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Home » Smoker » Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Published: October 31, 2018 Last Modified: March 11, 2019 By Sara 59 Comments

Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

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Brown Sugar Smoked Ham Recipe | Holiday Ham Recipe | Brown Sugar Glazed Ham #ham #christmas #thanksgiving #easter #smoker #dinner #brownsugar #dinneratthezoo #glutenfree

This smoked ham is coated in a homemade spice rub, cooked in a smoker, then brushed with a homemade brown sugar and maple glaze. The ultimate holiday ham recipe that doesn’t require any oven space!

I love a good holiday ham, some of my favorites include pineapple ham and Coca Cola ham. This smoked ham is tender and full of flavor from the sweet and savory spice rub and glaze. It’s become a must-have at all of our family celebrations.

Brown Sugar Smoked Ham Recipe | Holiday Ham Recipe | Brown Sugar Glazed Ham #ham #christmas #thanksgiving #easter #smoker #dinner #brownsugar #dinneratthezoo #glutenfree Brown Sugar Smoked Ham Recipe | Holiday Ham Recipe | Brown Sugar Glazed Ham #ham #christmas #thanksgiving #easter #smoker #dinner #brownsugar #dinneratthezoo #glutenfree

A brown sugar glazed smoked ham on a serving platter surrounded by grapes and fresh herbs.

My biggest problem with cooking for the holidays is that I run out of oven space. You can only fit a few things into the oven at one time, and I find that sometimes things don’t cook properly if the oven is too full. I solve this problem by relying on other cooking methods, like a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or a smoker. This smoked ham cooks outside on the smoker, leaving you plenty of oven space. And it happens to taste absolutely amazing!

How do you smoke a ham?

The first step is to select your ham. I use a pre-cooked, spiral cut ham. Keep in mind that the overwhelming majority of hams have already been smoked, so when you cook those pre-prepared hams on a smoker for your holiday meal, you actually end up with a twice smoked ham. I find that despite being twice smoked, the smoke flavor is not overwhelming at all and is absolutely perfect when paired with a homemade glaze.

A ham crusted in homemade spice rub, ready to go into the smoker.

The first step in the process is to coat your ham in a spice rub. I use my homemade BBQ rub which has the perfect amount of sweet and savory seasonings. You can rub your ham right before smoking it, or season it the night before to let the spices fully permeate the meat.

What temperature do you smoke a ham?

I smoke my ham at a temperature of 250 degrees F. You can also run your smoker at a higher or lower temperature, just be aware that the cook time will change accordingly.

How long does it take to smoke a ham?

It typically takes about 20 minutes per pound to smoke a pre-cooked ham. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the ham should register 140 degrees F when it’s completely warmed through. I find it works best to use a remote thermometer so that I can leave the probe in the ham inside the smoker, yet still monitor the temperature of the ham from inside the house.

How much ham per person?

For a bone in ham, you’ll want to estimate about 3/4 pound per person that you’re planning to serve.

Smoked ham coated in a homemade BBQ rub.

After the ham smokes for about an hour, you’ll want to start basting it every 30-45 minutes with apple cider. This keeps the ham from drying out. If you feel like your ham is looking a little dry, you can always cover it with foil inside the smoker after that initial hour.

Tips for smoked ham

  • I really feel like it’s worth it to take a few minutes to make a homemade spice rub. If you’re short on time, store bought will work fine too.
  • I use a disposable aluminum pan to smoke my ham to keep the mess to a minimum.
  • Be sure to place the cut side of the ham face down in the pan as shown in the photos.
  • Once the ham temperature registers around 135 degrees F, start preparing your glaze.
  • Garnish your ham with an assortment of herbs and fruit such as grapes for a beautiful presentation.

A smoked ham being coated in brown sugar glaze.

What is the best wood for smoking ham?

I use apple wood chips for this recipe, it compliments the apple flavor in the glaze and doesn’t impart an overly smoky flavor. Other good choices would be hickory or cherry wood.

The final step in this recipe is to make the glaze, which is a mixture of butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and apple cider. Brush it all over the ham and dinner is ready!

Sliced smoked ham on a serving platter, garnished with grapes and fresh herbs.

What do you serve with smoked ham?

I like to serve a variety of side dishes with my ham, some of my favorites include

  • Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
  • Butterflake Rolls
  • Candied Carrots
  • Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Brown sugar smoked ham is the ultimate main course for a special occasion. It’s so incredibly flavorful and is very unique compared to your typical ham offerings!

A brown sugar glazed smoked ham on a serving platter surrounded by grapes and fresh herbs.
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5 from 15 votes

Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

This smoked ham is coated in a homemade spice rub, cooked in a smoker, then brushed with a homemade brown sugar and maple glaze. The ultimate holiday ham recipe that doesn't require any oven space!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 448kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 7 lbs bone in ham you can go larger or smaller, just adjust the cook time accordingly
  • 1/3 cup BBQ rub
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 1/4 cups apple cider divided use
  • fresh herbs and fruit for garnish
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F. Load the smoker with cherry wood chips.
  • Coat a disposable aluminum pan with cooking spray. Place the ham cut side down in the pan.
  • Sprinkle the spice rub all over the exterior of the ham. 
  • Place the pan in the smoker and cook for one hour.
  • Continue to cook the ham for another 2-3 hours, basting every 30-45 minutes with the 2 cups of apple cider. 
  • The ham is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham reads 140 degrees F.
  • While the ham is smoking, make the glaze.
  • Place the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and remaining 1/4 cup of apple cider in a pan over medium heat.
  • Bring the pan to a simmer. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until glaze has just thickened.
  • Brush the glaze all over the ham. Transfer the ham to a platter. Garnish the ham with herbs and fruit if desired, then serve.

Notes

This recipe is best with my homemade BBQ rub recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 681mg | Potassium: 744mg | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2.2mg
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Filed Under: Dinner, Gluten Free, Smoker

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    Comments

    1. Bill Stamps says

      January 1, 2020 at 10:23 pm

      5 stars
      I couldn’t find a spiral cut ham so I used a bone in ham and waited until internal temp was about 110 and cut the ham about 1/3 ,through and used your brown sugar glaze and opened the cuts and forced glaze into the cuts. Absolutely delicious!

      Reply
    2. Diane says

      December 23, 2019 at 1:20 pm

      I saw something about using coca cola how does this recipe work for that are would you use it

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 23, 2019 at 5:07 pm

        Here is my recipe for coca cola ham: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/coca-cola-ham/

        Reply
    3. Jim Pombier says

      December 17, 2019 at 7:34 am

      What would change for your instructions if the ham is not already smoked (it’s a fresh or frozen ham)?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 17, 2019 at 9:51 am

        Do you mean that the ham is cooked or raw?

        Reply
        • Jim Pombier says

          December 17, 2019 at 2:29 pm

          The ham I bought says ready to cook (not smoked or precooked)….is there anything in your instructions that might change if I want to use your recipe..
          I’m really excited to use this for the guys at am upcoming card party.

          Reply
    4. Walker Sandlin says

      December 16, 2019 at 9:05 pm

      I have been smoking hams for years using already cooked hams. One of the biggest problems with ham is the salt. When you smoke one they seem to taste even saltier. What I do is debrine them. I fill a pot with fresh cold water and soak the ham for about an hour. I drain it off and do it 2 more times for a total of 3 times. Then I let it sit in the refrigerator for about a day to dry. Smoke will not stick to a wet surface. Then I smoke it , cut side down and do pretty much what the recipe says about times and temperatures. I don’t use any glaze, just the smoke. I can almost guarantee that when I serve it at a party or a potluck, someone will tell me “that is the best ham I have ever tasted”.

      Reply
    5. Tracey says

      November 24, 2019 at 4:35 am

      When do you put the glaze on? Your instructions say to prepare but don’t say when you actually put it on. Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 24, 2019 at 7:19 am

        The glaze is brushed on in step 10 at the end!

        Reply
    6. Robbie says

      October 13, 2019 at 11:50 am

      Do you use one of the already cooked or smoked hams? I can’t seem to find one that isn’t

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 13, 2019 at 7:39 pm

        Yes I use a ham that’s already cooked!

        Reply
    7. Scott says

      May 19, 2019 at 10:05 am

      The times seem to be wrong according to lbs. Is it 2 hours or 4 hours for a 7 pound ham.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        May 19, 2019 at 10:37 am

        It would be closer to about 2 1/2 hours, but it does vary depending on the cut of ham. It’s best to use a thermometer to gauge the internal temperature.

        Reply
    8. Will says

      April 20, 2019 at 7:27 pm

      I’m making this tomorrow for Easter lunch. Cant wait to christen my new smoker with this ham recipe!!!!

      Reply
    9. John says

      April 17, 2019 at 4:11 am

      Are the quantities for the rub and glaze ingredients figured for a 7 lb ham?
      In other words, would I need to double these for a 15 lb ham?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        April 17, 2019 at 1:42 pm

        Yes the rub and glaze ingredients assume a 7 pound ham, I’d double everything for a 15 pound ham!

        Reply
    10. Courtney says

      December 24, 2018 at 8:54 am

      Is the recipe calling for apple cider or apple cider vinegar?? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        December 24, 2018 at 9:06 am

        It calls for apple cider not vinegar!

        Reply
    11. Matt says

      November 21, 2018 at 8:41 am

      The recipe sounds great! I plan on firing up the smoker tomorrow, but wanted to get your thoughts on the timing. From the time the ham is done, it may be an hour or two until we actually eat (due to traveling). What would you recommend after pulling the ham from the smoker? Wrap it in foil to keep it warm, then do the glaze right before serving maybe? Thanks in advance!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 21, 2018 at 9:53 am

        Yes that sounds like the perfect plan. If you need to re-warm the ham when you get there, you can warm it covered in a 325 degree oven!

        Reply
    12. Liz09 says

      November 20, 2018 at 4:22 pm

      Would anything change if I bake it? Would it come out ok??

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 20, 2018 at 9:05 pm

        I would recommend using this recipe instead, it’s a similar glaze but baked instead of smoked: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/glazed-ham-for-the-holidays/

        Reply
    13. Athena says

      November 3, 2018 at 4:56 am

      I have had brown sugar ham but never smoked – that must really increase the flavors so much.

      Reply
    14. Cindy Ingalls says

      November 2, 2018 at 5:25 pm

      This looks so flavorful. The combo of maple syrup and brown sugar must add such a nice sweetness and richness to the ham.

      Reply
    15. Cindy Gordon says

      November 2, 2018 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this has all the right flavors! It is one of the meats I love to eat a bit sweet!

      Reply
    16. Tiffany La Forge-Grau says

      November 2, 2018 at 1:20 pm

      5 stars
      That is the way I like to make my ham. This looks so delicious!

      Reply
    17. Kristy Bullard says

      November 2, 2018 at 6:35 am

      5 stars
      We are some ham-eating fools at our house! Your BBQ rub sounds amazing. I’ll have to make this recipe for my family!

      Reply
      • Ali Chaaban says

        December 24, 2020 at 5:19 pm

        Do you put the 2 cups of apple cider in the pan and use that as a basing or do you just pour it on the ham every 30 40 minutes. Tia

        Reply
        • Sara says

          December 24, 2020 at 8:28 pm

          Pour some over the ham occasionally!

          Reply
    18. Erin Sluka says

      November 1, 2018 at 9:42 pm

      I am highly considering getting a smoker for my husband for Christmas. He keeps talking about wanting one but have no idea how to shop for one

      Reply
    19. Tonya Wilhelm says

      November 1, 2018 at 5:03 pm

      5 stars
      That smoked ham looks really good. Nice and moist and the sauce, yum. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    20. Brianne says

      November 1, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my! That looks simply amazing! It looks juicy and very flavorful! Great recipe!

      Reply
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