How Long To Smoke A Ham On Pellet Grill

Smoking ham on a pellet grill can be a time-consuming process, but the end result is a delicious and flavourful meat that's worth the effort. In this blog post, we'll discuss how long it takes to smoke a ham on a pellet grill and the steps required to ensure it turns out perfectly.

In this article you will learn: 

• The different types of ham available for smoking and how they can affect the smoking process and flavour.
• The steps required to prepare a ham for smoking, including trimming, seasoning, and brining.
• How to set up a pellet grill for smoking, including temperature control and adding wood pellets.
• The smoking process for ham, including temperature and cooking time estimates.
• How to check the internal temperature of the ham throughout the smoking process to ensure it's fully cooked.
• The importance of resting the ham before carving to ensure it stays juicy and flavourful.
• Tips for serving the smoked ham, including adding a glaze or sauce for additional flavour.
• Suggestions for different types of wood pellets that can be used to achieve various smoky flavours.
• Guidelines for choosing the right size ham based on the number of people being served.
• Ideas for sides and accompaniments that pair well with smoked ham.

Choosing the Right Ham

Before you start smoking your ham, you'll need to choose the right type of ham. There are several types of ham available for smoking, including fresh ham, cured ham, and spiral-cut ham. Each type of ham can affect the smoking process and flavour.

Fresh ham is an uncooked ham that's not cured or smoked. This type of ham is a blank slate and can take on any flavour you choose. Cured ham has been treated with a mixture of salt, sugar, and other spices to add flavour and help preserve the meat. Spiral-cut ham has already been partially cooked and sliced, making it easy to smoke but also potentially drying out faster than other hams.

Preparing the Ham for Smoking

Once you've chosen the right ham, it's time to prepare it for smoking. This involves trimming the fat and skin, seasoning the meat, and possibly brining it to help it retain moisture. Proper preparation is crucial for ensuring the ham stays moist and flavorful throughout the smoking process.

Setting Up the Pellet Grill

Once your ham is prepared, it's time to set up your pellet grill for smoking. You'll need to control the temperature carefully and add the right type of wood pellets to achieve the desired flavour. Mesquite, hickory, and apple are popular options that can add a smoky flavour to the ham.

Smoking the Ham

The smoking process will vary depending on the weight and type of ham you're smoking. A good rule of thumb is to smoke the ham at a temperature of 225-250°F for 30 minutes per pound. This means a 10-pound ham will take around five hours to smoke. However, it's essential to check the internal temperature of the ham regularly to ensure it's cooked thoroughly.

Checking the Temperature

Checking the internal temperature of the ham throughout the smoking process is crucial to ensure it's cooked properly. A meat thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the ham to check the temperature. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 145°F to be safe to eat.

Resting and Serving the Ham

Once the ham is finished smoking, it's essential to let it rest for 15-30 minutes before carving to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful. You can serve the ham as is, or add a glaze or sauce for additional flavour.

Conclusion

Smoking a ham on a pellet grill takes time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. By choosing the right ham, preparing it properly, and setting up your pellet grill correctly, you can smoke a delicious and flavourful ham that your family and friends will love. So, fire up your pellet grill and give it a try!

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by: Michael Wilkie