This Southern Brown Sugar Ham is proof that simple recipes can deliver incredible flavor. With just three ingredients, you get a tender, juicy ham coated in a rich, sticky, caramelized glaze that’s perfect for holidays or family gatherings.

Sweet, savory, and irresistibly glossy—this is the kind of centerpiece dish that disappears fast!

🍖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 3 ingredients
Perfect for holidays or special occasions
Sweet, caramelized glaze with minimal effort
Feeds a crowd (10–12 servings)
Great for leftovers

🧾 Ingredients

1 fully cooked bone-in smoked ham (8–10 lbs, not spiral-cut)
2 cups brown sugar (light or dark)
1/2 cup cola or ginger ale (room temperature)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Set oven to 325°F (165°C)
Place rack in lower third

2. Prepare the Ham

Remove packaging and any plastic pieces
Place ham cut-side down in roasting pan
Score the fat in a crosshatch pattern (about 1/4 inch deep)

3. Make the Glaze

Mix brown sugar and cola (or ginger ale)
Stir until thick and spreadable

4. Coat the Ham

Spread glaze over the ham, pressing into scored areas
Add any extra glaze around the base

5. Bake Covered

Tent loosely with foil
Bake ~1½ hours (about 10 minutes per pound)
Baste once or twice

6. Caramelize the Glaze

Remove foil
Bake another 30–45 minutes
Baste every 10–15 minutes
Cook until glossy and caramelized
Internal temp should reach 140°F (60°C)

7. Rest & Serve

Let rest 15–20 minutes
Slice and serve with pan juices spooned over

✨ Tips for Best Results

Score the fat well for better glaze absorption
Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor
Tent dark spots with foil to prevent burning
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization (watch closely!)

🔁 Variations

Swap cola for:
- Orange soda
- Apple soda
Use ginger ale for a lighter sweetness
Choose:
- Shank end → leaner
- Butt end → richer, more marbled

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve with:

Mashed potatoes
Green beans
Roasted carrots
Mac and cheese
Cornbread

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: 4–5 days
Great for:
- Sandwiches
- Omelets
- Beans or soups

👉 Reheat gently with a little juice to keep it moist.

❓ FAQs

Can I use a smaller ham?
Yes—reduce glaze (about 1½ cups sugar + 1/3 cup cola).

Can I make this ahead?
Yes—bake, slice, then reheat gently with juices.

Why not spiral ham?
It can dry out more easily during baking.

A simple and delicious baked ham with a sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze made from just three ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

8-10 lb bone-in smoked ham (fully cooked)
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup cola or ginger ale

Equipment

roasting pan
Knife
Mixing bowl

Method

Preheat oven to 325°F and position rack in lower third.
Place ham cut-side down in roasting pan and score the fat in a crosshatch pattern.
Mix brown sugar and cola until a thick paste forms.
Spread mixture over ham, pressing into scored fat.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1 1/2 hours, basting occasionally.
Remove foil and bake 30–45 minutes more, basting every 10–15 minutes until caramelized.
Rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving with pan juices.

Notes

Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

🧡 Final Thoughts

This Southern 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Ham is the ultimate “low effort, high reward” recipe. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a guaranteed showstopper for any table.

Southern 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Ham (Easy Holiday Favorite)