Are you looking for a way to dress up a special evening meal with a dish that is both savory and sweet? A double-smoked ham with cherry glaze might just be exactly what you are looking for. This delicious main course is the perfect center to any holiday table and surprisingly easy to make too. In this article, we will discuss how to make the perfect double-smoked ham with cherry glaze using your favorite Z Grills model!
How to Season the Smoked Ham
Seasoning your delicious ham is all about making sure that it is properly prepared. To begin, you will want to remove your ham from the package and dry it carefully with paper towels. Once it is reasonably dry, add Heath Riles Cherry Rub on all sides of the ham, taking care to keep the ham together.
How to Make a Cherry Bourbon Glaze for Smoked Ham
Creating a tantalizing cherry bourbon glaze is surprisingly easy once you acquire all of the ingredients!
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, cherry coke (or a cherry soda of your choice), and apple bourbon. Bring the ingredients to a low simmer. Once a simmer is reached, add your Heath Riles Cherry Rub and honey while continuing to simmer.
When everything is together at the right temperature, add the cherry pie filling and reduce the mixture by half, which should take about 15 minutes. You can also use a cherry preserve if preferred. Remove the mixture from the heat and add it to the grill next to the ham for a little Smokey flavor. Add glaze to the ham when it reaches an internal temperature of 120F.
How to Make Double-Smoked Ham with a Pellet Grill (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Creating a sweet and savory double-smoked ham is easy with these simple step-by-step instructions. Remember to follow them in the correct order.
Preheat the Z Grills Smoker to 275F
Before you can start smoking your double-smoked ham, you need to get your smoker up to temperature. Begin by preheating your Z Grills smoker to 275F using your preferred pellets. For the best flavor, we recommend using our cherry wood pellets.
Related reading: How to Smoke a Ham on a Pellet Grill?
Place the Ham on the Grill
After the smoker reaches the ideal temperature, you will want to take the prepared ham without the glaze (rub only) and place it directly on the grill.
Insert a meat thermometer directly into the ham at its thickest point and begin the cooking process.
Smoke the Ham at 275F
The ham will be smoked at 275F for roughly 3 to 4.5 hours in total. However, since the size of the ham may vary, it is important to focus on the internal temperature of the ham. For this ham, we recommend cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 120F.
For the first two hours, leave the ham alone to get as much smoke as possible. However, about two hours in, you will want to add a tray underneath the ham to prepare for the glaze.
Glaze the Ham with Half the Glaze
When your ham reaches the appropriate internal temperature of 120F, it is time to apply the first half of the glaze. You can mop it on, pour it on, or brush it on depending on your preferences. Be sure to get the cherries in there and get the glaze between the meat if possible! Quarter turn the ham, then add more glaze to your ham in 15-to-20-minute intervals until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140F.
Rest for Up to 20 Minutes and Serve!
Once your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140F, it is done cooking. Remove the ham from the smoker and allow it to rest for up to 20 minutes before carving it up and serving it. When you plate the ham, be sure to add additional glaze and provide a little extra for dipping!
The ham should have a delicious cooked exterior that has a nice warm glaze on top of it. The glaze will be cooked and sticky, and the interior of the ham will be moist and pale pink inside. There will be a hint of cherry with all of that smoke in the flavor. Although you can eat this ham year-round, it is ideal as a holiday meal and is an instant hit at Christmas dinners.
To get the most out of this recipe, we recommend making your double-smoked ham using our Z Grills 11002B Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and partnering your process with our expert, Chef Tommy, from The Gallery Backyard BBQ & Griddle, so you can see the process for yourself in the recipe video!
Chef Tommy’s Pro Tips for Double-Smoked Ham
Your double-smoked ham will come out perfect every time as long as you follow Chef Tommy’s top tips!
Can I Use a Different Glaze for Double-Smoked Ham?
Yes, you can. Although we recommend our delicious cherry bourbon glaze, you can choose any glaze to make a double-smoked ham.
How Long Does it Take to Double Smoke a Ham?
Double-smoked ham takes roughly 4.5 hours in total to reach the appropriate internal temperature.
Related reading: Smoking Ham 101
When Should I Glaze a Ham?
You will glaze your ham during the final stretch of cooking to ensure that the glaze offers the right taste and consistency. The glazing process should begin when the ham reaches 120F and continue in 15-to-20-minute intervals until the ham reaches 140F.
What to Serve With Double-Smoked Ham
A sweet and savory dish like this only gets better when matched with the perfect side dishes. For a great start, try adding smoked cheddar cheese to the table. If you are looking for a more subtle match, consider pairing this dish with smoked artichokes – or to bring even more savory flavor to your table, this ham can also be paired with cheesy and delicious smoked gouda mac and cheese too!
Double Smoked Ham with Cherry Glaze
Equipment
- Z Grills 11002B Pellet Grill with Wi-Fi
- Z Grills Cherry Wood Pellets
Ingredients
- 1 Spiral ham bone in smoked
For the Cherry Bourban Ham Glaze
- 1 can 21oz Cherry Pie Filling and Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup cherry coke
- 3 TBS Bourbon
- 1 TBS Heath Riles Cherry Rub
- 3 TBS Honey
Instructions
- After removing your ham from the package, take time to dry it off with paper towels.
- Add Heath Riles Cherry Rub on all sides of the ham.
- To start, place your ham cut-side-down on a wire rack and smoke until it reaches an internal temperature of 120F. This should take approximately 3 hours.
- Smoke the ham at 275F until the internal temperature reaches 120F.
- Prepare your glaze. Do this by combining brown sugar, cherry coke, and apple bourbon in a saucepan. Allow the ingredients to simmer at low, then add your Heath Riles Cherry Rub and honey while continuing to simmer the mixture. Finally, add your cherry pie filling and reduce it by half, which should take roughly 15 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and add it to the grill for a smoked flavor, then use it when the ham reaches 120F internally.
- When the ham reaches the right temperature, start glazing the ham and turn it 180 degrees.
- Glaze the ham every 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140F.
- Rest the ham for up to 20 minutes and serve!
