Looking to elevate your holiday table with a show-stopping main dish? This Smoked Holiday Ham is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness. It’s easy to prepare and will have your guests asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Follow this step-by-step guide and impress everyone with this irresistible smoked classic.
Ingredients
Food Ingredients:
- Cured Ham (10 pounds) – Pick a pre-cooked, cured ham from your local grocery store.
- Honey Mustard – Helps lock in flavor and give the rub something to stick to.
- Dark Brown Sugar – Adds a delicious caramelized sweetness.
- Our Signature Mama’s BBQ Rub – The secret to that perfect smoky-seasoned crust.
- Pineapple Juice – Keeps the ham juicy and adds a subtle tangy sweetness.
Non-Food Ingredients:
- Aluminum Foil
- Foil Pan
- Smoking Pellets – Choose your favorite for that smoky flavor; apple or cherry wood work wonderfully.
Equipment
- A pellet smoker (set to 225–230°F).
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Smoker
Set your pellet smoker to a temperature of 225–230°F. While it’s warming up, unbox your ham.
Step 2: Prep the Ham
- Unwrap the ham and use paper towels to pat it completely dry.
- Generously coat the ham with honey mustard. This helps the seasoning stick and adds a layer of tangy sweetness.
- Rub dark brown sugar all over the ham, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Finish with a sprinkle of Mama's BBQ Rub to add a smoky, flavorful kick.
Step 3: Smoke the Ham
- Place the ham directly on your smoker grates and close the lid.
- Smoke the ham for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to seep in and the crust to develop.
Step 4: Pineapple Juice Magic
- After 2 hours, remove the ham from the smoker and place it in a foil pan.
- Spray the ham thoroughly with pineapple juice for moisture and a burst of citrus flavor.
- Wrap the ham tightly with aluminum foil, sealing in the juices.
Step 5: Back to the Smoker
- Return the foil-wrapped ham to the smoker and cook for 1 hour.
- Carefully unwrap the foil, sprinkle on more dark brown sugar, and give the ham another good spray of pineapple juice.
Step 6: Finish Smoking
- Leave the ham unwrapped and close the smoker lid. Keep it on the smoker for another 1–2 hours until the glaze caramelizes beautifully and the ham is heated through.
Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve
- Take the ham off the smoker and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps all the juices settle for maximum flavor.
- Slice generously and serve to your eager guests!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Smoked Holiday Ham:
- Choose Your Pellets Wisely: For a more traditional holiday flavor, use apple or cherry wood smoking pellets. They pair beautifully with ham and enhance its natural sweetness.
- Monitor the Temperature: If your smoker has a thermometer, ensure your ham hits an internal temp of 140°F for perfect reheating and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Holiday Ham is more than a meal—it’s a centerpiece and a conversation starter. With its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfectly balanced flavors, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Time to get smoking!
