As someone who loves firing up my electric smoker, ham is one of my favorite meats to smoke The indirect heat gently infuses the ham with delicious smoky flavor while keeping it tender and juicy
Smoking a pre-cooked boneless or bone-in ham transforms it from an everyday food to an extraordinary centerpiece meal
In this guide, I’ll walk through my simple process for smoking cooked ham to perfection in an electric smoker. With my tips, tricks and techniques, you’ll turn out incredible smoked ham that will wow your family and friends. Let’s get smoking!
Why Smoke a Cooked Ham?
There are several benefits to smoking an already-cooked ham:
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Deepens flavor tremendously with smoky goodness
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Keeps it incredibly moist and tender
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Allows customizing flavors with rubs and glazes
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Infuses the entire ham, not just the outer portion
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Provides a beautiful pink smoke ring around the edges
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Gives your ham an appetizing, savory aroma
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Makes an easy, fuss-free meal with gourmet results
Smoking takes your typical oven-baked ham to new heights of taste. Once you discover how easily you can smoke a cooked ham at home, you’ll want to do this for every holiday meal!
Selecting a Great Ham for Smoking
Here are tips for choosing the best quality cooked ham for smoking:
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Opt for a boneless or bone-in half ham, around 5-8 lbs.
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Pick a ham labeled “fully-cooked” or “ready-to-eat” for best results.
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Shank and butt portions work well. Avoid very irregular cuts.
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Look for some marbling or streaks of fat for flavor and moisture.
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Whole or sliced hams work. Score the fat cap on whole hams.
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Preferably get a ham without added glaze or seasoning.
With the right ham selected, you’re ready to start prepping it for the smoker!
Prepping the Cooked Ham for the Smoker
Proper prep is key to maximizing smoke flavor absorption and tenderness:
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Rinse the ham under cool water and pat dry.
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Trim off any hardened fat, skin or other unappetizing parts.
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Apply a thin coating of mustard, oil or dressing as a binder.
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Massage in a dry rub generously to add lots of seasoning.
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Refrigerate uncovered overnight so rub penetrates deeply.
Your cooked ham is now ready for delicious smoky magic!
Step-by-Step Smoking a Cooked Ham in an Electric Smoker
Smoking a pre-cooked ham in an electric smoker is simple. Follow these steps for the best possible results:
1. Prepare the Smoker
Get your electric smoker heating up to 225-250°F. Add wood chips – apple, cherry and pecan work great.
Soak wood chips 30-60 minutes before for more smoke. Use a Smoker Tube if your smoker doesn’t produce enough smoke.
2. Add the Seasoned Ham
Place the seasoned cooked ham directly on the smoker racks. Insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part.
Try to select a location near the bone if smoking a bone-in ham.
3. Smoke the Ham
Maintain your electric smoker temperature at 225-250°F. Smoke the ham for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, until it reaches 140°F internal temperature.
Spritz with apple juice every hour and add more wood chunks as needed to generate steady smoke.
4. Glaze the Ham (Optional)
During the last 30-60 minutes of smoking time, brush on your favorite glaze continuously to create a sticky, caramelized exterior.
5. Rest and Slice the Ham
When the ham reaches 140°F, remove it from the smoker and let it rest 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to reabsorb.
Then simply carve and serve! Refrigerate any leftovers.
Handy Electric Smoker Tips and Tricks
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Use a drip pan under the ham to catch drippings. Fill with water, juice, broth or a canned beer.
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Rotate the ham occasionally for even exposure to smoke and heat.
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Add a water pan or mop if the smoker temperature gets too hot.
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Spray juice inside the smoker to boost humidity and prevent drying.
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Double wrap leftovers well and reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Serving Smoked Cooked Ham
There are endless options for serving your mouthwatering smoked ham. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
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On sandwiches with cheese, mustard and pickles
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Diced in salads, scrambled eggs or omelets
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As an appetizer topped with pineapple, clover honey or spicy mustard
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Added to soups like split pea or bean for a smoky twist
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In chef salads paired with veggies and hard-boiled eggs
However you decide to use it, your smoked cooked ham is sure be a huge hit! Enjoy this incredibly easy method for taking your ham up a notch.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Having some trouble getting perfect results when smoking a cooked ham? Here are some common issues and solutions:
Problem: Ham comes out too dry.
Solution: Cook to slightly lower internal temp, use water pan, wrap at stall point.
Problem: Ham has inadequate smoke flavor.
Solution: Add more chips/chunks, use a smoke tube, increase smoking time.
Problem: Ham finishes much faster than expected.
Solution: Start ham at lower smoker temp (200°F), use lower rack position.
Problem: Ham takes much longer than planned to reach 140°F.
Solution: Raise smoker temp to 275°F, slice ham thinner, check thermometer.
Problem: Ham has bitter, acrid taste.
Solution: Switch to a milder wood like apple or pecan. Allow smoke to clear before adding more chips.
FAQs About Smoking a Cooked Ham
How much time does it take to smoke a cooked ham?
Plan for 15-20 minutes per pound smoking time at 225-250°F. A 7 lb ham will take 2-2.5 hours.
What is the best wood for smoking cooked ham?
Fruit woods like apple, cherry, peach or pecan pair wonderfully with ham to produce a slightly sweet smoke flavor.
What is the best way to reheat leftover smoked cooked ham?
Slice the ham and gently reheat it in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil with apple juice, broth, or barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
Can you freeze smoked cooked ham?
Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve leftover smoked ham. Slice ham, tightly wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze up to 2-3 months.
Should you brine a cooked ham before smoking?
Brining is not necessary since cooked hams are already fully cured and seasoned. Simply apply a binder and dry rub before smoking.
Enjoy Your Delicious Smoked Ham!
Adding rich smoky flavor takes an ordinary cooked ham to extraordinary new levels of deliciousness! I hope my guide gives you the knowledge and confidence to easily smoke hams at home in your electric smoker.