15-Minute Mom Florence's Glazed Ham with Cloves
A straightforward baked ham with minimal ingredients that lets the meat shine. Boneless ham gets scored, glazed with diet soda, and seasoned with warm ground cloves before roasting low and slow. Perfect for holiday tables, Sunday dinners, or feeding a crowd without fuss. This version relies on the diet soda's sweetness to create a light glaze while cloves add aromatic spice—no complicated sauce required.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- 2
Score the ham surface with a few shallow diagonal cuts.
- 3
Place ham in roasting pan and pour diet 7 Up over and into the scored pieces.
- 4
Sprinkle ground cloves inside the cut pieces and over the entire surface.
- 5
Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- 6
Bake for 15 minutes per pound until heated through.
Tips
Score the ham in a crosshatch pattern for better soda and clove penetration. Don't cut too deep—just enough to create pockets.
Ground cloves are potent; start conservatively and adjust. A little goes a long way in this simple preparation.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover ham in an airtight container up to 4 days. Slice and reheat gently in a 325F oven with a little water to prevent drying.
Prepare and score the ham up to 8 hours ahead. Keep covered in the fridge. Add soda and cloves just before baking.
Slice warm or at room temperature. Pairs well with roasted vegetables, cornbread, or a simple salad. Serve with pan juices spooned over.
Common Mistakes
Cut too deep into ham to avoid tearing the meat or losing too much shape during baking.
Use sparingly with cloves to avoid overpowering the dish; they intensify during cooking.
Keep ham covered with foil to avoid over-browning the exterior while the interior cooks through.
Substitutions
If using regular soda the glaze will be sweeter
Different but complementary warm note
FAQ
Can I use a different soda?
Yes. Regular 7 Up, ginger ale, or even sprite work well. Each adds its own sweetness and subtle flavor to the glaze. Avoid colas as they overpower the cloves.
What if my ham is larger or smaller than 3 pounds?
The baking time adjusts by the 15-minutes-per-pound rule. A 5-pound ham needs 75 minutes; a 2-pound ham needs 30 minutes. Start checking meat thermometer at 140F internal temp for fully cooked ham.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Refrigerate sliced ham in an airtight container up to 4 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve texture.