spiral ham on the traeger

OP Authors 2025

2 min read

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18-03-2025

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Traeger Spiral Ham: A Smoky, Sweet, and Simple Easter Feast

Forget the oven! This year, elevate your Easter ham with the smoky goodness of your Traeger grill. This guide walks you through achieving a perfectly cooked, succulent spiral ham that's guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The smoky flavor infused by the Traeger transforms this classic dish into something truly special.

Why a Traeger for Spiral Ham?

Traeger grills, known for their consistent low-and-slow cooking, are ideal for spiral hams. The even heat distribution ensures the ham cooks thoroughly without drying out, while the wood chips add a depth of flavor you simply can't achieve in a conventional oven. This method yields a moist, tender ham with a beautiful smoky aroma that will fill your backyard.

What You'll Need:

• A fully cooked spiral ham: This is crucial. You're not cooking the ham from raw; you're simply reheating and adding flavor. Choose a size appropriate for your gathering.
• Your Traeger grill: Prepped and ready to go!
• Wood chips: Hickory, applewood, or a blend are excellent choices for ham. Experiment to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Aluminum foil: To create a drip pan to catch excess juices.
• Basting brush: For applying glaze.
• Your favorite ham glaze: (Recipe ideas below!)

Getting Started:

1. Prepare your Traeger: Preheat your Traeger to 275°F (135°C). Set it for indirect heat; you don't want the ham directly over the flames.
2. Prepare the drip pan: Line a disposable aluminum pan with foil for easy cleanup. This will catch any drippings from the ham.
3. Place the ham: Carefully place the spiral ham on the grill grates, directly over the drip pan.
4. Cook the ham: Cook the ham for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. This is just a guideline; cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of your ham.
5. Add the glaze: During the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, begin basting the ham with your favorite glaze. This adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the flavor.

Glaze Ideas:

• Classic Brown Sugar Glaze: Combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Maple Bourbon Glaze: Mix maple syrup, bourbon, and a pinch of ground cloves for a sophisticated twist.
• Honey Garlic Glaze: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger for a savory-sweet glaze.

Tips for Traeger Ham Perfection:

• Don't overcrowd the grill: Ensure adequate space around the ham for even heat circulation.
• Monitor the temperature: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the safe internal temperature.
• Rest the ham: Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes after cooking before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
• Get creative with wood chips: Experiment with different wood chip blends to find your perfect smoky flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Traeger spiral ham alongside your favorite Easter sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole are all excellent choices.

Enjoy your deliciously smoky and tender Traeger spiral ham! It's a guaranteed showstopper for your Easter gathering. Remember to adjust cooking times based on the size of your ham and always use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety. Happy grilling!