How to Smoke a Ham in a Pellet Smoker: A Step-By-Step Guide

By Avi Green February 22, 2023

If you've ever wondered how to smoke a ham in a pellet smoker to get that perfect, smoky flavor, you're in the right place. Smoking a ham is an exciting culinary adventure that yields incredibly delicious results. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a barbecue enthusiast just starting, this guide will walk you through each step to ensure your smoked ham turns out impeccable.

Why Choose a Pellet Smoker?

Pellet smokers have become increasingly popular in the barbecue world because they offer precision, consistency, and ease of use. Unlike traditional charcoal or gas grills, pellet smokers use wood pellets, which impart a rich, smoky flavor to the meat. The automatic feeding system maintains a consistent temperature, reducing the guesswork involved in traditional smoking methods.

The Unique Advantages of Pellet Smokers

Flavor Control: The type of wood pellets you choose hickory, apple, maple, etc. directly affects the flavor of your ham.
Ease of Use: Most pellet smokers come with a digital control panel that allows you to set the exact temperature and let the smoker do its magic.
Versatility: In addition to ham, you can use your pellet smoker for a wide range of meats like brisket, ribs, and poultry. Check out our guide to BBQ pits for more ideas.

Preparing Your Ham

The first step in the process of smoking a ham is proper preparation. Whether you choose a fresh or pre-cooked ham, this stage is crucial for flavor enhancement and food safety.

Selecting the Right Ham

You can smoke either a fresh or pre-cooked ham. Each type has its advantages. A fresh ham will absorb more of the smoky flavor, while a pre-cooked ham requires less smoking time.

Brining the Ham

Brining is essential for adding moisture and flavor to your ham. Immerse the ham in a brine solution made of water, salt, sugar, and your favorite spices for at least 12 hours before smoking.

Trimming and Seasoning

Remove any excess fat from the ham but leave a thin layer to keep it moist during the smoking process. Apply a generous coating of your favorite seasoning rub, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Getting the Pellet Smoker Ready

Before placing the ham in the smoker, ensure it is correctly set up and preheated to the ideal temperature. For tips and tricks on how to get your grill ready for action, read our cleaning guide.

Choosing the Right Pellets

The type of wood pellets you use can make a significant difference in the flavor of your smoked ham. Popular choices include hickory, apple, cherry, and mesquite.

Preheating the Smoker

Preheat your pellet smoker to a temperature of 225F. This low and slow cooking method will allow the ham to absorb maximum smoky flavor.

Smoking Process

Positioning the Ham

Place the ham bone-side down on the grill grates. Ensure that it is positioned over indirect heat to cook evenly. For more tips on getting the most accurate grill temperature readings, check out our thermometer calibration guide.

Basting and Monitoring

Every hour, baste the ham with a mixture of apple juice and your choice of syrup for added moisture and flavor. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 140F for a pre-cooked ham and 160F for a fresh ham.

Finishing Touches

Once your ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

A smoked ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. For more outdoor cooking inspiration, visit our guide on grill skewers.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover ham, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Smoked ham makes for excellent sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.