Doubled Smoked Ham

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Double smoking a ham might seem like extra work, but it’s actually one of the easiest ways to elevate a holiday meal. You’re taking a fully cooked ham and smoking it to add layers of flavor that oven-baking just can’t achieve.

The diamond scoring creates pockets for the glaze to settle and caramelize into a sticky, flavorful coating. I make this for Easter and Christmas now, and it’s become my favorite way to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen.

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Easy Glazed Doubled Smoked Ham

Double smoking is actually one of the most relaxing ways to prepare a holiday centerpiece. You’re starting with a fully cooked ham, so there’s no pressure—just adding flavor while the smoker does the work.

The smoke penetrates those scored cuts, and each glaze layer builds into that glossy finish. Perfect for Easter Sunday, Christmas dinner, or any special gathering where you want to impress without the fuss.

What is Double Smoked Ham?

Double smoked ham, also called twice smoked ham, is a fully cooked store-bought ham that gets smoked a second time. The ham was already smoked during processing, and smoking it again at home adds an extra layer of hardwood flavor that transforms it from ordinary to exceptional. This method lets you infuse deeper smoke flavor while warming the ham and creating the perfect surface for a caramelized glaze.

What You’ll Need

• Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham – Select a ham labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”.
• Whole Cloves – Purchase whole rather than ground—they should feel firm and oily, releasing a powerful sweet-spicy fragrance when crushed.
• Brown Sugar
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Honey
• Yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, cayenne pepper

Ingredient Substitutes

Maple Syrup for Honey – Swap honey with pure maple syrup in equal amounts for a more woodsy, autumnal flavor profile. The glaze will be slightly thinner but equally delicious, with maple’s distinctive flavor complementing the smoke beautifully.

Orange Juice for Pineapple Juice – Fresh-squeezed orange juice provides similar acidity and fruitiness to pineapple juice while adding subtle citrus brightness. This substitution works particularly well if you’re using orange blossom honey in the glaze.

Coconut Aminos for Dijon Mustard – For a gluten-free option, replace Dijon mustard with coconut aminos mixed with a touch of apple cider vinegar. This creates a similar tangy-savory base without gluten concerns, though the flavor will be slightly sweeter and less sharp.

Smoked Paprika for Cayenne – If you prefer less heat, substitute cayenne pepper with smoked paprika for additional smoke flavor without the spice. You’ll maintain the warm color in the glaze while keeping it family-friendly.

How to Cook Double Smoked Ham

Step 1: Score and Stud the Ham

Pat your fully cooked ham completely dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the fat and outer layer in diagonal lines approximately 1 to 1.5 inches apart, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. Rotate the ham and score diagonal lines in the opposite direction, creating diamond shapes across the entire surface.

Press one whole clove firmly into the center of each diamond until just the round top remains visible. Brush the entire surface with yellow mustard, sprinkle with brown sugar, and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes while your smoker preheats.

Step 2: Begin the Smoking Process

Preheat your smoker to 225°F using your preferred wood chips. Place the ham fat-side up in a disposable aluminum pan and position it on the smoker grate.

Close the lid and smoke undisturbed for 2 hours, maintaining steady temperature throughout. The ham will absorb smoke flavor and develop a beautiful mahogany exterior while the scored diamonds open up to create perfect pockets for the glaze.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

While the ham smokes, combine brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely, then let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes until it’s reduced by about one-third and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and keep warm for easier application.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

After the initial 2-hour smoke, brush the entire ham surface generously with warm glaze, pushing it into the scored diamonds with your basting brush. Return the ham to the smoker and continue cooking for 1 more hour, brushing with glaze every 20 minutes.

The glaze will build up into a stunning lacquered coating. Remove the ham when the internal temperature reaches 140°F and the exterior is deeply caramelized. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 15 minutes before carving.

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

Allow the ham to cool to room temperature before storage, which should take about 30 minutes. Slice leftover ham and store in airtight containers or wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, pressing out excess air. Properly stored ham keeps in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat sliced ham gently to avoid drying. Place slices in a baking dish with a tablespoon of water or leftover glaze, cover with foil, and warm in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals with a damp paper towel covering.

My Favorite Wood Chips for Double Smoked Ham

Apple Wood – The gold standard for smoking ham, apple wood provides mild, slightly sweet smoke that complements rather than overpowers the meat’s natural flavor.

Cherry Wood – Delivers a deeper, slightly tart smoke with gorgeous mahogany coloring. Cherry creates a more robust smoke ring and adds complexity that stands up beautifully to the bold spice of the cloves and the sweet-tangy glaze.

Avoid mesquite for ham—it’s far too strong and will overpower the delicate balance you’ve created with the glaze and cloves.

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🐖 What to Serve With Smoked Ham

🧀 Smoked Mac and Cheese
🥔 Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
🥕 Maple Glazed Carrots
🧄 Grilled Garlic Bread
🥦 Roasted Broccoli
🍠 Baked Sweet Potato
🌽 Smoked Corn Bread

Smoke On!

Charlie

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