Dr Pepper Glazed Spiral Cut Ham Recipe

Name: Sweet, Smoky, and Savory: The Ultimate Dr Pepper Glazed Holiday Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8–10 pound bone-in spiral ham (we used a Smoked Bone-In Heritage Ham from Crowd Cow); 24 whole cloves; 2 (16 oz) cans of Dr Pepper; 1 (20 oz) can of pineapple rings (approximately 10–12 rings); 10–12 maraschino cherries; 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice; Food safe spray bottle

December 9, 2024

This Dr Pepper Glazed Ham is the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any holiday gathering. The subtle spice and caramelized sweetness of Dr Pepper create a rich, glossy glaze that perfectly complements the smoky tenderness of a spiral-cut ham. Paired with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, this dish brings bold flavors and a touch of nostalgia to your table. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or simply want to elevate a classic, this ham delivers juicy, flavorful perfection with every bite. Get ready to wow your guests with this barbecue-inspired favorite!

Sweet, Smoky, and Savory: The Ultimate Dr Pepper Glazed Holiday Ham

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

4 hours

Calories

486

This Dr Pepper Glazed Ham is a stunning centerpiece for any celebration, combining smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with a glossy caramelized glaze. The rich, slightly spiced sweetness of Dr Pepper pairs beautifully with the natural smokiness of the ham, while pineapple rings and maraschino cherries add a fruity finish. For the best results, we recommend using a high-quality heritage ham, such as the Smoked Bone-In Heritage Ham from Crowd Cow. The exceptional flavor and tenderness of a premium ham elevate this dish to unforgettable heights. Perfectly juicy and flavorful, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and family alike.

Author:

Glenn Connaughton

Image of Sweet, Smoky, and Savory: The Ultimate Dr Pepper Glazed Holiday Ham

Ingredients

8–10 pound bone-in spiral ham (we used a Smoked Bone-In Heritage Ham from Crowd Cow)
24 whole cloves
2 (16 oz) cans of Dr Pepper
1 (20 oz) can of pineapple rings (approximately 10–12 rings)
10–12 maraschino cherries
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Food safe spray bottle

Directions

Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 275°F and choose cherry or apple wood for a sweet, fruity smoke.
Prep the Ham: Evenly stud the ham with the whole cloves. Place 1/2 cup of Dr Pepper in the bottom of a 9x13 disposable aluminum pan and then place the ham in the pan.
Mix the Spritz: Combine the remaining Dr Pepper, pineapple juice from the can, and maraschino cherry juice in a spray bottle.
Smoke the Ham: Place the aluminum pan with the ham on the smoker. Lightly spritz the ham with the Dr Pepper mixture every 45 minutes, ensuring even moisture and flavor. Continue smoking until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (about 2–2.5 hours).
Add Pineapple and Cherries: Remove the ham from the smoker and discard the cloves. Use toothpicks to attach pineapple rings to the ham, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
Finish Smoking: Return the ham to the smoker (still in the aluminum pan) and spritz every 15 minutes until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (about 1–1.5 hours).
Slice and Serve: Remove the pineapple rings, chop them into chunks, and set aside. Lay the ham on its side and slice along the bone, then into individual portions. Toss the slices back into the pan juices to coat them for extra flavor. Plate and serve alongside the pineapple chunks.

Recipe Note

This Dr Pepper Glazed Ham is a true showstopper, blending sweet, smoky, and savory elements into every tender slice. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, the combination of a high-quality heritage ham, caramelized glaze, and fruity accents will leave your guests raving. Whether you’re creating cherished memories around the table or simply indulging in incredible barbecue flavors, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to save those leftovers—they’re just as irresistible the next day! Happy cooking, and enjoy this standout centerpiece that embodies the magic of shared meals and unforgettable flavors.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, and should only be used as an approximation

Serving Size 1 serving (242 grams)
Calories 486, Carbs 39 grams, Protein 45 grams, Fat 11 grams, Saturated Fat 4.5 grams, Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1 milligrams, Monounsaturated Fat 4.5 milligrams, Cholesterol 1.6 milligrams, Sodium 4.4 milligrams, Potassium 16.2 milligrams, Sugar 39 grams