How To Cook Smoked Spiral Ham

Impress Your Guests with a Perfectly Cooked Smoked Spiral Ham

Are you planning a special dinner or holiday feast? One sure-fire way to impress your guests is by serving a delicious, moist, and flavorful smoked spiral ham. With its tender texture and irresistible smoky flavor, this classic dish is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. But cooking a smoked spiral ham may seem daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll end up with a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a list of essential ingredients:

1. 1 smoked spiral ham
2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
3. 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
4. 1/4 cup maple syrup
5. 1 tablespoon whole cloves
6. 1 cup pineapple juice

Now that you have all the ingredients on hand, let’s move on to the cooking instructions.

Prepare and Preheat Your Smoker

Smoking a spiral ham requires a smoker to achieve that irresistible smoky flavor. Begin by preparing your smoker and preheating it to 225°F (107°C). Make sure you have enough smoking wood chips, such as hickory or apple, as they will enhance the taste of the ham.

Season and Glaze the Ham

While the smoker is preheating, it’s time to prepare the ham. Carefully remove any packaging and excess moisture from the ham. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts diagonally across the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1 inch apart. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup to create a glaze. Gently rub the glaze all over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts. For an extra burst of flavor, insert the whole cloves into the scored cuts.

Smoking Time

Once your smoker has reached the desired temperature, place the glazed ham directly on the smoker grate. Close the lid and let the magic happen. The smoking time will depend on the size of your ham, but as a general rule, allow approximately 18-20 minutes per pound. Remember to periodically check the smoker’s temperature to maintain a consistent heat level.

Throughout the smoking process, baste the ham every hour with pineapple juice to keep it moist and add a subtle tang to the flavor profile. This simple step will ensure the ham stays juicy and tender while cooking.

Time to Serve and Enjoy!

Once the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), your smoked spiral ham is ready to be served. Remove it from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the ham along the spiral cuts, and watch as it practically falls apart with tenderness.

Now all that’s left is to gather your loved ones around the table and indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of your perfectly cooked smoked spiral ham. Pair it with some delicious sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to complete your meal. Remember, the art of smoking takes time and practice, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve perfection on your first attempt. With each try, your skills will improve, and your guests will be left craving more!

So go ahead and take the leap into the world of smoked spiral ham – it’s an adventure well worth embarking on. Follow these steps, and you’ll soon be a seasoned pro, impressing your friends and family with your culinary prowess.