Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
If you’re searching for the ultimate ham recipe to impress your guests, look no further. This spiral-cut ham, smoked to perfection and finished with a sweet brown sugar glaze, combines incredible flavor with simplicity. Whether it’s a festive holiday meal or a casual family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Using the best spiral ham, dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and a luscious maple cider glaze, this recipe transforms a pre-cooked ham into a gourmet masterpiece. Add an extra kiss of hardwood smoke with fruitwoods like apple or cherry for a depth of flavor you won’t forget.
Whether you’re a first-time smoker or a seasoned pitmaster, this guide is foolproof and designed for everyone. Ready to create the best holiday ham ever? Let’s get started!
What is a smoked glazed ham?
Spiral-Cut Ham
A pre-smoked ham or fresh ham works beautifully. Choose a fully-cooked bone-in ham for added moisture and flavor.
Dijon Mustard
The tangy, sharp flavor binds the rub to the ham.
Brown Sugar
Creates a caramelized crust with incredible flavor.
Pineapple Juice
Adds moisture and balances sweetness.
Unsalted Butter
It provides richness and ensures the glaze clings to the ham.
Maple Syrup
A natural sweetener with depth.
Apple Cider Drink
Adds subtle tanginess (avoid apple cider vinegar for this recipe).
Brown Sugar
Deepens the glaze’s caramelization.
How do you make smoked glazed ham?
Prepare Your Smoker
- Set your smoker to the “smoke” setting and leave the lid open for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, close the lid and set the temperature to 225 degrees. Allow the smoker to come to temperature.
Prep the Ham
- Place the ham in a disposable aluminum pan or on a sturdy baking sheet.
- Coat the ham with Dijon mustard, ensuring even coverage on the top of the ham.
- Sprinkle the light brown sugar over the mustard, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Begin Smoking
- Place the prepared ham in the smoker and let it cook for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, pour the pineapple juice over the ham and tent it with foil to lock in moisture.
Make the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the maple syrup, apple cider, and brown sugar. Stir until combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until the glaze thickens.
Glaze the Finish
- After 4 hours of smoking, remove the ham from the smoker. Pour the glaze over the entire ham, ensuring it coats every slice.
- Sprinkle additional brown sugar on the glaze for a shiny, caramelized finish.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Monitor for Internal Temperature of the Ham: Ensure a pre-cooked ham reaches 140 degrees. A fresh ham should reach 160 degrees.
- Choose the Right Wood Chips: Use fruit woods like apple or cherry for a mild, sweet smoke.
- Layer the Glaze: Apply multiple coats during the final hour for maximum flavor.
- Tent with Foil: Cover the ham with foil to trap moisture while allowing the smoke to penetrate.
- Let the Ham Rest: A 15-minute rest period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender slices.
Ham Leftover Ideas
- Breakfast Casserole: Combine diced ham, eggs, cheese, and bread cubes for a savory brunch dish.
- Split Pea Soup: Use the ham bone to create a rich stock. Add leftover ham chunks for extra flavor.
- Gourmet Sandwiches: Layer sliced ham with Swiss cheese, pickles, and Dijon mustard on fresh bread.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Wrap leftover ham in airtight containers or foil and store for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Slice ham into portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in freezer-safe bags. It will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Place slices in foil with a splash of broth or glaze. Heat in a 325-degree oven for 10-15 minutes for best results.
Why make smoked glazed ham?
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a birthday dinner, this holiday table centerpiece will wow your guests.
- Unmatched Flavor: Smoky notes from the pellet grill pair perfectly with the sweet glaze and tangy mustard rub.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves up to 50 people, making it ideal for large gatherings or events.
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is easy to follow even if it’s your first time smoking a fully-cooked bone-in ham
- Versatile Leftovers: Use leftover ham to create hearty soups, savory casseroles, or gourmet sandwiches.
This smoked ham recipe delivers everything you need for a show-stopping holiday meal. From its smoky aroma to its glossy, caramelized crust, every bite is packed with depth of flavor. Whether it’s your first time smoking a ham or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe ensures success.
Add the finishing touches to your holiday table with a ham that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. And with creative ways to use leftovers, you’ll enjoy this dish long after the celebration ends. Try it for your next special occasion, and let the compliments roll in!
FAQs
What’s the best type of ham for smoking?
Choose a spiral ham for easy preparation. Bone-in options provide extra flavor and moisture, while boneless hams are easier to carve.
Can I use any smoker for this recipe?
Absolutely. Whether you have a Traeger model, pellet smoker, or traditional smoker, you can achieve incredible results. Just ensure you maintain a consistent low temperature, around 225 degrees.
How do I keep my ham moist while smoking?
Pouring pineapple juice over the ham and tenting it with aluminum foil during the second half of the smoking process ensures it stays juicy.
Can I make this recipe in an oven?
Yes! Place the ham in a roasting pan, cover it with foil, and bake at 325 degrees. Baste with glaze every 30 minutes for best results.
Recipes You May Love
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Smoked Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole spiraled ham **without a glaze
- 1 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 small can pineapple juice
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup apple cider drink **not vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Turn your smoker on smoke with the lid open and allow it to smoke for 10 minutes. Turn the temperature up to 225, close the lid, and allow it to come up to temperature.
- While the smoker heats up, place your ham on a baking sheet or disposable baking pan. Cover the ham with 1 cup of Dijon mustard and then sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar all over it.
- Place the ham in the smoker for 2 hours. After 2 hours, remove the ham and pour 1 small can of pineapple juice on top. Cover with foil, I like to make a foil tent so that the foil does not pull off the hams topping.
- Place the ham back on the smoker for 2 additional hours.
- 30 minutes before you pull the ham off of the smoker, make the glaze.
- In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1/4 cup of apple cider drink. Stir and allow it to reach a boil. Turn the heat down and let the glaze simmer for 10 minutes.
- After 4 total hours on the smoker, remove the hams and slowly pour the glaze all over the top of the ham. Sprinkle the additional 1/4 cup of brown sugar on top of the glaze and allow the ham to rest while the brown sugar melts and the glaze sets (about 15 minutes). Enjoy!
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
I’d love to see it! Follow @_mrs.madi_ on Instagram and tag your photos with #mrsmadi.
