How To Cook A Ham On A Charcoal Grill? An Expert’s Guide

Are you looking to add some smoky flavor to your holiday ham?

Look no further than your trusty charcoal grill!

With a few simple steps, you can achieve a deliciously juicy and flavorful ham that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Whether you prefer a sweet glaze or a savory rub, there are plenty of ways to customize your ham to your liking.

So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouth-watering dish.

How To Cook A Ham On A Charcoal Grill?

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill

Before you start cooking, you’ll need to prepare your grill for smoking. Set up direct and indirect heat zones, and aim for a temperature of 250°F. Add cherry or apple wood chips to the fire to create additional smoke.

Step 2: Score the Ham

One hour before cooking, remove the ham from its wrapper and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the rind of the ham in a 1 inch diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. Set the ham in an aluminum foil pan.

Step 3: Cook the Ham

Place the ham, flat side down, on the indirect side of the grill. Let it grill until the internal temperature reaches 145°F with an internal read thermometer. This should take about an hour and a half for an 8-pound ham.

Step 4: Make Your Glaze

While the ham is cooking, make your glaze. Combine your desired ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Let simmer on medium low for about 15 minutes to reduce.

Step 5: Add Glaze to Ham

Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 135°F, add half of the glaze to the ham via a basting brush or spoon. When the ham has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, remove it from the grill.

Step 6: Serve Your Ham

Slice your ham and serve with additional glaze. Leftover ham is a great addition to omelettes, quiche or adding extra flavor to leafy vegetables like collard greens!

Choosing The Right Ham

When it comes to cooking a ham on a charcoal grill, choosing the right type of ham is crucial for achieving the best results. While any type of ham can be grilled, it’s important to note that not all hams are created equal.

Firstly, consider the cut of the ham. The most common types of hams are bone-in and boneless. Bone-in hams tend to have more flavor and moisture, while boneless hams are easier to carve and serve.

Next, think about the level of saltiness in the ham. Some hams are heavily salted and require soaking or brining before cooking to remove excess saltiness. Others are less salty and can be cooked without any pre-treatment.

It’s also important to check if the ham is pre-cooked or raw. Pre-cooked hams are already smoked and can be heated up on the grill, while raw hams require more time for cooking and smoking.

Lastly, consider the size of the ham. A larger ham will take longer to cook and smoke than a smaller one, so plan accordingly.

Preparing The Grill

To prepare your grill for smoking, start by setting up direct and indirect heat zones. This will allow you to control the temperature and create the perfect environment for smoking your ham. Aim for a temperature of 250°F by adjusting the air vents and adding charcoal as needed.

Next, add cherry or apple wood chips to the fire to create additional smoke. This will infuse your ham with a delicious smoky flavor that is sure to impress.

Once your grill is ready, it’s time to score the ham. Use a sharp knife to cut the rind of the ham in a 1 inch diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful presentation.

Place the ham, flat side down, on the indirect side of the grill. Let it grill until the internal temperature reaches 145°F with an internal read thermometer. This should take about an hour and a half for an 8-pound ham.

While the ham is cooking, make your glaze. Combine your desired ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Let simmer on medium low for about 15 minutes to reduce.

Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 135°F, add half of the glaze to the ham via a basting brush or spoon. When the ham has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, remove it from the grill.

Slice your ham and serve with additional glaze. Leftover ham is a great addition to omelettes, quiche or adding extra flavor to leafy vegetables like collard greens! By following these steps, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and impressive ham on your charcoal grill.

Seasoning Your Ham

Seasoning your ham is an important step in preparing it for the grill. While some recipes call for a simple rub of salt and pepper, others may require a more complex blend of spices and herbs. The key is to choose seasonings that complement the natural flavors of the ham without overpowering them.

One popular seasoning option is a brown sugar and mustard paste. To make this, mix brown sugar and mustard together in a bowl until a paste forms. Spread the paste over the entire ham, making sure to cover all sides evenly. Wrap the ham securely in aluminum foil and place it in a disposable pan.

Another option is to create a dry rub using a blend of spices. Common spices used for ham include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin. Mix these together in a bowl, then rub the mixture over the entire surface of the ham. Wrap the ham securely in aluminum foil and place it in a disposable pan.

No matter what seasoning you choose, it’s important to let the ham stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply and ensures that the ham cooks evenly. Once you’ve seasoned your ham, follow the cooking instructions above to achieve a delicious and flavorful result on your charcoal grill.

Cooking Your Ham On The Charcoal Grill

Now that you have prepared your grill and scored your ham, it’s time to start cooking. There are a few different methods you can use to cook your ham on a charcoal grill, so choose the one that works best for you.

Method 1: Indirect Heat

One popular method is to cook the ham using indirect heat. To do this, place the ham on the indirect side of the grill, away from the coals. This will allow the ham to cook slowly and evenly, without getting too charred on the outside.

You’ll want to aim for a temperature of 250°F and let the ham cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F with an internal read thermometer. This should take about an hour and a half for an 8-pound ham.

During the last half hour of cooking, brush the ham with your desired glaze every ten minutes. Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, remove it from the grill.

Method 2: Direct Heat

Another method is to cook the ham using direct heat. To do this, place the ham directly over the coals and let it cook for about 15 minutes per pound. Since hams are already smoked, additional smoke wood is not essential, but you can add some if you like.

You just need to bring the ham up to temperature since it is already fully cooked. Aim for a temperature of about 163°C and add more coals as necessary.

Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes before slicing.

Method 3: Using a Foil Pan

If you’re worried about your glaze dripping onto your coals or want to make cleanup easier, you can also cook your ham in a foil pan. Place the pan on the indirect side of the grill and pour your desired glaze around the ham and into the pan.

Cover the ham snugly with aluminum foil, crimping the foil around the rim of the pan. Cook over indirect medium-low heat for about 1.5 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (not touching the bone) registers 120°F.

During the last half hour of cooking, remove the foil from the ham (but save it for later) and quickly spoon some of the glaze over the meat. Continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham registers 145°F.

Carefully transfer the ham in the pan onto a sheet pan, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 to 30 minutes before slicing.

No matter which method you choose, make sure to serve your ham with additional glaze and enjoy!

Glazing Your Ham (Optional)

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor to your ham, consider glazing it before serving. Glazing is an optional step that can take your ham to the next level. You can use a variety of ingredients to make your glaze, such as brown sugar, honey, mustard, or maple syrup. The key is to choose ingredients that complement the flavor of the ham.

To glaze your ham, start by making your glaze according to the recipe of your choice. You can make the glaze while the ham is cooking on the grill. Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 135°F, use a basting brush or spoon to apply the glaze generously all over the ham. Be sure to cover every inch of the ham with the glaze.

Return the ham to the grill and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the ham as it cooks to ensure that it doesn’t burn.

Once your ham is fully cooked and glazed, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. The resting time allows the juices in the ham to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.

Glazing your ham is a simple step that can take your grilled ham to new heights. Experiment with different glaze recipes until you find one that you love. Your guests will be impressed by the delicious and flavorful ham that you’ve prepared on your charcoal grill.

Letting Your Ham Rest And Serve

After removing the ham from the grill, it’s important to let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

During this time, you can prepare any sides or additional glazes to serve alongside the ham. It’s also a good idea to cover the ham with foil to keep it warm while it rests.

When ready to serve, slice the ham and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top of the slices or serve it on the side for guests to add as desired.

Remember, a fully cooked ham can be served cold or at room temperature as well, making it a great option for entertaining or meal prep. Simply cover and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.