How to Cook a Juicy, Perfectly Smoked Ham on Your Pellet Grill
How to Cook a Ham on a Pellet Grill
Ham is a delicious and versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the best ways to cook ham is on a pellet grill. Pellet grills use wood pellets to create a smoky, flavorful heat that is perfect for ham.
In this article, we will show you how to cook a ham on a pellet grill. We will cover everything from choosing the right ham to preparing it for cooking. We will also provide tips on how to cook ham so that it is juicy and flavorful.
So if you are looking for a delicious and easy way to cook ham, read on!
Step | Instructions | Tips |
---|---|---|
1 | Preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. | Make sure your grill is clean and free of debris. |
2 | Rub the ham with a mixture of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and your favorite spices. | You can also use a store-bought ham glaze. |
3 | Place the ham on the grill, fat side up. | You may need to use a roasting rack to keep the ham from sitting in its own juices. |
4 | Smoke the ham for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. | The ham should be cooked through, but still juicy. |
5 | Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. | The ham will be even more delicious if you let it rest before slicing. |
How to Cook a Ham on a Pellet Grill
Pellet grills are a great way to cook ham because they produce a consistent, indirect heat that results in a juicy, flavorful ham. This guide will show you how to cook a ham on a pellet grill, step by step.
Preparing the Ham
The first step is to choose the right ham. For this recipe, we’re using a bone-in, spiral-cut ham. You can also use a boneless ham, but the cooking time will be slightly shorter.
Once you’ve chosen your ham, it’s time to thaw it. If you’re thawing the ham in the refrigerator, it will take about 4-5 days. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw the ham in a cold water bath. To do this, place the ham in a large bowl or sink and fill it with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. The ham will thaw in about 2-3 hours.
Once the ham is thawed, it’s time to score it. Scoring the ham helps the smoke penetrate the meat and results in a more flavorful ham. To score the ham, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in the ham about 1 inch apart.
The next step is to apply a rub or glaze to the ham. You can use any rub or glaze that you like. For this recipe, we’re using a simple brown sugar and mustard rub.
Cooking the Ham
Now it’s time to cook the ham! Preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If your grill doesn’t have a built-in temperature gauge, you can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Once the grill is preheated, place the ham on the grill. You can cook the ham directly on the grates or you can use a roasting rack. If you’re using a roasting rack, place it in the center of the grill.
Smoke the ham for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the ham every hour with the juices from the pan or with a mixture of apple juice and brown sugar.
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ham is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year. Cooking ham on a pellet grill is a great way to achieve a juicy, flavorful ham that is sure to please everyone.
Here are a few tips for cooking ham on a pellet grill:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The ham is done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the ham every hour with the juices from the pan or with a mixture of apple juice and brown sugar. This will help to keep the ham moist and flavorful.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the ham will be easier to slice.
With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can easily cook a delicious ham on your pellet grill. So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!
Additional Tips
- If you’re using a bone-in ham, you can remove the bone before cooking. This will make the ham easier to slice and serve.
- If you don’t have a pellet grill, you can also cook ham in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ham on a roasting pan and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the ham every hour with the juices from the pan or with a mixture of apple juice and brown sugar.
- Ham is a great dish to serve for a holiday meal. It can be paired with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.
- Ham is also a great dish to freeze. Once the ham is cooked, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place the ham in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat the ham, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven or on the grill.
How to Cook a Ham on a Pellet Grill
Pellet grills are a great way to cook ham because they produce a consistent, indirect heat that helps to create a flavorful and juicy ham. This guide will show you how to cook a ham on a pellet grill in just a few simple steps.
Preparing the Ham
The first step is to prepare the ham. If you are using a bone-in ham, you will need to remove the shank bone. To do this, cut through the skin around the shank bone and use a saw to cut through the bone. Once the bone is removed, you can rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry.
If you are using a spiral-cut ham, you can skip this step.
Seasoning the Ham
Once the ham is prepared, you can season it. You can use any seasonings that you like, but some popular choices include brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
To season the ham, simply rub the seasonings all over the ham. You can also place the ham in a baking dish and pour the seasonings over it.
Cooking the Ham
To cook the ham, you will need to preheat your pellet grill to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the grill is preheated, place the ham on the grill grates. If you are using a bone-in ham, you will need to cook it for 2-3 hours per pound. If you are using a spiral-cut ham, you will need to cook it for 1-1.5 hours per pound.
While the ham is cooking, you will need to baste it every hour. To baste the ham, simply brush a mixture of melted butter and honey over the ham.
Resting the Ham
Once the ham is cooked, you will need to let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the ham to become more flavorful.
Serving the Ham
Once the ham has rested, you can slice it and serve it with your favorite sides. Some popular sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.
Tips for Cooking a Ham on a Pellet Grill
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The ham is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the ham every hour to keep it moist.
- Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the ham with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.
Cooking a ham on a pellet grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful ham. This guide has provided you with all of the information you need to cook a ham on a pellet grill like a pro. So what are you waiting for? Start cooking today!
How long does it take to cook a ham on a pellet grill?
The cooking time for a ham on a pellet grill will vary depending on the size of the ham. A small ham (5-7 pounds) will take approximately 3-4 hours to cook, while a large ham (10-12 pounds) will take 5-6 hours.
What temperature should I cook a ham on a pellet grill?
The ideal temperature for cooking a ham on a pellet grill is 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the ham to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful end product.
What type of ham should I use for cooking on a pellet grill?
You can use any type of ham for cooking on a pellet grill, but the best results will be achieved with a bone-in, spiral-cut ham. This type of ham is already cooked, so it only needs to be reheated until it is warmed through and juicy.
How do I prepare a ham for cooking on a pellet grill?
Before cooking a ham on a pellet grill, you will need to remove the ham from the package and rinse it under cold water. Pat the ham dry with paper towels and then apply a thin layer of your favorite barbecue sauce.
How do I cook a ham on a pellet grill?
To cook a ham on a pellet grill, you will first need to preheat the grill to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the ham on the grill grates and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the ham is warmed through and juicy. Baste the ham with barbecue sauce every hour or so to keep it moist.
How do I know when a ham is done cooking on a pellet grill?
The ham is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer.
How do I store a ham after cooking on a pellet grill?
After cooking the ham, you can let it cool completely and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the ham for up to 3 months.
What are some tips for cooking a ham on a pellet grill?
Here are a few tips for cooking a ham on a pellet grill:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham.
- Baste the ham with barbecue sauce every hour or so to keep it moist.
- Let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it.
- Serve the ham with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn on the cob.
In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook a ham on a pellet grill. We covered the different types of hams, the best temperature and time to cook ham, and how to glaze ham. We also provided tips for making sure your ham is cooked evenly and moist.
We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you will enjoy cooking ham on your pellet grill. Be sure to share your photos of your finished hams with us on social media!
Author Profile
-
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.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.