If you picked up a precooked, fully cooked ham for an upcoming holiday meal or gathering heating it up on the grill is a great way to add delicious smoky flavor.
Grilling an already cooked ham keeps the prep work minimal, You don’t have to worry about precise cook times or food safety issues All you need to do is gently warm it on the grill until heated through
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to learn how to easily heat a fully cooked ham on the grill. With a few tips and techniques, you’ll have a juicy, smoked ham ready to slice and serve your guests.
How Long Does It Take to Heat a Fully Cooked Ham on the Grill?
The amount of time needed to heat up a precooked ham depends on the size, but here is a general timeframe
- For a 4-6 pound ham, allow 1-1.5 hours
- For an 8-10 pound ham, plan on 1.5-2 hours
- For a 12-15 pound ham, allow 2.5-3 hours
A good rule of thumb is to allow about 15 minutes per pound. This gently brings the ham up to temperature without overcooking it.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F before removing it from the grill.
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill for Low Heat
To properly heat cooked ham without drying it out, you’ll want to grill it slowly over low heat.
If using charcoal, pile the coals to one side of the grill to create a hot side and a low heat side. For gas grills, preheat to between 225-250°F.
The larger the ham, the more time you’ll need for the center to come up to temp, so keep the heat low. High heat risks overcooking the outer portions before the middle is warmed.
Step 2: Place the Ham Directly on the Grill
Fully cooked hams can be placed right on the grill grates over indirect low heat. Unlike raw ham, there’s no worry about flare-ups from the fat.
For easy handling, place the ham on a double layer of heavy duty foil first. Then transfer it foil and all directly onto the grill grates. The foil prevents the ham from sticking or falling through the grates.
Step 3: Cover the Grill to Retain Moisture
Cooking with the grill cover down is important to keep the ham from drying out on the grill. The moist heat helps gently reheat the ham.
If you don’t have a cover, improvise one with heavy duty foil. Tent it loosely over the ham, leaving openings for ventilation. Check periodically and prevent the foil from touching the ham.
Step 4: Allow the Ham to Roast Slowly
Let your ham grill-roast over low, indirect heat for roughly 15 minutes per pound. Because the ham is already fully cooked, you just need to bring it up to temperature.
Don’t rush it! Flipping or moving the ham frequently can cause it to dry out. Let it roast patiently on each side.
Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature until it reaches 140°F throughout. This ensures the ham is hot enough to serve.
Step 5: Apply a Sweet Glaze (Optional)
For delicious flavor, you can glaze your ham in the last 30 minutes or so of grilling time. A sweet, sticky glaze adds taste and helps form an appetizing crust.
When the ham reaches about 120°F internally, brush on your favorite glaze. Try brown sugar, honey, jellies, preserves, or even cola! Let the glaze caramelize for a beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Allow the Ham to Rest Before Carving
Never slice into freshly cooked ham right off the grill! Let it rest first so the juices redistribute evenly.
Resting for 20-30 minutes allows the temperature to equalize for even cooking. Cover loosely with foil as it rests to retain moisture.
After resting, the ham is ready to carve into perfect slices. The smoky grill flavor will come through beautifully.
Tips for the Best Flavor
Follow these handy tips for heating fully cooked ham on the grill to maximize the flavor:
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Choose a bone-in ham for the most moisture and flavor. The bone conducts heat gently and imparts more taste.
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Apply an all-over seasoning like brown sugar and black pepper before grilling. This adds a tasty, textured crust.
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Use indirect heat and resist peeking under the lid. Direct heat and lifting the lid repeatedly dries out the ham.
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Try adding wood chips or chunks to the grill for extra smoke flavor. Soak them first so they smolder slowly.
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Let the ham rest properly before slicing into it. Never cut into ham immediately after grilling.
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Carve across the grain for tender slices. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers.
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Use leftovers for tasty sandwiches, omelets, soups, or casseroles. Store sliced ham for 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to grilling fully cooked ham, here are answers to some common questions:
How do I know when a precooked ham is fully heated?
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The center should reach 140°F. Check in several spots to ensure even heating.
Should I sear or brown the ham on the grill?
Searing isn’t necessary with cooked ham, and it risks drying it out. Cook over indirect low heat only until heated through. Add glazes or crusting at the end if desired.
Is it safe to eat ham that was undercooked on the grill?
Ham that didn’t reach 140°F internal temperature could harbor bacteria. Safest to discard undercooked ham. In the future, use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Can I grill a spiral cut ham?
Yes, spiral cut hams can be grilled but take extra precautions. Cover with foil and cook gently to avoid drying it out. Glaze toward the end of cooking time if desired.
What’s the best wood for smoking ham on the grill?
For flavor, hickory and apple wood chips impart nice smoke taste without overpowering the ham. Pecan and maple also pair well with the sweet flavor of ham.
Enjoy Your Perfectly Grilled Ham
Heating up a store-bought cooked ham on the grill is simple. With indirect low heat and a meat thermometer for guidance, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful ham ready for your next gathering.
The smoky notes from the grill take this holiday staple to the next level. Serve it with classic side dishes like scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs, baked beans, and cornbread.
Leftover ham also makes amazing sandwiches and omelets. I hope these tips help you grill up the perfect ham this season. Nothing beats the incredible aroma and taste of ham hot off the grill!
How do you like to prepare your holiday ham? Share your favorite recipes and grilling techniques in the comments below.
Grilling Perfection: A Guide to Cooking a Fully Cooked Ham on the Grill
A juicy ham cooked on the grill makes the whole house smell and taste great, whether you’re having a backyard barbecue or a holiday feast. It might seem strange to grill a ham that is already cooked, but it’s a great way to add smokey flavors and get that perfect caramelized outside. Here are the steps you need to take to master the art of grilling a fully cooked ham, which will be the star of your meal and wow your guests.
- A fully cooked ham
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Flavorful glaze or marinade of your choice (optional)
- Warm up your grill: First, heat your grill up to medium-low. On a gas grill, turn the burners down to medium. Put charcoal on a grill and light it. Let it burn until there is a steady layer of gray ash.
- Make the ham: Take the fully cooked ham out of the package and use paper towels to dry it. You can score the outside in a crisscross pattern if you want to make a beautiful presentation. This also makes it easier for the glaze or marinade you use to get into the meat.
- Method of grilling without direct heat: This is the best way to cook bigger hams. Place a drip pan in the middle of the grill. On either side of the pan, place charcoal or burners. The ham will go on the grill grates right on top of the drip pan.
- Time to grill: Put the ham on the grill over the drip pan. Put the ham on the grill with the lid on and cook for about 10 minutes per pound. A meat thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the meat to make sure it reaches 140°F (60°C) inside.
- Baste and glaze: If you’re using a glaze or marinade, begin basting the ham with it about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking. Spread the glaze on thickly and let it caramelize. This will give the cake a beautiful glossy finish.
- Let the ham rest for a while before cutting it. When it’s done, carefully take it off the grill using oven mitts or grill tongs. Put it on a cutting board and wait 10 to 15 minutes. This will let the juices move around in the meat again, making the ham more flavorful and tender. Slice and serve your delicious masterpiece!.
Not only does grilling a fully cooked ham add great smoky flavors, but it also lets you try out different glazes and marinades, like pineapple, honey mustard, or maple-bourbon. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always mouthwatering.
Don’t be afraid to get a fully cooked ham and fire up that grill the next time you want to step up your grilling game. After following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to make a delicious centerpiece that will make everyone want more.
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