How To Cook Ham On Pellet Grill

Deliciously Smoked Ham on the Pellet Grill

There’s nothing quite like the smoky and succulent flavor of a perfectly grilled ham. And if you have a pellet grill, you’re in for a treat! Cooking ham on a pellet grill allows you to infuse it with delicious smokiness while keeping it moist and tender. So, let’s fire up the grill and get ready to create a show-stopping ham that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.

Choosing the Perfect Ham

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about selecting the right ham for your pellet grill adventure. When it comes to choosing a ham, you have a few options:

• Fully Cooked Ham: These hams are ready to eat and only require reheating. They are a convenient option if you’re short on time.
• Partially Cooked Ham: These hams are partially cooked and need to reach a safe internal temperature before serving. They give you the opportunity to infuse more flavors during the grilling process.
• Uncured Ham: If you prefer a ham with no added nitrates or nitrites, opt for an uncured ham. These hams require thorough cooking as they haven’t undergone any curing process.

No matter which type of ham you choose, ensure it fits comfortably on your pellet grill’s cooking surface and has a nice even shape for even cooking.

Preparing the Ham

Now that you’ve chosen your ham, it’s time to prepare it for the grill. Follow these steps:

1. Remove any packaging or netting from the ham and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Score the surface of the ham with shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
3. Season the ham to your liking. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with a rub or glaze of your choice.

Setting up the Pellet Grill

Before we start cooking, let’s get the pellet grill ready:

• Fill the hopper with your preferred wood pellets. For ham, fruitwood or hickory pellets work well to complement the flavors.
• Preheat the pellet grill to a temperature of 225°F to 250°F. This low and slow cooking method will ensure a tender and juicy ham.
• Once the grill reaches the desired temperature, place a water pan underneath the grates to maintain moisture throughout the cooking process.

Grilling the Ham

Now comes the exciting part – grilling the ham on your pellet grill:

1. Place the prepared ham directly on the grill grates, fat side up.
2. Cook the ham at the preheated temperature for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for fully cooked hams or 145°F for partially cooked hams.
3. During the cooking process, you can baste the ham with your favorite glaze or sauce to enhance the flavors.

Resting and Serving

Once the ham has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful ham.

After resting, it’s time to slice and serve your deliciously smoked ham. Pair it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Now that you know how to cook ham on a pellet grill, it’s time to gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and impress your loved ones with a smoky and mouthwatering ham that will be the star of any gathering.

Happy grilling!