How to smoke a ham on propane grill?

Smoking a Ham on a Propane Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Smoking a ham on a propane grill is a delicious and relatively simple process. Here's how to achieve a flavorful and tender ham:

1. Prep Your Ham:

* Choose a Ham: Opt for a bone-in ham, preferably spiral-sliced for easier serving.

* Rinse & Dry: Thoroughly rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

* Score the Fat: Use a sharp knife to score the ham's fat layer in a diamond pattern. This helps render the fat and creates a crispy surface.

2. Prepare Your Grill:

* Clean & Preheat: Clean the grill grates thoroughly and preheat your propane grill to 225°F (107°C).

* Add Wood Chips: Soak wood chips (apple, cherry, hickory, or pecan) in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and place them in a smoker box or foil packet. You can also use wood chunks directly on the grill grates if your grill has a designated smoking area.

3. Smoke the Ham:

* Place the Ham: Place the ham on the grill grates, away from direct heat.

* Smoke & Cook: Smoke the ham for 1.5-2 hours per pound, maintaining a consistent temperature of 225°F (107°C).

* Glaze: After the first hour of smoking, brush the ham with a glaze of your choice (honey-mustard, brown sugar, maple syrup, etc.)

* Wrap for Tenderness: When the ham is close to being done, wrap it loosely in foil to promote tenderness.

* Internal Temperature: Check the ham's internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It's done when it reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.

4. Rest and Serve:

* Rest: After cooking, let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.

* Serve: Slice the ham and serve it warm with your favorite sides.

Tips:

* Monitor Temperature: Keep a close eye on the grill temperature and adjust as needed.

* Add Water: Place a pan of water in the grill to help maintain humidity and prevent the ham from drying out.

* Experiment with Glaze: Get creative with your glaze! Try different combinations of sweeteners, spices, and herbs.

* Leftovers: Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your delicious smoked ham!