Grilled ham: the words conjure images of smoky sweetness, caramelized edges, and a tender, juicy interior. But if you’re used to only baking or pan-frying ham, the question naturally arises: can you grill cooked ham? The short answer is a resounding yes! Grilling cooked ham is not only possible, but it’s also a fantastic way to elevate its flavor and create a memorable meal. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right ham to grilling techniques and delicious serving suggestions.
Why Grill Cooked Ham? The Benefits
While ham is delicious cooked in other ways, grilling offers unique advantages. Grilling adds a smoky char that infuses the ham with a depth of flavor you simply can’t achieve in the oven.
The direct heat from the grill helps to caramelize the sugars in the ham’s glaze (or even the natural sugars in the meat itself), creating a beautiful, flavorful crust.
Finally, grilling can be faster than baking, particularly for smaller ham portions. This makes it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or smaller gatherings.
Choosing the Right Cooked Ham for Grilling
Not all hams are created equal, and the type of ham you choose will affect your grilling experience. Here’s what to consider:
Bone-In vs. Boneless
Both bone-in and boneless hams can be grilled. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and retain moisture better, but they can be more challenging to carve. Boneless hams are easier to slice and serve, making them a convenient option for busy cooks. Consider your carving skills and desired flavor intensity when making your choice.
Spiral-Cut vs. Whole Ham
Spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced, making them incredibly easy to serve. However, the pre-slicing also means they can dry out more quickly on the grill. A whole ham (not spiral-cut) will retain moisture better but requires more carving effort. If you choose a spiral-cut ham, be extra careful not to overcook it.
Cured and Smoked Hams
Most hams sold in grocery stores are already cured and smoked, which means they are safe to eat without further cooking. The goal of grilling is simply to reheat the ham and add flavor. Look for hams that have been naturally cured and smoked for the best flavor.
Ham Size and Thickness
The size and thickness of your ham will determine the grilling time. A smaller ham will cook faster than a large one, and a thicker ham will take longer to heat through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the proper internal temperature.
Preparing Your Cooked Ham for the Grill
Proper preparation is key to a successful grilled ham. Here’s how to get your ham ready for the grill:
Trimming Excess Fat
While some fat is desirable for flavor and moisture, too much can cause flare-ups on the grill. Trim off any excess fat from the surface of the ham, leaving a thin layer (about ¼ inch) to render and baste the meat.
Scoring the Ham
Scoring the ham – making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the surface – allows the heat to penetrate more evenly and helps the glaze adhere better. Use a sharp knife and make cuts about ¼ inch deep.
Brining (Optional)
While not essential, brining can add moisture and flavor to your ham. If your ham seems dry or you want to enhance its flavor, consider brining it for a few hours before grilling.
Adding a Glaze
A glaze is the perfect finishing touch for grilled ham. It adds sweetness, flavor, and a beautiful caramelized crust. Popular glaze options include honey mustard, brown sugar, maple syrup, and fruit preserves. Apply the glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of grilling to prevent it from burning.
Glaze Recipes to Try
Consider the following glaze options for your grilled ham. These are all relatively easy to prepare and add tremendous flavor.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a tangy and sweet glaze.
- Brown Sugar Glaze: Mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a pinch of ground cloves for a classic and flavorful glaze.
- Maple Glaze: Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky and sweet glaze.
Grilling Techniques for Cooked Ham
Now for the fun part: grilling! Here’s how to grill your cooked ham to perfection:
Setting Up Your Grill
Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, the key is to use indirect heat. This means positioning the ham away from the direct flames to prevent it from burning.
- Gas Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 325°F or 160°C). Turn off one or more burners to create a cool zone for indirect cooking.
- Charcoal Grill: Arrange the charcoal on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty for indirect cooking.
Grilling Time and Temperature
The grilling time will depend on the size and thickness of your ham, as well as the temperature of your grill. As a general rule, allow about 10-15 minutes per pound for reheating the ham.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, away from the bone.
Grilling Process
- Place the ham on the cool side of the grill, away from the direct heat.
- Close the lid and allow the ham to cook slowly, turning it occasionally to ensure even heating.
- During the last 15-20 minutes of grilling, brush the ham with your chosen glaze.
- Continue grilling until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), glazing it a few more times for a beautiful, sticky crust.
- Remove the ham from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Tips for Preventing a Dry Ham
- Don’t overcook it. This is the most important tip. Overcooking is the fastest way to dry out a ham.
- Use a meat thermometer. Rely on a meat thermometer to accurately gauge the internal temperature.
- Baste frequently. Basting with pan juices, broth, or even just water can help keep the ham moist.
- Wrap in foil (optional). If you find the ham is browning too quickly, you can loosely wrap it in foil during the last part of the grilling process.
- Rest before carving. Allowing the ham to rest allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Cooked Ham
Grilled ham is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.
Classic Ham Dinner
Serve grilled ham as the centerpiece of a classic holiday meal, accompanied by sides like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls.
Ham Sandwiches
Grilled ham makes delicious sandwiches. Use it to create classic ham and cheese sandwiches, or get creative with toppings like coleslaw, spicy mustard, and pickles.
Ham Salads
Dice up leftover grilled ham and add it to salads for a protein boost. It pairs well with pasta salads, potato salads, and green salads.
Ham and Egg Dishes
Grilled ham is a perfect addition to breakfast or brunch dishes. Use it in omelets, frittatas, or quiches.
Ham and Bean Soup
Use the ham bone (from a bone-in ham) to make a flavorful ham and bean soup.
Troubleshooting Grilled Ham
Even with the best preparation, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:
Ham is Drying Out
This is usually caused by overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook the ham. If the ham is drying out, try basting it more frequently or wrapping it loosely in foil.
Glaze is Burning
This is usually caused by applying the glaze too early in the grilling process. Wait until the last 15-20 minutes of grilling to apply the glaze. If the glaze starts to burn, reduce the heat or move the ham further away from the flames.
Ham is Not Heating Through Evenly
This can be caused by an uneven heat source. Turn the ham occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in different parts of the ham.
The Final Slice: Enjoying Your Grilled Cooked Ham
Grilling cooked ham is a simple yet impressive way to elevate a classic dish. By choosing the right ham, preparing it carefully, and using the right grilling techniques, you can create a flavorful and memorable meal that everyone will enjoy. So fire up your grill and get ready to experience the deliciousness of grilled cooked ham!
Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature. Experiment with different glazes and serving suggestions to find your perfect grilled ham recipe. And most importantly, enjoy the process! Grilling is all about having fun and creating delicious food with friends and family.
FAQ 1: Can you actually grill a cooked ham without drying it out?
Yes, you can absolutely grill a cooked ham without it becoming dry, but it requires a specific approach. The key is to remember that the ham is already cooked; your goal is to warm it through and add smoky flavor, not to cook it again from scratch. This means using indirect heat and a flavorful glaze to keep it moist.
To prevent drying, consider wrapping the ham in foil during the initial phase of grilling. This will help trap moisture and prevent the exterior from becoming overly dry before the interior warms up. Then, during the final stage, remove the foil, apply your glaze, and allow the glaze to caramelize and create a delicious, protective crust.
FAQ 2: What’s the best way to prepare a ham for grilling?
The most important preparation step for grilling a cooked ham is deciding how you want to slice it. If it’s a bone-in ham, you’ll need to work around the bone. For a boneless ham, consider scoring the surface in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate more effectively and creates visually appealing grill marks.
Beyond slicing, preparing a flavorful glaze is crucial. A glaze typically includes a sweet component (like brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup), an acidic component (like Dijon mustard, vinegar, or fruit juice), and potentially some spices. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite. Before grilling, lightly pat the ham dry to ensure the glaze adheres properly.
FAQ 3: What kind of grill setup works best for grilling ham?
Indirect heat is crucial for grilling a cooked ham successfully. With a gas grill, this means turning off the burners directly under the ham and using the surrounding burners on low to medium heat. For a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on either side of the grill, leaving a space in the middle for the ham.
Maintaining a consistent temperature is also vital. Aim for a grill temperature between 250°F and 300°F (120°C and 150°C). Use a grill thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the burners or coals as needed. This will ensure the ham warms evenly without burning or drying out.
FAQ 4: How long does it typically take to grill a cooked ham?
The grilling time for a cooked ham depends on its size and your grill temperature. A general rule of thumb is to grill it for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound. However, the most accurate way to determine doneness is to use a meat thermometer.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone if applicable. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of around 130°F to 140°F (55°C to 60°C). Remember, you’re just warming it through, not cooking it raw. Remove the ham from the grill once it reaches the desired temperature and let it rest before slicing.
FAQ 5: How often should I apply glaze while grilling the ham?
The frequency of glaze application depends on the type of glaze you’re using. Generally, you should apply the glaze during the last 20-30 minutes of grilling. Start by brushing on a thin layer of glaze, allowing it to caramelize slightly before applying the next layer.
Repeat this process every 5-10 minutes, building up a rich and flavorful crust. Be careful not to apply too much glaze at once, as it can burn easily. The goal is to create a beautiful, glossy finish that complements the smoky flavor of the grill.
FAQ 6: What are some good glaze options for grilling ham?
There are endless glaze options for grilling ham, allowing you to customize the flavor to your preference. Classic combinations include brown sugar and Dijon mustard, honey and pineapple, maple syrup and bourbon, or apricot jam and ginger. These provide a balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice.
Consider adding other ingredients like orange zest, cloves, cinnamon, or chili flakes to create unique flavor profiles. You can also use fruit juices like apple cider or cranberry juice as a base for your glaze. Experiment with different combinations to find your signature ham glaze recipe.
FAQ 7: What are some side dish ideas to serve with grilled ham?
Grilled ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its smoky, sweet, and savory flavor profile. Classic options include scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, and sweet potato casserole. These provide a comforting and satisfying meal.
For lighter options, consider serving grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Fruit salads or grilled pineapple also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham. Ultimately, the best side dishes are those that you and your guests enjoy.