Imagine the aroma of a holiday kitchen, a buzz with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. Among the many dishes, one always stands out in my family celebrations — a lavish smoked ham. This recipe doesn’t just fill the table; it steals the show. Infused with a homemade spice rub and glazed in a sweet blend of brown sugar and maple, this ham is both indulgent and savory. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas feasts, or even a decadent Easter brunch, its magic lies in its ability to be cooked outside the confines of a cramped kitchen oven.
This exquisite dish is more than just a centerpiece; it’s a time-saver. While the ham smokes to perfection, your oven is free to work on those other beloved side dishes, easing your stress and elevating your holiday meal planning.
Space is always at a premium during festive gatherings, and the dilemma of juggling multiple oven dishes can be daunting. This is where the beauty of a smoked ham shines. It’s cooked outside, freeing up your kitchen while gracing your meal with a succulent, smoky flavor. It’s these kind of recipes that become cherished traditions.
Pair this ham with soul-warming classics like cornbread dressing, sugary candied yams, and enjoy the symphony of flavors that bursts in every mouthful.
Smoked Ham Ingredients
For this mouthwatering brown sugar glazed smoked ham, gather a bone-in ham, BBQ rub, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider for basting. For an elegant touch, use fresh fruits and herbs as striking garnishes. Details and specific quantities can be found in the recipe card below.
How Do You Make Smoked Ham?
Start your culinary adventure by prepping your smoker, loading it with wood, and bringing it to the desired heat. Spray a disposable aluminum pan with cooking spray to minimize the mess later. Swaddle your ham generously in a BBQ spice rub and place it cut-side down in your prepared pan. Let it bask in the smoker’s warmth. Around an hour in, indulge the ham with a regular basting of apple cider every 30−45 minutes to ensure it retains its juicy essence. Keep an eye on it, and if it starts to look a little dry, a foil cover will be your best friend.
As your ham creeps towards an internal temperature of 135 degrees F, conjure up a luscious brown sugar glaze on the stove. Merge butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider at a medium heat, giving them time to thicken into a golden, syrupy glaze. Once your ham emerges from the smoker, delicately drizzle your creation across its surface. Serve immediately, and witness a stream of awe-inspiring compliments!
What Temperature Do You Smoke A Ham?
For that perfect smoke, aim for 250 degrees F. If your time is flexible, experimenting with different temperatures will yield varied results.
Tips For The Perfect Smoked Ham
- The star here is a pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham, ideally around 7 pounds.
- Invest time in preparing your own BBQ rub; the balance of sweetness and savory notes is worth it. Store-bought is fine if you’re pressed for time.
- Apply the rub either just before smoking or let it sit overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- A disposable aluminum pan makes the clean-up easy and keeps things simple.
- Ensure the ham is nestled cut-side down in the pan for best results and a stellar presentation.
Pro Tip: Employ a meat thermometer to verify your ham reaches 140 degrees F at its core.
Recipe FAQs
Is smoked ham already cooked?
Most smoked hams come pre-cooked, needing only to be warmed up. Double-smoking it intensifies its flavors without overwhelming the palate.
How much ham per person?
For a bone-in ham, aim for about ¾ pound per person.
How long does it take to smoke a ham?
Smoking typically takes about 20 minutes per pound. The goal: an internal temperature hitting 140 degrees F. Consider using a remote thermometer for stress-free monitoring.
What is the best wood for smoking ham?
There’s nothing quite like apple wood chips for this recipe, complementing the glaze with subtlety. Hickory or cherry wood also make delightful options.
Flavor Variations
Jazzing up your ham is as easy as incorporating a touch of your own flair.
- Spices: Infuse the glaze with warm spices — a hint of cloves, nutmeg, allspice, or cinnamon makes for a festive twist.
- Pineapple: Attach pineapple rings to the ham with toothpicks for a tropical feel; just discard them before serving.
- Mustard: Drift towards tangy with a tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
- Sweetness: Introduce honey, molasses, or apple juice for added depth and richness.
Ultimately, the brown sugar smoked ham is the epitome of a celebratory main course — robust in flavor and refreshingly different from the usual ham routines. Its deliciously unique taste promises to make your event truly memorable.
