spiral ham on a pellet grill

OP Authors 2025

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18-03-2025

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Spiral Ham Perfection: Smoking a Spiral-Cut Ham on Your Pellet Grill

The aroma of smoky, sweet ham wafting from your pellet grill? Pure perfection. Spiral-cut hams are already incredibly convenient, but smoking one on your pellet grill elevates this holiday staple to a whole new level of deliciousness. This guide will walk you through achieving perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth spiral ham with a beautiful smoky bark.

Why a Pellet Grill?

Pellet grills offer unparalleled control over temperature and smoke, crucial for achieving a tender, juicy ham without drying it out. The consistent heat and infused smoke create a rich flavor profile impossible to replicate with other cooking methods.

Getting Started: What You'll Need

• Spiral-Cut Ham: Choose a fully cooked ham, as these require less cooking time and are easier to manage on a pellet grill. The size depends on your guest count.
• Pellet Grill: Any good-quality pellet grill will work.
• Pellet Grill Thermometer: Essential for monitoring internal temperature accurately.
• Meat Thermometer: A reliable instant-read thermometer is crucial for checking the ham's internal temperature.
• Aluminum Pan or Disposable Foil Pan: To catch any rendered fat.
• Your Favorite Rub (Optional): While fully cooked hams don't require additional cooking, a rub can add a fantastic layer of flavor. Brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper make a great combination.
• Apple Juice or other Liquid (Optional): For added moisture and flavor. You can use a spritzer bottle or a small drip pan.
• Wood Pellets: Choose pellets that complement ham, such as apple, hickory, or pecan.

Preparing the Ham

1. Remove the Packaging: Carefully remove the ham from its packaging and discard.
2. Score the Ham (Optional): If desired, you can lightly score the fat cap of the ham to help render the fat and allow for better smoke penetration. Don't cut too deeply!
3. Apply the Rub (Optional): If using a rub, generously apply it to all sides of the ham, ensuring it's evenly coated. Gently press the rub into the score marks, if any.

Smoking the Ham

1. Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your pellet grill to 275°F (135°C) using your chosen wood pellets.
2. Place the Ham: Place the ham in the aluminum or foil pan on the grill grates. This will help catch any drippings.
3. Maintain Temperature: Maintain the grill temperature at 275°F (135°C) throughout the cooking process.
4. Monitor Internal Temperature: Use your meat thermometer to monitor the ham's internal temperature. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
5. Add Liquid (Optional): If you're using apple juice or another liquid, spritz the ham periodically with the liquid to help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
6. Cooking Time: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the ham. A smaller ham might take 2-3 hours, while a larger ham could take 4-5 hours or more. Always rely on the internal temperature, not the estimated time.
7. Resting: Once the ham reaches the target temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Serving and Enjoying

Slice the ham and serve it with your favorite sides. The smoky flavor will be a delicious addition to your holiday meal or any special occasion.

Tips for Success:

• Don't Overcook: Overcooking a ham will result in a dry, tough product. Always rely on the internal temperature to determine doneness.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different wood pellets and rubs to find your perfect flavor combination.
• Use a reliable thermometer: An accurate meat thermometer is your best friend when smoking a ham.

With a little planning and attention to detail, you can create a truly memorable smoked spiral ham on your pellet grill. Enjoy!