Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Karen
Learn how to smoke a fresh ham in a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker with this detailed guide. Discover the best methods, wood chips, smoking tips, and glaze recipes for a perfectly smoked ham every time!
Smoking a fresh ham is an excellent way to create a delicious, tender, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a family Sunday dinner. If you’re looking to make your own ham and want to know the best way to smoke a fresh ham, the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker is a great tool to use. This guide will walk you through the smoking process, from prepping your ham to achieving the perfect smoky flavor. Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Ham for Smoking
Before we start, it’s important to pick the right type of ham for smoking. You have several options: fresh ham, pre-cooked ham, bone-in ham, spiral cut ham, or even a smaller ham like a picnic ham. For the best results, it’s ideal to use fresh ham, which has not been cooked yet. This allows you to control the smoking process and seasoning for a perfect finished ham.
While pre-cooked ham can be smoked for additional flavor, raw ham (or fresh ham) will take longer to cook and provide you with a more authentic smoked taste. If you’re aiming for a juicy, flavorful ham with the perfect smoky flavor, smoking a whole fresh ham is the way to go.
How to Prepare a Fresh Ham for Smoking
The first step in preparing your ham is to ensure it’s at room temperature before smoking. Take the ham out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start smoking to help it cook more evenly. You also want to give your ham a good rinse and dry it with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Once dry, you can choose to apply a Best Homemade Coffee Rub Recipe for BBQ Brisketdry rub, BBQ rub, or even a brown sugar glaze to enhance the flavor. For a simple yet delicious glaze, mix maple syrup, pineapple juice, and a bit of black pepper. The dry rub can consist of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and yellow mustard. For those looking to add an extra layer of flavor, try adding a little bit of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of apple wood chips to the rub.
If you’re working with a spiral cut ham, the pre-sliced meat allows the rub or glaze to penetrate deeper, creating a more flavorful result. Be sure to use a disposable aluminum pan if you’re worried about mess or want to catch the drippings for later use.
Setting Up the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker for Smoking Ham
Now that your ham is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to set up your electric smoker. Start by selecting your preferred wood chips. Apple wood is a popular choice for its mild, sweet smoke flavor, but apple pellets can also work well if you’re using a pellet smoker.
Load your smoker with wood chips, making sure you have enough for the entire cooking time. Set your smoker to medium heat or around 225 degrees F for optimal smoking temperatures. It’s important to maintain low temperatures during the smoking process to ensure your ham stays juicy and tender. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 20-30 minutes of smoking time per pound of ham.
Smoking the Ham
Once your smoker is preheated and ready to go, it’s time to add the ham. Place the ham in the smoker, ensuring it’s centered and not overcrowded. You want the smoke to circulate evenly around the ham for the best flavor. For a bone-in ham, ensure that the bone is pointing downwards for even cooking.
During the smoking process, you can baste the ham with pineapple juice or the remaining glaze every hour to keep it moist and enhance the flavor. This will help maintain the smoke flavor and create a delicious, caramelized exterior. If you’re using a pellet grill or pellet smoker, make sure to check the temperature and adjust the heat source accordingly.
Monitoring the Temperature When Smoking Ham
Use a digital thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the ham. You’ll want the target temperature to reach 190-200 degrees F for a fully cooked ham. For spiral ham or smaller hams, the internal temperature may vary slightly, so make sure you’re checking the temperature every so often to avoid overcooking.
It’s important to let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes after it reaches the target temperature. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
The Best Smoking Method for Ham
The key to the best-smoked ham is a double-smoke method. This involves smoking your ham for a few hours to get a nice base layer of smoky flavor and then adding a glaze (such as maple syrup, brown sugar glaze, or a combination of both) during the final stages of smoking. This extra glaze will create a beautiful caramelized crust that complements the rich, savory flavors of the ham.
For even better results, you can finish your ham on the pellet grill or electric smoker with a diamond pattern cut into the surface of the ham. This will allow the glaze to infuse into the meat and create an extra layer of flavor that will make your guests ask for your ham recipe.
How Long to Smoke a Ham in an Electric Smoker?
The smoking process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the ham. A smaller ham will cook faster than a larger bone-in ham, so be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly. Once your ham has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
During the resting period, you can finish off your glaze by simmering it on the stovetop or adding a final layer to the ham for even more flavor. The resting period is crucial for the ham to retain its juiciness and tenderness.
How Long to Smoke a Fresh Ham Per Pound?
When smoking a fresh ham, the general rule of thumb is to smoke it for about 1.5 to 2 hours per pound at a temperature of 225°F to 250°F. The exact time can vary depending on the size of the ham, the smoker’s temperature, and whether you’re cooking it with the bone in or out.
It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a fully cooked ham, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (recommended by the USDA), but if you’re looking to make the ham more tender and flavorful, many people smoke it until it reaches 190°F to 200°F for a pull-apart texture.
Remember, the smoking process is slow, so plan for several hours of cooking time based on the weight of your ham. It’s always best to check the internal temperature periodically rather than relying solely on time to ensure it’s cooked properly.
Serving Your Smoked Ham
After the ham has rested, it’s time to carve and serve! For a delicious, crispy edge, you can slice the ham along the bone and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Serve the smoked ham alongside your favorite sides for a perfect holiday feast or special occasion meal.
What is the best way to store leftover ham in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh?
To store leftover ham properly and keep it fresh, there are a few key steps to follow. If you’re storing your ham in the fridge, it’s important to cool it down quickly. Let the leftover ham sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it in the refrigerator to avoid bacteria growth. Once it’s cooled, wrap the ham tightly with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other food odors. Leftover ham should be consumed within 3 to 5 days when stored in the fridge, so make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
If you want to store your leftover ham for a longer period, freezing is a great option. To freeze the ham, first, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag to keep out air and prevent freezer burn. It’s also helpful to label the packaging with the date so you can track how long it’s been frozen. Frozen ham can be stored for up to 2 to 3 months for the best quality, though it remains safe to eat beyond that time, the flavor and texture may degrade.
When you’re ready to use the frozen ham, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge for optimal results. Once thawed, reheat it thoroughly to the proper temperature before serving. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your leftover ham safely and at its best quality for days or even months after your meal.
Smoking a fresh ham in your Masterbuilt Electric Smoker is a rewarding experience that produces a flavorful, smoky masterpiece. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the best results for your next holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or any special occasion. Whether you’re using apple wood or maple syrup for your glaze, the smoking process and resting period are crucial to achieving a delicious ham that will wow your family and friends.
