Grilled Ham

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Are you looking for a declious ham recipe for your holiday table or weeknight meal? This grilled ham becomes a smoky, caramelized centerpiece that will have your family asking for seconds. With a perfect blend of sweet brown sugar glaze and subtle smoky flavor from the grill, this is perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or an easy Sunday night dinner with friends or family. ,

Ham on the Grill

With a simple homemade rub and a sticky-sweet glaze, this ham is grilled to crispy, caramelized perfection on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside.

Grilling ham is the ultimate way to elevate a classic dish. It adds layers of smoky flavor, a golden-brown crust, and frees up your oven for those must-have side dishes.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, an Easter lunch, or any special gathering, this recipe delivers big on flavor while being easy enough for beginners. The secret? A dynamite dry rub and a warm glaze that takes the natural flavors of ham to the next level.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll learn how to select the perfect ham, prep it for the grill, and lock in all those irresistible flavors.

Ingredients

• Fully Cooked Ham (Bone-In Or Boneless)
• Whole Cloves
• Olive Oil
• Dijon Mustard
• Honey
• Dried Thyme
• Ground Black Pepper

For The Glaze

• Brown Sugar
• Bourbon (Or Apple Juice For Non-Alcoholic Version)
• Dijon Mustard
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Ground Cinnamon
• Ground Cloves

How To Grill Ham

Score and Add the Cloves

Remove the ham from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.

Score the fat in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, which helps render the fat and create a crispy exterior. If desired, insert whole cloves into the scored fat for an additional aromatic flavor.

Before seasoning the ham, carefully insert whole cloves into the scored diamond pattern of the fat. Space cloves evenly, about 1-2 inches apart. Push cloves in at a slight angle, with the pointy end going into the ham

Apply The Rub

Prepare a seasoning mixture by whisking together:

• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Dried thyme
• Ground black pepper

Coat the ham before with a good layer of rub, make sure you get in all the nooks.

Setting Up the Grill

Set the temperature of your grill to 25-350°F, and add wood chips like apple or hickory for additional smoky flavor. Then prepare your grill for indirect heat:

• For charcoal grills: Place hot coals on one side of the grill
• For gas grills: Turn one side to low or off, creating a cooler zone

Making The Glaze

Combine all glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Then, put in a saucepan and whisk over medium heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Grilling

Place the ham on the cooler side of the grill using indirect heat. Close the grill lid to maintain a consistent temperature. Grill approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.

Baste the ham every 30 minutes with the prepared glaze to keep it moist and add depth of flavor.

Finishing Up

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. A fully cooked ham should reach 140°F. Watch the exterior to prevent burning – if it starts to char, move to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat.

Once done, let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

What Temperature to Grill Precooked Ham

Maintain a grill temperature of 325-350°F. The internal temperature is crucial—heat the ham until it reaches 140°F, using a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately.

For precooked ham, the goal is to heat it thoroughly while adding flavor and creating a delicious exterior. Cooking time is typically 15-20 minutes per pound. During grilling, baste the ham every 30 minutes with your sweet glaze to keep it moist and add depth of flavor. If the ham begins to brown too quickly, move it to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat.

Leftovers and Storage

Once cooled, store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently to prevent drying out – a low oven (around 325°F) or microwave with a damp paper towel works well. Leftover ham is excellent in sandwiches, salads, omelets, or diced into soups and casseroles.

What to Serve Grilled Ham

Grilled ham pairs wonderfully with various side dishes and accompaniments; here are some of my favorites.

Grilled Carrots

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

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Smoke On!

Charlie

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