Smoked Spiral Ham is a classic dish that never fails to impress. This process essentially double smokes a spiral ham and leaves you with a tender, juicy ham with a sweet glaze that’s infused with smoky flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a different way to serve a spiral ham, I’m sure you’re going to enjoy this recipe. It’s a great way to get outside and use that pellet grill too!
This ham goes really well with our smoked Mac & Cheese, Smoked Cauliflower, or Potato Salad.
Why You’ll Love It
- This smoked spiral ham recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and smoky flavors that complement the natural richness of the ham.
- The combination of orange juice, apple juice, brown sugar, and honey creates a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the ham smokes.
- It’s a great way to boost the flavor of your typical ham for something a little different.
» You might also like these Delicious Smoked Pork Chops.
Ingredients You Need

- Spiral Ham – I typically get one that’s 5 pounds or larger. It won’t matter the size since you’re heating it to a specific degree, not based on time alone.
- Orange juice and apple juice – You can use one or the other if you want.
- Brown sugar and honey – These are my preferred sweeteners; you could use agave and/or maple syrup instead.
- Glaze packet – Most spiral hams come with a glaze packet that is to be mixed with water. I add some of it to my own glaze instead. If you’d rather just use the packet, that’s fine too.
Equipment Needed
- Smoker – We use a Traeger Grills Pro 575 for most of our smoking, though I also have a Z Grills 700 series. Whenever we’re smoking something small, we use our Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill.
- Wood pellets – There are many types of pellets available. We like Traeger Signature blend or Bear Mountain Gourmet Blend. If you’ve already got pellets in your smoker, use whatever you have.
- Meat thermometer – Many smokers have a thermometer built in, but if yours doesn’t, get an instant-read thermometer. I love this Thermapen.
What Pellets to Use
For this smoked spiral ham recipe, fruitwood pellets such as apple or cherry are recommended to impart a sweet and fruity flavor that complements the natural richness of the ham. These pellets infuse the ham with a delicate smokiness without overpowering its inherent flavors, resulting in a perfectly balanced and delicious end result.

Helpful Tips
- For best results, choose a high-quality, fully cooked spiral-cut ham.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the ham, ensuring it reaches 140°F(60°C) for safe consumption.
- Consider using fruitwood pellets, such as apple or cherry, to impart a complementary sweet and fruity flavor to the ham.
How to Make Smoked Spiral Ham
Step 1: Prepare the ham

Preheat your smoker to 275°F(135°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan or encased in foil.
In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, apple juice, brown sugar, and honey to create the glaze. Brush about half of the glaze onto the surface of the ham, ensuring that it is evenly coated.
Step 2: Smoke the ham

Place the ham in the preheated smoker and smoke it for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature. You can brush on extra glaze once per hour to build up a flavorful, caramelized coating on the ham.
Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the ham. Once it reaches 140°F(60°C), remove it from the smoker and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Store It
Once the smoked spiral ham has been cooked and any leftovers have cooled to room temperature, it should be stored properly to maintain its flavor and quality. Store the leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, and refrigerate it promptly.
Properly stored, the smoked spiral ham will maintain its quality for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, the ham can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the ham gently in the oven to preserve its juiciness and flavor.
Questions About the Recipe
Can I use a different type of juice for the glaze?
Yes, you can customize the glaze by using different types of juice to suit your preference. Consider experimenting with pineapple juice, cranberry juice, or even a combination of juices to create a unique flavor profile for your smoked spiral ham.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This can save time and make the cooking process more convenient, especially if you’re planning to smoke the ham for a special occasion.
Can you smoke a store bought spiral ham?
Yes you can. Smoking a spiral ham adds more flavor and it is easy to do. Use a glaze or sauce and smoke till it reaches 140°F(60°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How long should you smoke a spiral ham?
Place the ham in the preheated smoker at 275°F(135°C) and smoke it for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature. You can brush on extra glaze once per hour to build up a flavorful, caramelized coating on the ham.
What to Serve on the Side
For sides, there is an endless array of salads and veggies that would make a good choice. Here are a few of our favorites:
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Smoked Spiral Ham
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 pound (2 kg) ham or larger
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) orange juice
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) apple juice
- 1/4 cup (55 g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) honey
- 2-3 tablespoons glaze packet
Instructions
- Place the ham in a roasting pan or encased in foil. Brush the ham with about half of the glaze.
- Smoke at 275°F(135°C) for 21/2 to 3 hours.
- Brush on extra glaze once per hour.
- Remove it from the smoker when the internal temperature reaches 140°F(60°C).
Notes
- For best results, choose a high-quality, fully cooked spiral-cut ham.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the ham, ensuring it reaches 140°F(60°C) for safe consumption.
- Consider using fruitwood pellets, such as apple or cherry, to impart a complementary sweet and fruity flavor to the ham.
Nutrition

Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.