Smoking a cooked ham in pellet or as an electric smoker recipe is easy! Using a ham rub or leaving it as is. Smoked ham brings out the natural flavors. It is a great new way to cook your holiday ham this year.
We were smoking a cooked ham last night and it came out so fantastic that we wanted to share how we did it in our electric smoker. You could use a pellet grill and smoker too. It’s one of our favorite easy smoker recipes. (affiliate links present)
Smoked Cooked Ham Recipe
If you are new to smoking meats I will tell you that everything comes out amazing. Even if you don’t use a ham rub it gives it such amazing flavor! You can see the picture above and I will tell you that not only were the outside portions filled with rich apple wood smokey flavor, but it permeated throughout the meat.
Not only is it delicious freshly cooked but makes the best leftover ham recipe the next day(s) as well.
To get your meats absolutely perfect we have this printable meat smoking chart to refer to so each and every time it will be fork tender.
- Recently we upgraded to this Traeger pellet smoker and grill and love it.
- We started with an electric smoker that was a Charbroil which worked well to start with.
- I like applewood pellets, we always have those on hand and make almost everything.
This one is probably our favorite for Easter and Christmas. Easier than ever there is even a built in probe you put into the meat so when it reaches the temperature desired it stops cooking on it’s own, and lowers the temperature to keep it warm!!
There are a variety of brands out there at a range of prices. Honestly we think this is the best smoker especially for beginners. It’s easy to use and not an expensive unit.
How long to smoke a cooked ham at 225 degrees?
That depends on the weight but typically it will take 1.5-2 hours to warm thru to the very center. If yours is rather large and/or thick you should check after hour 2 with a digital thermometer. You need it to reach a safe 145 degrees F in the thickest part before removing and slicing.
Choosing good wood chips is key. If you’re using a pellet grill we like apple version. They come in a variety of types and “flavors”. For this smoked ham recipe we used a lighter apple wood you see above. The variety box we buy is great because you can try different ones. Then see which you like best with which meat and go from there.
Can you smoke a fully cooked ham on a pellet grill?
Yes!! Directions on smoking a cooked ham are for an electric smoker or pellet grill are basically the same. Just remember that the desired temperature is 145-150 degrees. Slower and longer is better when it comes to smoking a ham or any other meat really in our opinion. If you have a probe that is attached to your machine it is easier to keep an eye on it and can even connect it to your phone so you are alerted!
Ingredients
- Ham – ours was store bought, about 11 lbs., precooked, and uncut (not a spiral cut)
Equipment
Wood chips, we buy a bag or box with several types & used apple for this. And then your machine itself is really all you need as it should sit right on the rack itself without a pan.
Options
If you want to make a sweet and savory baked ham glaze – we didn’t use one this time. You would need a small pot to get that done as it should be simmered on the stove and served when the meat is done and resting.
Or make a bolder sauce on the outside follow the one in our bourbon baked ham so you have 2 types to choose from.
How to Smoke a Cooked Ham
- If you want to use a ham rub then mix all spices listed above together in a bowl, rub a bit of olive oil and then massage the ham rub over the whole thing.
- Fill the wood chip drawer with wood chips of your choice, that is all that is necessary if you’re using an electric smoker.
- Place the flat side of the ham on the smoker rack and put the meat thermometer probe into the top and into the middle of the ham.
- Close the smoker and set to cook until the ham reaches 150 degrees F. which took ours approx. 4 hours.
- If you’re using a pellet smoker or don’t have a temp. probe such as this one set smoker to 225 degrees for 1.5, then check internal temp. after removing ham from smoker. Put probe into thickest, middle portion of ham to check. Put back in if it is not at 145 degrees yet and continue smoking. Timing will vary depending on whether your ham is cut and how many pounds it is.
Since this is precooked to begin with it’s essentially a double smoked ham. Like Smoking a boneless pork loin or any other cut of pig, ensure internal temperature in middle of ham is reaches 145 degrees at least.
Yes, bringing ham to room temperature before smoking is recommended. Allowing the ham to sit out for about 30-60 minutes before smoking helps it cook more evenly. When it is at room temperature, it ensures that the center starts cooking sooner, which prevents the exterior from drying out while waiting for the interior to reach the right temperature.
This is optional. Spritzing meat while smoking can be beneficial to keep it moist during the smoking process which prevents it from drying out. This can also enhance flavor if you use a liquid such as apple cider, pineapple juice or beer.
Remove the ham from the smoker to take temp. properly. If it’s not hot enough, put ham back in, close the lid, and continue cooking. Honey glaze can be served along side on the table.
- How to smoke salmon we share here. With our dry rub it is out of this world.
- Sweet smoked pork ribs are fall off the bone delish.
Smoking a Cooked Ham
Equipment
- 1 smoker
Ingredients
- 1 ham, precooked, ours was about 11 lbs.
Dry Rub
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 c sugar
- 3/4 c brown sugar
- 1.5 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp onion powder
Instructions
- If you want to use a ham rub then mix all spices listed above together in a bowl, rub a bit of olive oil and then massage the ham rub over the whole thing.
- Fill the wood chip drawer with wood chips of your choice, that is all that is necessary if you’re using an electric smoker.
- Place the flat side of the ham on the smoker rack and put the meat thermometer probe into the top and into the middle of the ham.
- Close the smoker and set to cook until the ham reaches 150 degrees F. which took ours approx. 4 hours.
- If you’re using a pellet smoker or don’t have a temp. probe such as this one set smoker to 225 degrees for 1.5, then check internal temp. after removing ham from smoker. Put probe into thickest, middle portion of ham to check. Put back in if it is not at 145 degrees yet and continue smoking. Timing will vary depending on whether your ham is cut and how many pounds it is.
- Allow to rest, slice and serve.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What kind of smoker is in the picture?
Charbroil
Calories must be if you eat the whole ham.
Thanks
For the tips. I smoke a turkey for thanksgiving dinner and it was delicious .I thank i will try prekook ham for Xmas dinner
So glad you loved the turkey
How long and at what degree would you smoke a 14 lb ham. The ham is fully cooked
Internal temp is 150? What’s the chamber temp set at?
your nutrition facts can not be correct….
I don’t calculate those, it is done by the recipe plugin.
what temp did you set your smoker to? I did this at 190 and it took about 7 hours with a 10lb ham but that was the best ham I’ve ever had!!! doing this for christmas dinner!!