Slow-Baked Brown Sugar & Cola Glazed Ham 🍖🍯🥤
A Southern classic with sticky-sweet caramelized edges, tangy mustard, and a hint of spice.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 3-4 hours (Low & Slow!) | Servings: 12+
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham (spiral-cut or whole)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for milder tang)
- 1 (12 oz) can cola (Coke, Dr Pepper, or root beer)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp ground cloves (or 1 tsp cloves + 1 tsp cinnamon)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Pineapple rings & maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prep the Ham
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Place ham flat-side down in a roasting pan. Score the fat in a diamond pattern (if not spiral-cut).
2️⃣ Make the Glaze
- Whisk together brown sugar, mustard, cola, maple syrup, vinegar, cloves, and pepper until smooth.
3️⃣ Bake Low & Slow
- Brush ½ of the glaze over the ham. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 2.5-3 hours (15 mins per pound), basting with pan juices every hour.
4️⃣ Caramelize the Glaze
- Uncover, increase heat to 400°F (200°C), brush with remaining glaze, and bake 15-20 mins until deeply golden.
- Optional: Add pineapple rings & cherries (secure with toothpicks) for the last 10 mins.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
- Let ham rest 15 mins before slicing. Drizzle with pan drippings!
🔥 Pro Tips:
🍍 Tropical Twist: Use pineapple juice instead of cola.
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add 1 tbsp bourbon or ½ tsp cayenne to the glaze.
🚫 No Cola? Substitute apple juice + 1 tbsp molasses.
“YUMMY! 😋” (This ham is legendary—juicy, fragrant, and crowd-pleasing! 💛)
Serve with scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs, and biscuits. Want a slow-cooker method? Ask below! 👇