There’s nothing quite like a classic Southern Baked Ham dinner, and this family-favorite recipe never disappoints!Packed with bold, savory flavor and just the right touch of sweetness, this Southern ham is my go-to for both Easter and Christmas celebrations. It always brings everyone to the table with smiles—and the secret ingredient might just surprise you!
Even better, the leftovers are incredible, and I always save the hambone to make a hearty pot of Southern-style beans the next day. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting meal for a crowd, this easy baked ham recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
This baked ham is perfect for holidays! I serve it at Easter and then again at Christmas! I also love to freeze the ham bone and use it for a pot of beans. You should try making the ham for Christmas then using the bone for your black eyed peas on New Years! I promise you will not be disappointed.
If you are looking for another fabulous meal with pork try my tender baby back ribs! Both of these go so well with my twice baked potatoes!
Ingredients
- bone in fully cooked ham
- canned pineapple chunks
- brown sugar
- Coca Cola
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
1 - Step 1: Combine pineapple juice and brown sugar to make a glaze and get pan ready with heavy duty foil
2 - Step 2: Make cross slits all over ham
3 - Step 3: Pour mixture all over ham including into the slits and rub down with hands
4 - Step 4: Add pineapple, place ham big side down in foil and add coke
5 - Step 5: Wrap very tightly in heavy duty foil
6 - Step 6: Slice and add back to juices for serving
HINT: Be sure and use a pan or glass dish with a higher side. I use a 10x15 style casserole style dish. Using 2 long pieces of heavy duty foil in the + shape will help when you need to wrap it all up.
Substitutions:
If you don't have Coca Cola, ANY carbonated drink will work great! I have used Dr. Pepper and Diet Coke!
Equipment
- higher side casserole style pan (2-3 inch side)
- heavy duty foil
- large sharp knife
- bowl and spoon for glaze
Storage
Store the left overs for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. I love to remove all ham from the bone and I wrap plastic wrap around the bone and put into freezer baggies. I save this for a pot of beans or soup. If there is to much ham to make for leftovers simply put in freezer baggies and store in freezer for 1-2 months.
Need ideas for left over ham? Try my Ham Potato and Corn Soup! And for that ham bone try my Easy Pinto Beans.
Side Dishes
These side dishes work well with a ham meal!
Baked Ham
Ingredients
- 1 ham with a bone fully cooked (I look for around 10 pounds)
- 1 can 20 oz pineapple chunks
- 1 ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 20 oz or 12 oz can Coca Cola
Instructions
- Add enough pineapple juice to brown sugar so it makes a thick sauce runny consistency. Add heavy duty foil to a large pan with a 2-3 inch depth. Foil should be in two pieces making a cross. Add ham and make x marks with a sharp knife all over. Or just pierce it all over. Pour sugar mixture all over making sure it gets into all the cuts you made and massage all over ham making sure it’s well coated. Pour extra pineapple chunks all over and into bottom of pan. Add enough Coca Cola so that it rises ½ way up to top of pan. Fold foil over ham making sure it is a tight seal. Bake at 400 for 1 hour. Then turn down to 350 for remaining time. I bake mine for an 2 ½ to 3 hours depending on size. I always go an extra 30 minutes than what package says. Making sure I’m staying aware of smell. If you suspect your ham is losing juice open up and add water or extra Coke. Do not let it cook dry. There should be plenty of juice. When done carve up. Adding the carved slices right back into the juice so it stays warm and absorbs the juice. Serve warm!
Madelyn Graf says
I can never get my husband to eat and like ham, but he LOVES this one!! Only way I’ll be making it now
Misty Tannery says
So happy this recipe is a keeper for ya'll!