The sweet, caramelized glaze of Crockpot Cola Ham calls for sides that provide contrast — either through richness, earthiness, or freshness. Creamy mashed potatoes are the most natural companion, providing a neutral, buttery base that lets the ham’s glaze shine. Roasted sweet potatoes or a sweet potato casserole echo the sweetness of the glaze and work particularly well on a holiday table. Green beans, whether simply sautéed with butter and garlic or prepared as a classic green bean casserole, add the fresh vegetable element the plate needs. Dinner rolls are essential for mopping up any extra glaze. For a more festive spread, cranberry sauce alongside the ham creates a sweet-tart contrast that’s deeply satisfying, and a simple vinaigrette-dressed salad cuts through the richness of the glaze with welcome acidity.
Storage
Allow leftover ham to cool to room temperature before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container, with a spoonful of the reduced glaze poured over the slices to keep them moist, for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently — low heat in a covered skillet, a brief stint in a 300°F oven covered with foil, or individual portions in the microwave with a small splash of water — to avoid drying the ham out during reheating.
A Recipe That Earns Its Place at Every Holiday Table
Crockpot Cola Ham succeeds because it asks very little and delivers a lot. The preparation is minimal, the crockpot does the work, and the result — a beautifully glazed, deeply tender ham with a rich caramelized sauce — is exactly what a centerpiece dish should be. It frees up oven space, it feeds a crowd, it produces outstanding leftovers, and it fills the house with the kind of aroma that makes an occasion feel genuinely special. Make it once and it becomes the ham recipe you return to year after year.
