Smoking a Cooked Ham

We were smoking a cooked ham last night and it came out so fantastic that we wanted to share how we did it in our electric smoker. You could use a pellet grill and smoker too. It’s one of our favorite easy smoker recipes.

Smoked Cooked Ham Recipe

If you are new to smoking meats I will tell you that everything comes out amazing. Even if you don’t use a ham rub it gives it such amazing flavor! You can see the  picture above and I will tell you that not only were the outside portions filled with rich apple wood smokey flavor, but it permeated throughout the meat.

Not only is it delicious freshly cooked but makes the best leftover ham recipe the next day(s) as well.

To get your meats absolutely perfect we have this printable meat smoking chart to refer to so each and every time it will be fork tender.

• Recently we upgraded to this Traeger pellet smoker and grill and love it.
  • We started with an electric smoker that was a Charbroil which worked well to start with.
• I like applewood pellets, we always have those on hand and make almost everything.

This one is probably our favorite for Easter and Christmas. Easier than ever there is even a built in probe you put into the meat so when it reaches the temperature desired it stops cooking on it’s own, and lowers the temperature to keep it warm!!

There are a variety of brands out there at a range of prices. Honestly we think this is the best smoker especially for beginners. It’s easy to use and not an expensive unit.

How long to smoke a cooked ham at 225 degrees?

That depends on the weight but typically it will take 1.5-2 hours to warm thru to the very center. If yours is rather large and/or thick you should check after hour 2 with a digital thermometer. You need it to reach a safe 145 degrees F in the thickest part before removing and slicing.

Choosing good wood chips is key. If you’re using a pellet grill we like apple version. They come in a variety of types and “flavors”. For this smoked ham recipe we used a lighter apple wood you see above. The variety box we buy is great because you can try different ones. Then see which you like best with which meat and go from there.

Can you smoke a fully cooked ham on a pellet grill?

Yes!! Directions on smoking a cooked ham are for an electric smoker or pellet grill are basically the same. Just remember that the desired temperature is 145-150 degrees. Slower and longer is better when it comes to smoking a ham or any other meat really in our opinion. If you have a probe that is attached to your machine it is easier to keep an eye on it and can even connect it to your phone so you are alerted!

Beyond your half ham you will need some wood chips, we buy a bag or box with several types & used apple for this. And then your machine itself is really all you need as it should sit right on the rack itself without a pan.

Glaze

If you want to make a sweet and savory baked ham glaze – we didn’t use one this time. You would need a small pot to get that done as it should be simmered on the stove and served when the meat is done and resting.

Or make a bolder sauce on the outside follow the one in our bourbon baked hamso you have 2 types to choose from.

How to Smoke a Cooked Ham

If you want to use a ham rub then mix all spices listed above together in a bowl, rub a bit of olive oil and then massage the ham rub over the whole thing. Fill the wood chip drawer with wood chips of your choice, that is all that is necessary if you’re using an electric smoker.

Place the flat side of the ham on the smoker rack and put the meat thermometer probe into the top and into the middle of the ham. Close the smoker and set to cook until the ham reaches 150 degrees F, same as Smoking a boneless pork loin.

Should you spray ham while smoking?

This is optional. Spritzing meat while smoking can be beneficial to keep it moist during the smoking process which prevents it from drying out. This can also enhance flavor if you use a liquid such as apple cider, pineapple juice or beer.

Yes, bringing ham to room temperature before smoking is recommended. Allowing the ham to sit out for about 30-60 minutes before smoking helps it cook more evenly. When it is at room temperature, it ensures that the center starts cooking sooner, which prevents the exterior from drying out while waiting for the interior to reach the right temperature.

Remove the ham from the smoker to take temp. properly. If it’s not hot enough, put ham back in, close the lid, and continue cooking. Honey glaze can be served along side on the table.

Other dinners you should try this way is How to smoke salmon we share here. With our dry rub it is out of this world.

• smoked pork ribs are fall off the bone delish.