A Southern Baked Ham is the star of any holiday table, especially during Easter. This recipe combines sweet brown sugar, rich honey, tangy mustard, and fizzy cola for a glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Slow-cooked to perfection, this ham is juicy, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Glaze: The cola adds depth and caramelization, while the brown sugar and honey create a sweet, sticky finish.
- Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for gatherings, this ham is easy to prepare and serves many.
- Traditional Favorite: A must-have for Southern Easter celebrations or any special occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the glaze in advance for stress-free cooking.
Ingredients for Southern Baked Ham
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup cola (not diet)
For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7–8 lbs)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it in a large roasting pan, flat side down.
2. Make the Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and cola. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Score the Ham
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern, creating a diamond-shaped design. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and caramelize beautifully.
4. Glaze the Ham
- Brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
5. Bake Low and Slow
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes per pound, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
- For a 7–8 lb ham, this will take approximately 2–2.5 hours.
6. Caramelize the Glaze
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the ham with any remaining glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to caramelize the glaze, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Rest and Serve
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, citrus slices, or pineapple rings for an elegant presentation.
Tips for Perfect Southern Baked Ham
- Choose the Right Cola: Regular cola provides the best caramelization. Avoid diet versions.
- Don’t Skip Scoring: Scoring the ham ensures the glaze penetrates deeply for maximum flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For safety, the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) when reheating a fully cooked ham.
- Leftovers Idea: Use leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles for delicious second-day meals.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Pair with scalloped potatoes, green beans, or cornbread dressing.
- Bread Basket: Serve with warm dinner rolls or buttery biscuits to soak up the glaze.
- Sweet Accompaniments: Add a fresh fruit salad or cranberry sauce for balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly as spiral-cut hams cook faster. Be careful not to dry it out.
What if I don’t have cola?
Apple juice, pineapple juice, or even ginger ale can work as substitutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze baked ham?
Yes, slice the ham and freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat ham without drying it out?
Reheat slices in the oven, covered with foil, at 275°F (135°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Conclusion: A Southern Classic
This Southern Baked Ham with Brown Sugar, Honey, and Cola Glaze is a true centerpiece dish. Perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, it’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time. Whether for Easter, Thanksgiving, or any celebration, this ham will have everyone asking for seconds.
Make it part of your holiday tradition today!