Amazing Southern Style Baked Ham

This recipe brings together sweet and savory flavors for a deliciously tender ham that's perfect for any gathering. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.

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TIME2 hr 15 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless picnic ham, or more to taste sea salt to taste ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup sorghum syrup 2 tablespoons brown mustard 1 tablespoon brandy 1 tablespoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 24 whole cloves 2 cups brewed coffee, or as needed

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your ham and place it fat side up on a rack inside a roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a crisscross pattern and sprinkle some sea salt over it.

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Step 2

In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, sorghum syrup, brown mustard, brandy, dry mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to make a delicious basting sauce. Brush about a third of this mixture over the top of the ham, then press cloves into the scored fat for extra flavor. Pour some coffee into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep things moist while it cooks.

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Step 3

Pop the ham in the oven and every 30 minutes, brush it with more of that basting sauce. Keep doing this until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which should take around two hours. Once it’s done, let it rest a bit before slicing and serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep the ham moist.
- Glaze the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking for a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is full of rich, smoky flavors with a touch of sweetness that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect for gatherings and special occasions because it’s easy to prepare and always turns out juicy and tender.

Serving ideas

Serve with classic Southern sides like collard greens, cornbread, and mashed sweet potatoes. A fresh green salad or coleslaw also pairs nicely to balance the rich flavors.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in freezer bags for up to 2 months, making sure to remove as much air as possible.