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

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!

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🍖 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

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🧾 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)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

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

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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)

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3. Make the Glaze

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

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4. Coat the Ham

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

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5. Bake Covered

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

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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)

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7. Rest & Serve

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

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✨ 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!)

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🔁 Variations

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

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Mac and cheese
• Cornbread

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🧊 Storage & Leftovers

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

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

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❓ 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.

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🧡 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.