How To Cook A Fully Cooked Ham On The Grill

Grilling Perfection: A Guide to Cooking a Fully Cooked Ham on the Grill

When it comes to hosting a backyard barbecue or a festive holiday feast, nothing quite beats the delicious aroma and mouthwatering taste of a juicy ham cooked on the grill. While grilling a fully cooked ham may seem unconventional, it’s a fantastic way to infuse smoky flavors and achieve that perfect caramelized exterior. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to master the art of grilling a fully cooked ham, ensuring a show-stopping centerpiece that will impress your guests.

What You’ll Need:

• A fully cooked ham
• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Aluminum foil
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Flavorful glaze or marinade of your choice (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preheat your grill: Start by preheating your grill to a medium heat. If you’re using a gas grill, set the burners to medium. For charcoal grills, light the charcoal and let it burn until you have a consistent layer of gray ash.
2. Prepare the ham: Remove the fully cooked ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If desired, you can score the exterior in a crisscross pattern to create a stunning presentation. This also allows any glaze or marinade you choose to use to penetrate the meat better.
3. Indirect grilling method: For larger hams, it’s best to use the indirect grilling method. Place a drip pan in the center of the grill, with charcoal or burners positioned on either side of the pan. The ham will be placed on the grill grates directly above the drip pan.
4. Grilling time: Place the ham on the grill grates over the drip pan. Cover the grill and let the ham cook for approximately 10 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
5. Baste and glaze: If using a glaze or marinade, start basting the ham with it when there are about 30 minutes of grilling time remaining. Apply the glaze generously, allowing it to caramelize and create a beautifully glossy finish.
6. Rest and slice: Once the ham has reached the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the grill using oven mitts or grill tongs. Place it on a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender ham. Slice and serve your delicious masterpiece!

Grilling a fully cooked ham not only imparts incredible smoky flavors but also gives you the freedom to experiment with different glazes and marinades, such as honey mustard, pineapple, or maple-bourbon. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always mouthwatering.

So, the next time you want to take your grilling game to the next level, don’t hesitate to grab a fully cooked ham and fire up that grill. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a tantalizing centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Happy grilling!