7up Ham Recipe: Sweet and Savory Glazed Delight

This glazed ham recipe transforms an ordinary holiday centerpiece into something extraordinary with a simple yet brilliant technique.

The secret lies in using 7up to create a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This method ensures the ham stays juicy while developing a sticky, golden crust that everyone will love.

With minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results that will impress your guests. The soda adds a subtle citrus note that balances the richness of the ham.

The best part? It requires less than 10 minutes of prep before the oven does all the work. Here’s how to make it perfect every time.

Ingredients for 7up Ham

Transform your holiday ham with these carefully selected ingredients for a show-stopping centerpiece.

The ham is the foundation—opt for a bone-in, fully cooked variety (8-10 lbs serves 12-16). HoneyBaked Ham or Smithfield are reliable brands at most supermarkets. Spiral-cut saves carving time and ensures even glaze coverage. For the soda, full-sugar 7up is essential; diet versions lack the caramelization properties. Look for brown sugar with fine grains for better dissolution in the glaze.

No 7up? Sprite or Mountain Dew work in a pinch (though flavor profiles differ slightly). Swap Dijon for yellow mustard at half the amount if needed. For a spice variation, allspice or nutmeg can replace cloves. The vinegar is flexible—white vinegar or lemon juice offer similar acidity. Butter can be omitted for a lighter glaze, though the richness will be less pronounced.

Leftovers keep beautifully. Store wrapped tightly in foil for 5-7 days in the fridge or freeze slices for 2-3 months. The glaze can be made 2 days ahead and reheated gently before applying. Always bring ham to room temperature before reheating to maintain moisture and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for 7up Glazed Ham

Master this technique for a perfectly caramelized, tender ham with minimal effort.

Step 1: Prepare the Ham and Preheat Oven

Remove the 8 lb Bone-In Fully Cooked Ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it cut-side down in a roasting pan or baking dish that accommodates its size. This spiral-cut variety requires no additional slicing, making serving effortless.

Preheat your oven to 325°F. The low-and-slow approach ensures the ham heats evenly throughout without drying out. While the oven preheats, leave the ham at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to take the chill off before glazing.

Step 2: Create the 7up Glaze Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups 7up Soda, 1.5 cups Light Brown Sugar, 0.5 cup Dijon Mustard, 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tsp Ground Cloves, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter, 0.25 cup Honey, 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper, and 0.5 tsp Kosher Salt.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir frequently to prevent burning, especially as the sugars caramelize. You want the glaze to coat the back of a spoon but remain pourable.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze and Bake

Once the oven reaches 325°F, brush the ham generously with about half of the prepared glaze, making sure to get into all the crevices of the spiral cuts. This first coating creates a flavorful base and prevents the ham from drying out during baking.

Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour. The foil traps steam, keeping the meat moist while the glaze begins to work its magic. Halfway through this baking period, carefully baste the ham with the pan juices to redistribute the flavors evenly.

Step 4: Uncover and Caramelize the Glaze

After the initial hour, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham, again ensuring complete coverage. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes.

Watch closely during this phase—the sugars in the glaze will caramelize quickly. You’re aiming for a deep amber, glossy finish that forms a slightly sticky crust. If the glaze begins to darken too rapidly, tent the ham with foil to prevent burning while allowing the rest to catch up.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the ham from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice remains moist and flavorful.

Serve the ham directly from the bone or slice it into individual portions. The spiral cuts make serving straightforward—simply follow the pre-cut lines. Any remaining glaze from the pan can be reheated gently and served on the side for those who prefer extra sweetness.

Make-Ahead Tips for 7up ham

Glaze Prep Ahead

You can make the 7up glaze up to 2 days in advance. Simply prepare the mixture, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat for 5-7 minutes until it returns to a pourable consistency.

Ham Prep Timing

If using a pre-cooked ham, you can take it out of the fridge the night before baking. This allows it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking. Just

Oven Space Management

For holiday meals, I always plan my oven schedule. Bake the ham first, then use the residual heat for side dishes. A fully cooked ham needs about 12-15 minutes per pound in the oven, so an 8 lb ham will take around 1.5-2 hours total. 🔥

Make-Ahead Serving

You can slice the ham up to 1 day before serving. Arrange the slices on a platter, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. To serve, warm the slices in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes, then brush with warm glaze.

Glaze Storage

Any leftover glaze can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. It thickens as it cools, so thin it with a little water or more 7up when reheating. This makes a great addition to sandwiches or as a topping for roasted vegetables.

Reheating Tips

To reheat the entire ham, wrap it in foil and place it in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes per pound. Add a splash of water or apple juice to the pan to keep it moist. Uncover for the last 20 minutes to re-crisp the glaze. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions