A glazed baked ham with a golden-brown crust, sliced and served on a platter with garnishes.

Southern Baked Ham with Brown Sugar, Honey, and Cola Glaze

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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

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. 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

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. 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

  1. Brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts.
  2. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

5. Bake Low and Slow

  1. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes per pound, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
  2. 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

  1. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
  2. 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!

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