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### Step 4: Roast the Ham
Once the ham is fully coated with the glaze, cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the moisture in and ensures that the ham cooks evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it cook for **2 to 2 1/2 hours**, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of **140°F (60°C)**. The low and slow cooking process will help the ham become tender and juicy, while also allowing the glaze to caramelize.
Every 30 minutes, you can baste the ham with the glaze to keep it moist and infuse more flavor into the meat. Once the ham is done, remove the foil and let the ham cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze becomes bubbly and caramelized.
### Step 5: Rest and Slice
After the ham has finished roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that the ham remains tender and moist when sliced.
Once rested, use a sharp knife to carve the ham. Slice it into thick, hearty pieces and serve it with the leftover glaze from the roasting pan for dipping. The sweet and savory glaze complements the richness of the ham perfectly, creating a flavorful bite with every slice.
### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For a touch of freshness, you can garnish the ham with freshly chopped **parsley** or **herbs**. For a festive touch, add **orange slices** around the serving platter to add a pop of color and a citrusy aroma.
This baked ham pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides such as **mashed potatoes**, **collard greens**, **macaroni and cheese**, and **cornbread**. The sweet, savory flavor of the ham shines through and makes for a memorable meal that everyone will love.
## Tips for Success
– **Choose the right ham**: For the best flavor and texture, choose a bone-in ham, preferably with a bit of fat marbling. This will ensure that the ham stays juicy and tender while cooking.
– **Baste regularly**: Basting the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes ensures that the ham stays moist and gets a beautiful caramelized finish.
– **Let it rest**: Don’t skip the resting time after the ham is cooked. Allowing the meat to rest before slicing ensures that the juices are evenly distributed, resulting in tender and flavorful slices.
– **Make extra glaze**: If you have guests who love extra sauce, feel free to make a bit more glaze and serve it on the side for dipping.
– **Adjust sweetness**: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. Alternatively, you can add more mustard for extra tanginess.
## Conclusion
Baked ham with brown sugar, mustard, and cola is the quintessential Southern recipe that should be on every holiday table. The slow-cooked ham becomes tender and succulent, while the glaze caramelizes into a sweet and savory masterpiece. Whether you’re making it for Easter, a family dinner, or a special celebration, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal that embodies the essence of Southern comfort food. From the sweet glaze to the melt-in-your-mouth meat, every bite of this baked ham will leave your guests coming back for more.
Next time you’re planning a big gathering, make sure to add this recipe to your menu. It’s a classic that will never go out of style. Happy cooking, and enjoy your perfectly baked ham!
