Never tried this before but it turned out great! Crowd pleaser!

There's something truly comforting about a home-cooked meal that's been brewing in the kitchen all day, filling the house with delightful aromas that promise a tasty supper ahead. That's exactly the kind of warmth my Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ham brings to the table. This dish is a little twist on the traditional glazed ham, using Cherry Cola to create a unique, sweet flavor that's sure to charm family and friends alike. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and its nostalgic nod to potluck favorites. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with more time to spend with loved ones.

To complement the sweetness of the Cherry Cola Ham, I like to serve sides that balance the meal. A scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy baked sweet potato are always popular at my table. Add some green beans almondine or a crisp garden salad to bring in some freshness. And of course, warm buttered dinner rolls are a must for sopping up any of that scrumptious glaze.

Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ham
Servings: 8-10

- 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham (about 7-8 pounds)
- 1 can (12 ounces) cherry cola
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup cherry preserves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1. Begin by placing your spiral-cut ham into the slow cooker. If your cooker is on the smaller side, you might need to trim the ham slightly to fit.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cherry cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until well blended.

3. Pour the mixture over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the slices a bit for maximum flavor infusion.

4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully. Baste the ham with the cola mixture every hour or so to keep it moist and flavorful.

5. Once done, transfer the ham to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Meanwhile, you can pour the remaining juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer it until slightly reduced for a delectable glaze.

6. Drizzle the glaze over the ham slices and serve warm.

- If cherry cola isn't your thing or you just want to mix it up, root beer or another dark cola can also work as a tasty alternative for the glaze.
- For a thicker glaze, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and whisk it into the juices before reducing. It'll give you a nice, syrupy consistency.
- If handling a whole ham is a bit daunting, feel free to use ham steaks instead. They'll cook quicker and are perfect for a mid-week version of this dish.
- Got leftovers? Cherry Cola Ham makes for delicious sandwiches the next day. Just layer up some ham, your favorite cheeses, and a dollop of that leftover glaze on a crusty roll. Warm it briefly in the oven, and you've got yourself a heavenly lunch.

This Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ham is a wonderful way to bring some sweetness to your savory table. It's perfect for those special family gatherings or just a comfy Sunday dinner. Enjoy, and don't be surprised when it becomes a new family favorite!