If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly simple, this 7up-glazed slow cooker ham fits the bill. The subtle sweetness and gentle fizz of 7up infuses right into the ham, creating a succulent, perfectly balanced bite. Plus, it couldn’t be easier—just let your slow cooker do most of the work!
Ingredients
- 1 (5- to 6-pound) fully cooked spiral-cut ham
- 1 can (12 ounces) 7up
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional but adds warm spice)
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Place the ham, cut side down, in your slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the 7up, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Slowly pour this sweet, aromatic mixture over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the slices.
Cover and cook on low heat for about 4 to 5 hours, occasionally spooning the glaze over the meat for extra flavor. The ham is already cooked, so you’re really just warming it through and allowing flavors to mingle. When the ham is tender and warmed, carefully remove it to a serving platter. If you’d like a thicker glaze, pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan and simmer until reduced and sticky. Drizzle it over the ham for a glistening, picture-perfect finish.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—minimal effort with maximum reward. It’s delightful for family get-togethers, holiday feasts, and casual Sunday dinners. For a slightly lighter version, you can use a reduced-sugar soda or swap in fruit juice if you’d prefer to avoid carbonation.
You could also add whole cloves or slices of fresh pineapple for extra flair. However you customize it, your slow cooker will transform an ordinary ham into a memorable, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
