This Smoked Ham Recipe is a rich, flavorful centerpiece perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a deliciously tender ham infused with sweet, smoky depth. Whether you’re new to smoking meats or a seasoned BBQ enthusiast, this recipe delivers a juicy, aromatic ham wrapped in a caramelized glaze that balances savory and sweet beautifully. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a show-stopping smoked ham that rivals anything you'd find at a traditional smokehouse.

This recipe is complete with easy-to-follow directions, helpful tips, and a layout ideal for quick reference—perfect for adding to your recipe collection or sharing with family and friends.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 whole smoked ham

Ingredients

For the Ham

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
  • 1 cup apple juice or pineapple juice (for moisture during smoking)

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Flavor Enhancers

  • Whole cloves for studding the ham
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for richer glaze)
  • Wood chips: applewood, cherry, or hickory

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Smoker

Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add your choice of wood chips—applewood and cherry offer mild sweetness, while hickory provides a stronger, classic smoky flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

Remove all packaging from the ham. If the ham has a thick rind, score it gently in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the glaze seep in and makes a beautifully textured crust. Place the ham in an aluminum pan to catch juices and prevent burning.

Step 3: Begin Smoking

Pour 1 cup of apple or pineapple juice into the bottom of the pan to add moisture. Place the ham in the smoker uncovered and smoke for 2 hours. This allows the ham to absorb smoke flavor without drying out.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

While the ham smokes, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring until thickened.

Step 5: Glaze the Ham

After the ham has smoked for 2 hours, generously brush it with the prepared glaze. Continue smoking for an additional 1 hour, glazing every 20–30 minutes until the outside is glossy and caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the ham from the smoker and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices redistribute, making each slice tender and moist.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Monitor Temperature: Pre-cooked hams only need to be reheated to 140°F, not cooked through. Overheating can dry them out.
  • Don’t Skip the Juice: Adding liquid to the pan makes the ham incredibly moist and prevents burning.
  • Glaze Timing Matters: Apply glaze during the last hour to avoid burning the sugars.
  • Wood Choice: Fruit woods complement ham best—avoid mesquite, as it can overpower the flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values

  • Calories: 365
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugars: 16g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 1,480mg
  • Potassium: 430mg

Pro-Tip:

For the most consistent results when making this Smoked Ham Recipe, consider using a high-quality electric smoker. Electric smokers are perfect for beginners and seasoned BBQ enthusiasts alike because they maintain steady temperatures with minimal effort—no tending fires, no constant adjustments, just even, reliable heat that makes your ham incredibly tender and evenly smoked. If you don’t already own an electric smoker, or if you’ve been thinking about upgrading to a newer, more efficient model, this recipe is the perfect reason to do it. A good electric smoker can elevate all your future BBQ projects. Click the button below to browse top-rated Electric Smokers on Amazon and find one that fits your cooking style perfectly.

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Conclusion

This Smoked Ham Recipe is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing favorite that blends smoky depth with sweet, caramelized glaze in every bite. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting homemade meal, this recipe delivers dependable results with minimal effort. With the right wood chips, a simple glaze, and a steady low-and-slow smoking process, you’ll enjoy a tender, beautifully smoked ham that becomes a signature dish worth repeating.

If you're looking for a showstopper main course that feels both traditional and elevated, this smoked ham is the perfect addition to your table. Let your smoker do the work—your guests will thank you!

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