
Preparing this delicious Dr. Pepper ham requires just a few basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for any home cook:
- Slow Cooker: The star appliance! A large slow cooker (6-quart or larger) is essential to accommodate the ham comfortably. It ensures even cooking and maintains moisture, resulting in a perfectly tender roast.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for quickly whisking together and heating the glaze ingredients.
- Aluminum Foil: Handy for tenting the ham after cooking, allowing it to rest and reabsorb juices for maximum tenderness.
- Basting Brush: For evenly coating the ham with that irresistible Dr. Pepper glaze, especially when working with spiral-sliced ham.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Crucial for accurately checking the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it’s perfectly cooked without drying out.
Need a use for your leftover ham?
Don’t let any of that delicious ham go to waste! Use your leftovers to create a fantastic ham and brie pull-apart breakfast casserole or a hearty tater tot ham casserole for a weekend brunch. Another beloved family favorite is our comforting hashbrown and ham casserole. Ham is incredibly versatile, so get creative!
How To Make Dr. Pepper Ham in Slow Cooker
Crafting this succulent Dr. Pepper ham in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure perfect results every time:
- Prepare the Glaze Just Before Cooking: While it’s tempting to prepare components ahead of time, especially for a busy holiday meal, we highly recommend mixing the Dr. Pepper glaze right before you’re ready to cook the ham. This ensures that the soda retains its carbonation, which contributes to the ham’s tender texture and full flavor. Combine the Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the brown sugar is dissolved. Microwave the mixture for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the glaze to warm slightly, making it easier to pour and adhere to the ham.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
For extra glaze, consider doubling the quantities of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and Dr. Pepper in the recipe. Use half of this delicious glaze to coat the ham as it cooks in the slow cooker. Reserve the remaining half, warming it gently just before serving, to drizzle generously over the carved ham. This ensures every slice is beautifully coated and bursting with flavor.
- Glaze the Ham Generously: Carefully place your fully cooked ham into the slow cooker pot. Pour the prepared Dr. Pepper glaze evenly over the ham. If you are using a spiral-sliced ham, take advantage of the pre-cut grooves. Use a basting brush to ensure the glaze penetrates deeply between each slice. This critical step ensures that every part of the ham absorbs the sweet and tangy flavors, resulting in a uniformly delicious and juicy product.
- Monitor Internal Temperature for Perfection: Since you are starting with a fully cooked ham, the primary goal is to heat it through to a safe and appetizing internal temperature of 145ºF. To prevent drying out, a common pitfall with ham, it’s crucial to use an instant-read thermometer. Begin checking the temperature after about 2 hours of cooking and continue to do so every 30-60 minutes until it reaches 145ºF. Remember, cooking times can vary significantly between slow cooker models. As a general guideline, slow cook your Dr. Pepper crock pot ham on the Low setting for 4-6 hours, or for a quicker option, on High for 3-4 hours. These times are estimates; always rely on your thermometer for the most accurate reading.
- Rest Before Serving: Once your ham has reached the ideal internal temperature of 145ºF, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Transfer it to a carving board or serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the slow cooker pot over the ham – this adds another layer of flavor and moisture. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly tender and moist.
Serving Suggestions
This Dr. Pepper Ham is a versatile star that pairs wonderfully with a myriad of side dishes, transforming any meal into a festive spread. For a classic holiday ensemble, serve it alongside creamy Instant Pot no-drain mashed potatoes, their buttery richness a perfect contrast to the ham’s sweetness. Add a touch of elegance with candied maple balsamic Brussels sprouts, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory. For a comforting, savory bread, Jiffy cornbread with creamed corn is an excellent choice. And for a truly indulgent side, our sweet potato casserole without marshmallows provides a naturally sweet and earthy complement.
Beyond the classics, consider serving a side of tender honey-glazed carrots, their natural sweetness echoing the ham’s glaze, or warm, fluffy frozen Parker House rolls to sop up every drop of delicious sauce. For a sophisticated touch, pair your meal with a sparkling apple cider or a robust glass of red wine. And, of course, no holiday meal is complete without dessert. Our comforting carrot pie recipe or a rich chocolate chip bread pudding will provide the perfect sweet finale.
Don’t forget to enhance your holiday spread with a vibrant raspberry jello fruit salad, offering a light and refreshing counterpoint to the rich ham!
Recipe FAQs
The primary secret to a moist Dr. Pepper ham is slow cooking it with ample liquid. The Dr. Pepper not only provides flavor but also acts as a tenderizing and moistening agent. Cooking it in a slow cooker naturally traps moisture, but you can further ensure juiciness by covering the slow cooker tightly. If you were to cook it in an oven, using a covered roasting pan with some water or broth at the bottom would achieve a similar effect. Regularly basting the ham with the pan juices throughout the cooking process also helps to keep the surface hydrated and enhances flavor absorption, preventing it from drying out.
Mushy meat is almost always a sign of overcooking. Because you are starting with a fully cooked ham, its main purpose in the slow cooker is to be heated through and infused with flavor, not to be cooked from raw. Overcooking causes the muscle fibers to break down excessively, leading to a soft, mushy texture. To avoid this, an accurate meat thermometer is your best friend. Monitor the internal temperature frequently; it should ideally reach 145ºF. Going significantly above this temperature will not only make the ham mushy but can also cause it to become stringy and dry.
Fridge: Leftover Dr. Pepper ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Any leftover glaze can be kept separately in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and reheated in the microwave before using to drizzle over slices.
Freezer: For longer storage, fully cooked and glazed ham freezes wonderfully for up to four months. Wrap individual portions or larger pieces tightly in freezer-safe wrap or place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Individual slices of ham can be quickly reheated in the microwave on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. For larger portions or a crispier edge, place the ham in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and reheat in a preheated 350ºF (175ºC) oven until thoroughly warmed, usually about 15-20 minutes depending on the size.
Here Are Our Most Loved Slow Cooker Recipes…
If you love the ease and deliciousness of slow cooker meals, be sure to explore more of our top-rated recipes:
- Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
- Teriyaki Ribs
- Crock Pot Cube Steaks Recipe
If you tried this Dr. Pepper ham recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks for visiting!
Dr. Pepper Ham (Crockpot Recipe)
By Renae Gerhardstein
This Dr. Pepper ham crock pot recipe is the easiest way to make a juicy, flavorful holiday ham! Perfect for Christmas dinner or Easter dinners.
Pin Recipe
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Calories: 329 kcal
Equipment
- Slow cooker (crock pot)
- Microwave-safe bowl (for mixing the glaze)
- Aluminum foil (for covering the ham)
- Basting brush
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 5-8 pounds bone-in fully cooked ham (we recommend a spiral cut ham)
- 10 ounces Dr. Pepper (or diet Dr. Pepper)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
Instructions
- Stir together the brown sugar, Dr. Pepper, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Whisk until well combined. Microwave for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. (See notes below about doubling ham glaze for later use, if desired.)
- Carefully place the ham into the pot of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham. If your ham is spiral-sliced, use a basting brush to ensure the glaze seeps between the slices for maximum flavor.
- Cook on the Low setting for 4-6 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145ºF. I highly recommend checking the internal temperature of the ham every 2 hours, as slow cooker cooking times can vary.
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer it to a carving board or serving platter. Drizzle any leftover cola mixture from the slow cooker over the ham. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Video
Notes
- For extra glaze: Double the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and Dr. Pepper mixture in the recipe. Use half of the glaze over the meat as it cooks, and save the other half for drizzling over the crockpot ham when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations:
- Brown sugar: Swap it with molasses, maple syrup, or honey for different nuances of sweetness.
- Pineapple juice: Use apple cider or orange juice instead for a different fruity acidity.
- Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or honey mustard provides a different flavor profile.
- Add spices: Enhance the glaze with warm spices like cloves, allspice, or nutmeg.
- Sweeter glaze: Increase the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
- Spicier glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper for a delightful kick.
Storing Instructions:
- In the fridge: Leftovers will keep, covered, for up to 5 days. Store any extra glaze in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Reheat glaze in the microwave before using.
- In the freezer: Fully cooked and glazed ham can be frozen for up to four months. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or freezer bags and thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating Dr. Pepper Ham: Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat larger portions in an oven-safe dish covered with foil in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven until warmed through.
Make Ahead Instruction:
- For the best flavor and texture in your Dr. Pepper ham, it’s ideal to prepare the glaze components (excluding the Dr. Pepper) ahead of time. However, mix in the Dr. Pepper just before cooking to ensure the soda retains its carbonation, which is crucial for tenderizing the ham and infusing it with flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 4 ounces | Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 2201mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg
This post, originally published in December 2022, was extensively updated with new content, detailed tips, and enhanced SEO optimization in February 2023. Further refinements and expansions were made in [Current Month] [Current Year] to ensure the most comprehensive and user-friendly experience.
