How Long to Cook Ham on a Charcoal Grill: The Ultimate Guide
How Long to Cook Ham on a Charcoal Grill
There’s nothing quite like the smell of a smoked ham on a summer day. Whether you’re grilling it for a holiday gathering or just a backyard barbecue, ham is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But how long do you cook ham on a charcoal grill?
The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the size of the ham, the type of charcoal you’re using, and the desired doneness of the ham. In this article, we’ll discuss all of these factors and provide you with a general guideline for how long to cook ham on a charcoal grill.
So whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice just starting out, read on for all the information you need to know about cooking ham on a charcoal grill!
| Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 225 degrees F | 3-4 hours | For a smoked ham |
| 350 degrees F | 1-2 hours | For a grilled ham |
Preparing the Ham
The first step to grilling a ham is to prepare it properly. This includes choosing the right ham, trimming it, and marinating it.
Choosing the right ham
When choosing a ham to grill, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to decide what type of ham you want. There are two main types of ham: bone-in and boneless. Bone-in hams are typically more flavorful, but they also take longer to cook. Boneless hams are easier to cook, but they can be a bit dry.
Once you’ve decided on the type of ham you want, you need to choose the size. Hams come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. The size of the ham you choose will depend on how many people you’re cooking for.
Trimming the ham
Before you grill the ham, you need to trim it. This means removing any excess fat and skin. You can do this with a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
Marinating the ham
Marinating the ham is optional, but it can help to add flavor and moisture. There are many different marinades you can use, but some of the most popular include:
- Honey-and-brown sugar marinade
- Dijon mustard marinade
- Garlic-and-herb marinade
To marinate the ham, simply mix together the ingredients of your choice and pour them over the ham. Cover the ham and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight.
Charcoal Grilling the Ham
Once the ham is prepared, it’s time to grill it. Here are the steps involved:
1. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium heat.
2. Place the ham on the grill, fat side up.
3. Cover the grill and cook the ham for 15 minutes per pound.
4. Baste the ham with your marinade every 15 minutes.
5. When the ham is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Wrapping the ham
If you want to keep the ham moist while it’s grilling, you can wrap it in aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out.
Basting the ham
Basting the ham with your marinade will help to add flavor and moisture. You should baste the ham every 15 minutes while it’s grilling.
Grilling a ham is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these steps, you can be sure to end up with a ham that is perfectly cooked and juicy.
How Long To Cook Ham On Charcoal Grill?
The length of time it takes to cook a ham on a charcoal grill will vary depending on the size of the ham, the temperature of the grill, and the desired doneness of the ham.
To determine how long to cook a ham on a charcoal grill, you will need to know the following:
- The size of the ham
- The temperature of the grill
- The desired doneness of the ham
Once you have this information, you can use the following chart to determine how long to cook the ham:
| Ham Size | Grill Temperature | Cook Time |
|—|—|—|
| Small (< 5 lbs) | Medium-high (350-400 degrees F) | 1-2 hours |
| Medium (5-7 lbs) | Medium-high (350-400 degrees F) | 2-3 hours |
| Large (7-10 lbs) | Medium-high (350-400 degrees F) | 3-4 hours |
| Extra-large (10+ lbs) | Medium-high (350-400 degrees F) | 4-5 hours |
Note: The cook time for a ham will also vary depending on the type of ham you are cooking. For example, a bone-in ham will take longer to cook than a boneless ham.
Tips for Cooking Ham on a Charcoal Grill
- To ensure that the ham cooks evenly, it is important to preheat the grill to the desired temperature before adding the ham.
- If you are using a charcoal grill, it is important to make sure that the coals are evenly distributed and that the grill is hot enough to cook the ham evenly.
- To prevent the ham from drying out, it is important to baste it regularly with a mixture of water, honey, and brown sugar.
- You can also wrap the ham in aluminum foil to help keep it moist.
- Once the ham is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Checking for Doneness
There are a few different ways to check for doneness when cooking a ham on a charcoal grill.
- Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check for doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. The ham is done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- Tapping the ham is another way to check for doneness. If the ham is done, it will produce a hollow sound when you tap it with your finger.
Note: It is important to not overcook the ham, as this can result in a dry and tough ham.
Serving the Ham
Once the ham is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
You can serve the ham with a variety of sides, such as:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Scalloped potatoes
- Applesauce
- Pineapple
Carving the Ham
To carve the ham, place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it against the grain.
You can slice the ham into thin slices for sandwiches, or into thicker slices for serving on a platter.
Serving the Ham
Once the ham is sliced, you can serve it immediately or keep it warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker.
Ham is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you are cooking it for a holiday dinner or a simple weeknight meal, ham is sure to please everyone.
Cooking ham on a charcoal grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following the tips in this guide, you can cook a perfect ham every time.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill and get cooking!
How long does it take to cook ham on a charcoal grill?
The cooking time for ham on a charcoal grill will vary depending on the size of the ham and the desired doneness. A general rule of thumb is to cook ham for 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the ham.
What temperature should I cook ham on a charcoal grill?
The ideal temperature for cooking ham on a charcoal grill is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the ham is cooked through without drying out.
What type of charcoal should I use to cook ham?
You can use any type of charcoal to cook ham on a charcoal grill. However, we recommend using lump charcoal for the best results. Lump charcoal is made from wood that has not been processed, and it burns hotter and cleaner than other types of charcoal.
How do I prepare a charcoal grill for cooking ham?
To prepare a charcoal grill for cooking ham, first light the charcoal in a chimney starter. Once the charcoal is glowing red, spread it out evenly in the grill. Then, place the ham on the grill grate and close the lid.
How do I know when ham is done cooking on a charcoal grill?
Ham is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer.
How do I rest ham after cooking on a charcoal grill?
After cooking ham on a charcoal grill, it is important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy ham.
What are some tips for cooking ham on a charcoal grill?
Here are some tips for cooking ham on a charcoal grill:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham.
- Baste the ham with ham glaze or apple juice every 15 minutes to keep it moist.
- Let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the ham with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn on the cob.
cooking ham on a charcoal grill is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps. By following the tips and advice provided in this article, you can be sure to cook a delicious and juicy ham that will be enjoyed by all of your guests.
Here are a few key takeaways to remember when cooking ham on a charcoal grill:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to the desired temperature.
- Baste the ham regularly with a flavorful liquid to keep it moist.
- Cook the ham over indirect heat to prevent it from burning.
- Allow the ham to rest for several minutes before slicing and serving.
With a little planning and care, you can easily cook a delicious ham on your charcoal grill that will be the hit of your next party.
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With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
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