Smoked ham recipe lovers all want the same thing: a ham that is deeply smoky, juicy inside, beautifully glazed, and easy enough that it doesn’t feel stressful. Whether you’re cooking for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or a weekend BBQ, this guide walks you through everything from choosing the right ham to advanced methods like a double smoked ham recipe and a Traeger smoked ham recipe.
This is not just another recipe. It’s a complete, beginner-friendly, SEO-optimized guide that explains why each step matters, so you get consistent results every time.
What You Need to Know Before Smoking a Ham
Before lighting the smoker, it’s important to understand what kind of ham you’re working with. This single decision affects time, temperature, and final texture.
Fully Cooked vs Raw Ham
Most store-bought hams are fully cooked and simply need reheating and flavor enhancement.
- Fully cooked hams are smoked to 140°F internal temperature
- Raw (fresh) hams must reach 160°F and take much longer
For beginners, a fully cooked ham is the safest and easiest option.
Bone-In vs Boneless Ham
Bone-in hams:
- Retain moisture better
- Have deeper flavor
- Are harder to slice but worth it
Boneless hams:
- Cook faster
- Slice easily
- Can dry out faster if overcooked
Bone-in hams are ideal for the best smoked ham recipe.
Spiral Cut Ham: Pros and Cons
Spiral hams look beautiful but require care.
Pros
- Easy serving
- Even glaze coverage
Cons
- Dry out faster
- Smoke penetrates unevenly
If using spiral ham, foil tenting and frequent basting are essential.
Ingredients for the Best Smoked Ham Recipe
You don’t need complicated ingredients. The magic comes from smoke + gentle heat + glaze.
Core Ingredients
- Fully cooked bone-in ham (5–10 lbs)
- Brown sugar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider or orange juice
- Butter
- Optional spices: cloves, cinnamon, smoked paprika
This balance of sweet, salty, and smoky is what makes this the best smoked ham recipe for most people.
Equipment You’ll Need
A good setup ensures even cooking and consistent smoke.
| Equipment | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Smoker (pellet, electric, charcoal) | Controls smoke & temperature |
| Meat thermometer | Prevents overcooking |
| Aluminum foil | Locks in moisture |
| Water pan | Stabilizes temperature |
| Spray bottle | Keeps ham moist |
Smoker Setup & Temperature Guide
Best Temperature for Smoking Ham
Most successful smoked hams cook between 225°F and 275°F.
- 225°F → Maximum smoke flavor, longer cook
- 250°F → Balanced flavor and time
- 275°F → Faster cook, less smoke
For beginners, 250°F is ideal.
Wood Choices for Smoked Ham
Wood choice shapes flavor.
- Apple wood – mild, sweet (best for beginners)
- Cherry wood – slightly fruity, great color
- Hickory – bold, traditional BBQ
- Mesquite – very strong, use sparingly
Apple or cherry wood works best for ham.
How to Smoke a Ham Step by Step
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Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Remove packaging and pat dry
- Score the surface in a diamond pattern
- Brush lightly with mustard or oil
- Apply a light dry rub (optional)
Let the ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Smoke the Ham
- Preheat smoker to 250°F
- Place ham cut-side down
- Add a water pan to prevent drying
- Smoke for 15–20 minutes per pound
Spritz every 30–45 minutes with apple juice or cider.
Step 3: Glaze the Ham
Glaze during the final 60–90 minutes.
- Brush glaze lightly
- Reapply every 20 minutes
- Avoid thick layers early (prevents burning)
Pull ham at 140°F internal temperature.
Traeger Smoked Ham Recipe (Pellet Grill Method)
A Traeger smoked ham recipe offers excellent temperature control and mild, clean smoke.
Traeger settings
- Temperature: 250°F
- Pellets: Apple or cherry
- No need for water pan (optional)
Traeger smokers excel at even heat, making them perfect for holiday cooking.
Double Smoked Ham Recipe (Extra Flavor Method)
A double smoked ham recipe takes a store-bought ham and transforms it into something special.
What Is Double Smoked Ham?
It’s a ham that:
- Was smoked during commercial processing
- Is smoked again at home for added flavor
How to Double Smoke a Ham
- Smoke at 225–250°F
- Keep glazing minimal early
- Focus on smoke infusion, not cooking
This method produces deep smoky flavor without drying.
Best Glaze Options for Smoked Ham
Glaze defines the final flavor.
| Glaze Type | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar & honey | Classic, crowd-pleasing |
| Maple Dijon | Sweet-savory balance |
| Apricot or pineapple | Bright and festive |
| Citrus glaze | Light, fresh finish |
Sweet glazes work best with smoky ham.
How Long to Smoke a Ham (Time Chart)
| Ham Weight | Smoker Temp | Time | Target Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 250°F | 1.5–2 hrs | 140°F |
| 8 lbs | 250°F | 2.5–3 hrs | 140°F |
| 10 lbs | 250°F | 3–3.5 hrs | 140°F |
Always cook to temperature, not time.
Internal Temperature & Food Safety
- Fully cooked ham: 140°F
- Fresh/raw ham: 160°F
- Rest ham 20–30 minutes before slicing
Carryover heat keeps the ham juicy.
Tips to Keep Smoked Ham Juicy
Dry ham is the biggest fear and totally avoidable.
Best practices
- Use a water pan
- Spritz lightly
- Tent with foil if browning too fast
- Rest before slicing
Most dry ham comes from overcooking, not lack of glaze.
Common Mistakes When Smoking a Ham
Learning from others saves frustration.
- Using too much mesquite
- Skipping thermometer
- Glazing too early
- Smoking spiral ham uncovered
- Not resting before slicing
Avoid these and results improve instantly.
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Serving Suggestions for Smoked Ham
Smoked ham pairs beautifully with:
- Scalloped potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
- Fresh salads
- Ham sandwiches the next day
It’s incredibly versatile.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Smoked Ham
Storage
- Fridge: 3–4 days
- Freezer: 2–3 months
Reheating
- Wrap in foil
- Add splash of broth
- Reheat at 300°F until warm
This keeps moisture intact.
FAQs About Smoked Ham Recipe
Can you smoke a ham that’s already cooked?
Yes. Most smoked ham recipes use fully cooked hams.
What’s the best wood for ham?
Apple or cherry wood.
Can I smoke ham the day before?
Absolutely. Reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts: How to Make the Best Smoked Ham Recipe at Home
A great smoked ham recipe doesn’t require fancy gear or professional skills. It requires patience, temperature control, and balance. Whether you choose a classic approach, a Traeger smoked ham recipe, or a bold double smoked ham recipe, the result is the same: juicy, flavorful ham that impresses every time.
Once you try this method, it becomes a holiday tradition and possibly your new signature dish.
