If there’s one dish that defines southern holiday tables, it’s a beautifully baked ham, cooked low and slow to perfection. Whether for Easter, Christmas, or any celebratory gathering, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. The combination of brown sugar, mustard, honey, and cola creates a glaze that’s irresistibly sweet, tangy, and sticky, locking in all the savory goodness of the ham itself. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and promises to be the centerpiece of any meal. Here’s how to create this classic recipe that’s been treasured for years.
Ingredients:
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and ensures the glaze is silky smooth.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Provides sweetness with subtle molasses undertones that complement the ham.
- 1/2 cup honey: Enhances the caramelization and deepens the glaze’s flavor profile.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Cuts through the sweetness with a mild tanginess, bringing depth and balance.
- 1 cup cola: The secret ingredient! The carbonation tenderizes the ham while adding a subtle caramel-like sweetness.
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). This low-and-slow cooking temperature ensures the ham remains tender and juicy.
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Prepare the Ham:
- Place your ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4-inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
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Make the Glaze:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Let it simmer until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Slowly add the cola, stirring continuously to incorporate.
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Glaze the Ham:
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored cuts.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
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Bake Low and Slow:
- Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
- For the final 20 minutes, remove the foil and let the glaze caramelize under the heat, forming a sticky, golden crust.
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Rest and Serve:
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
Why This Recipe is Loved
- Ease of Preparation: Simple steps with a big flavor payoff.
- Perfect Balance: Sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for gatherings, with plenty of leftovers for sandwiches or soups.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Ham
- Choose the Right Ham: A fully cooked, bone-in ham is ideal for this recipe.
- Don’t Skip the Scoring: This ensures the glaze infuses the meat for enhanced flavor.
- Baste Frequently: Keeps the ham moist and adds layers of caramelized goodness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The internal temperature should reach 140°F for reheating a precooked ham.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this sweet and savory baked ham with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes.
- Southern-style green beans or collard greens.
- Fresh cornbread or buttery dinner rolls.
- A bright, tangy pineapple coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion:
This low-and-slow baked ham with brown sugar, mustard, and cola is the ultimate holiday dish. With its perfectly caramelized crust and juicy interior, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Effortlessly impressive, it’s bound to become a staple on your family’s table. Try it for your next gathering and savor the compliments that roll in—this one’s a keeper!