Is Easy Smoked Ham with Glaze on a Masterbuilt Smoker Recipe the Perfect Addition to Your Holiday Feast? — Looking to impress your guests with a delicious and mouthwatering smoked ham? Look no further! In this easy-to-follow recipe, we’ll show you how to create a tantalizing glazed ham using your trusty Masterbuilt smoker. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner in the world of smoking, this recipe is sure to make you the star of any gathering. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the smoky goodness of this tradition-meets-convenience masterpiece!
Tradition Meets Convenience: Easy Smoked Ham with Glaze
When it comes to festive gatherings and holiday cheer, the culinary centerpiece often becomes a topic of much anticipation and discussion. Smoked hams, with their savory, smoky flavor, hold a special place in the pantheon of celebratory dishes. While the tradition of having a bone-in honey baked ham for Easter dinner or a crispy, fatty outer-layered fresh ham for Christmas is cherished, not everyone has the time to invest in such elaborate preparations.
Selecting Your Ham
Let’s begin with the star of the show: the ham itself. Opting for a pre-cooked ham from your local market is not only an economical choice but also a time-saver compared to ordering from a specialty purveyor. Pre-baked hams come in various preparations – sugar and salt-cured or smoked – any of which can serve as an excellent base for our easy smoked ham recipe. If you’re yearning for that home-smoked taste without the all-day vigilance, a pre-cooked ham is your best bet.
Preparation Before the Smoke
Before we introduce our ham to the smoky warmth of the Masterbuilt Smoker, a simple yet essential step must be taken. Rinse your ham under cool water to rid it of any preservatives and excess seasoning that might overshadow your glazing efforts. For those who appreciate attention to detail, scoring the ham in a diamond pattern not only enhances its presentation but also aids the glaze in clinging to the meat’s surface, enriching every bite with flavor.
Setting Up Your Masterbuilt Smoker
It’s time to bring out your Masterbuilt Electric Smoker, a reliable ally in achieving that perfect smoky flavor with minimal fuss. Preheat your smoker to a steady 250°F and ready your wood chips of choice. Apple or hickory chips are excellent for imparting a mellow, smoky sweetness to the ham.
Smoking Process and Glaze Application
Place your ham inside the preheated smoker and let the low and slow cook work its magic. Over the next 3 to 4 hours, the smoky aroma will slowly permeate the meat, transforming it into a mouthwatering delight. Remember to replenish the wood chips and water approximately every 45 minutes to maintain a consistent smoke and humidity level.
Crafting the Perfect Glaze
While your ham is gently smoking, it’s time to concoct the sweet and spicy glaze that will crown your dish. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, cane sugar, a choice of apple cider or pineapple juice, and spicy brown mustard. Let these ingredients simmer together until they form a cohesive glaze, ready to elevate your ham to new heights of flavor.
Glazing and Final Smoking
When your ham reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, it’s ready for glazing. Generously coat the ham with your homemade glaze using a pastry brush, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Return the ham to the smoker and continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Watch closely as the glaze transforms into a dark, caramelized coating, careful not to let it burn.
Resting and Serving Your Masterpiece
After achieving the desired internal temperature and glaze perfection, allow your ham to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This crucial step ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice succulent and tender. Serve your smoked masterpiece with the classic accompaniments of smoked potatoes and pineapple rings for a complete and satisfying meal.
Smoked Side Dishes to Complement Your Ham
The beauty of smoking is the ability to infuse rich flavors into not just meats but side dishes as well. For smoked potatoes, coat them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them in the smoker for about 60 minutes until they are tender to the fork. Smash them slightly, and season with butter, salt, and pepper for a rustic, comforting side. Each serving will have 195 calories, 6g of fat, and 32g of carbohydrates, making for a hearty addition to your plate.
And let’s not forget the smoked pineapple rings. A simple glaze of maple syrup and a sprinkle of salt before smoking will bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness, complementing the savory ham. Smoking them for 60 to 90 minutes will render them fork-tender, each serving containing 31 calories and 8g of carbohydrates.
Completing the Feast
To round out your meal, consider adding a fresh salad or some vibrant green beans for balance. While the idea of a green bean casserole cooked in the smoker is an intriguing one, it remains an untested hypothesis for the adventurous to attempt.
Nutritional Considerations
When indulging in this smoked delicacy, be mindful of the nutritional content. One serving of the ham is packed with 537 calories, 17g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 9g unsaturated fat, 218mg cholesterol, 3347mg sodium, 20g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 18g sugar, and a whopping 76g protein.
Final Thoughts on Your Smoked Ham Adventure
Creating an easy smoked ham with glaze on a Masterbuilt Smoker is a satisfying way to celebrate tradition with a modern twist. The process, though simpler than curing and smoking a fresh ham, still requires a measure of patience and care. However, the result is a tender, flavorful ham that’s rich in character and sure to impress your guests. With this guide, you have the blueprint for a holiday meal that’s both manageable and memorable.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and remember, the best part of smoking is the journey – the slow dance of smoke and heat that culminates in a feast for the senses.
FAQ & Common Questions
Q: What kind of ham is used in this recipe?
A: Any kind of ham, whether smoked or baked, can be used in this recipe.
Q: How do I prepare the glaze for the ham?
A: To prepare the glaze, whisk together the ingredients and simmer them in a saucepan until slightly thickened. The glaze should resemble a thick and slightly runny syrup.
Q: How do I coat the ham with the glaze?
A: Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, remove it from the smoker and generously coat it with the glaze using a pastry brush.
Q: How long should I cook the ham in the smoker?
A: Return the glazed ham to the smoker and cook it until the internal temperature reaches 140°F and the glaze is dark.
Q: What can I serve with the smoked ham?
A: You can serve the smoked ham with smoked potatoes and pineapple rings. Additionally, you can pair it with lightly dressed salad greens or make a classic green bean casserole.
