Southern Style Cola Ham

 5/5

This Southern Style Cola Ham is both simple and sweet! With only 5 ingredients and a classic flavor, this ham is perfect for any special occasion!

Anybody who has been here before knows how creative the south can be with their cola. Where the rest of the country sees it as a sweet beverage that pairs perfectly with movie theater popcorn and summer cookouts, the south sees it as a culinary asset. From dinner to desserts, cola is used to add a touch of southern sweetness to almost any dish, even baked ham!

Whenever I think about southern family cooking, I immediately think of holiday dinners. Since I did not grow up living close to my family in Mississippi, most of my time spent with them was during summer breaks or holidays. A typical Mississippi holiday meal consisted of giant hams or turkeys, more sides than I could count, and family members scattered around the house eating anywhere they could find a seat. Once finished, they compliment the fixins, take a nap, and then eat again!

To me, ham has always been quintessentially southern. That doesn’t mean that the rest of the country does not have delicious ham but instead, it is always associated with my southern memories. From a classic baked ham to a ham steak to country fried ham to ham soup to ham and beans, they have truly embraced its versatility and this recipe is no exception. With only 5 ingredients and minimal prep time, this baked ham is both simple and delicious!

This unique twist on traditional baked ham is perfect for your next holiday gathering (or anytime you happen to have an extra ham lying around). The saltiness of the ham pairs perfectly with the sticky sweetness of the cola and keeps the ham moist and delicious. This simple recipe also makes for delicious leftovers so slap it on some bread with some cheese and mayo for a hearty ham sandwich or pair it with eggs and cheese for a fresh morning omelet!

Serving Suggestions and Adaptations

Swap out the cola! – Feel like changing things up? Try this recipe using flavored cola for a bit of a twist!
Prep for a crowd! – Need to feed a crowd? If you’re using a whole smoked ham instead of a half simply double the amount of cola!
Not a potato fan? – The sweet potatoes are totally optional! If you’re not a fan of the canned variety feel free to use fresh sweet potatoes (just cook them beforehand) or omit them completely!

Fun Fact!

Any soda found in the south is referred to as “coke.” Whenever you order at a restaurant the server will usually ask you what kind of “coke” you want…ginger ale? Sprite? It’s all coke to me!

To Save for Later…

Because this recipe serves 30, it also makes for delicious leftovers! Carve and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It can also be stored in airtight freezer bags and stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Whole Cola ham on a wooden cutting board topped with sliced pineapple

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