This southern 3-ingredient brown sugar ham is exactly the kind of no-fuss, high-reward recipe my dad insists on every spring Sunday dinner. It’s inspired by the classic Southern baked ham tradition, where a simple sweet crust and long, slow roasting turn an inexpensive bone-in ham into something company-worthy. No cloves, no pineapple rings, no complicated glaze—just ham, brown sugar, and a splash of cola doing quiet magic in the oven. It’s ideal when you want a centerpiece that feels nostalgic and special without demanding your whole afternoon.
Serve this ham sliced thick with classic Southern-leaning sides: creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy grits, tender green beans, and a pan of cornbread or soft dinner rolls to catch the syrupy brown sugar drippings. Leftovers are wonderful in ham biscuits with a swipe of mustard, folded into scrambled eggs, or diced into a bean soup later in the week. A crisp green salad or simple coleslaw balances the sweetness and richness nicely.
Southern 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Ham
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients
1 fully cooked bone-in half ham (8–10 pounds), shank or butt portion
2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
1 cup cola (not diet), room temperature
Pages: 1 2
