Pork

Moist Oven-Baked Ham with Spiced Rum + Brown Sugar Glaze

Whether it’s Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner, baked ham is a classic and tried-and-true meal that I think every family loves (even my Hispanic family!). It really is the best of the best when done correctly. I took a page out of my Brown Sugar Glazed Kielbasa…

  • Ready 2 hours
  • Serves 10 servings
  • Prep 30 minutes
  • Cook 2 hours
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Moist Oven-Baked Ham with Spiced Rum + Brown Sugar Glaze

I took a page out of my Brown Sugar Glazed Kielbasa Bites recipe and got inspired to make a brown sugar glaze that would be perfect for baked ham.

I added rum to spice things up. Baked ham made with rum and Coke? Imagine that. It’s like a baked ham a la Cuba Libre cocktail. This delicious brown sugar-glazed baked ham is moist and tender with a hint of caramelized sweetness from the glaze.

Let me show you how to bring this beauty to life.

How To Make Baked Ham

I let the ham sit out while I throw together the glaze. Just Coke, brown sugar, Dijon, lime, and a pinch of salt. It simmers until slightly thick, then I stir in the rum at the end so it doesn’t cook off.

The ham bakes low and slow, covered in foil with a splash of Coke in the pan to keep it juicy. During the last bit, I glaze it up and let it finish uncovered so the outside gets all caramelized and sticky. SO GOOD.

All you need in 6 ingredients to make these brown sugar and spiced rum-glazed baked ham

Roasting Pan

I highly recommend this nonstick roasting pan! It features a removable chrome-plated rack that raises meats up to allow fats to drip away.

sliced baked ham on a white platter, lemon slices, and sage leaves

You’ll want about half a pound of ham per person, so a 5-pounder feeds around 10 people. As for cooking time, the rule is 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. Just make sure it hits 145°F inside.

To keep things juicy, I pour a cup of Coke in the pan and wrap the whole thing tightly in foil. That steam really helps. For sides, go with whatever you’re craving. I love it with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.

Recipe

Moist Oven-Baked Ham with Spiced Rum + Brown Sugar Glaze

Moist, tender, oven-baked ham glazed with a bold rum and Coke brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, glossy finish. This glaze is inspired by a classic Cuba Libre cocktail – sweet cola, spiced rum, and lime. Perfect for the holidays, but easy enough for Sunday dinner, you’ll actually look forward to.

  • Serves 10 servings
  • Prep 30 minutes
  • Cook 2 hours
  • Total 2 hours

Ingredients

  • 5 lbs bone-in fully smoked half ham butt (skin trimmed (not the spiral one))
  • 3 cups Coca-Cola (divided)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup spiced rum (or bourbon)
  • Lemon slices and fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Remove the ham from the fridge and bring it to room temperature.

  2. 2

    Make the brown sugar glaze. In a saucepan, whisk 2 cups of Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Dijon, lime juice, and salt.

  3. 3

    Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until the glaze has slightly thickened and reduced. Remove from the heat and stir in the rum. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Set aside.

  4. 4

    Preheat the oven to 325°F.

  5. 5

    Place the ham, flat side down, in a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of Coca-Cola into the pan. This will help to keep the steam in so the ham is super moist.

  6. 6

    Cover completely in aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham registers 130ºF.

  7. 7

    In the last 25 minutes of baking time, remove the foil from the ham and brush the brown sugar glaze all over.

  8. 8

    Place the ham back in the oven (without the foil) and continue baking until golden brown. The ham is fully cooked when a food thermometer reads 145°F internal temp. Careful not to overcook it, or you will end up drying it out.

  9. 9

    Remove ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice the ham and serve with the leftover brown sugar glaze. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving1 serving
  • Calories551 kcal
  • Protein49 g
  • Fat38 g
  • Saturated Fat14 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat4 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat18 g
  • Cholesterol141 mg
  • Sodium2692 mg
  • Potassium649 mg
  • Calcium16 mg
  • Iron2 mg