Twice Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze Recipe

Twice Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze Recipe

/ Recipes / By

My Twice Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze Recipe

A Sweet and Smoky Holiday Centerpiece

This Twice Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze is tender, juicy, and packed with deep smoky flavor. The second slow smoke infuses the ham with richness while the homemade glaze creates a perfectly caramelized finish. It’s an impressive yet simple dish that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.

PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 2 hours
COURSE: Main Course
CUISINE: American
SERVINGS: 10 servings

EQUIPMENT:

  • Smoker or pellet grill
  • Roasting pan or disposable foil pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small saucepan
  • Basting brush
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral ham (8–10 pounds)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice or apple juice (optional, for added moisture)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Smoker and Ham

  1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F using hickory, apple, or maple wood for a balanced smoky flavor.
  2. Remove the ham from packaging and place it cut-side down in a roasting or foil pan.
  3. If desired, pour pineapple or apple juice into the bottom of the pan to keep the ham extra moist.
  4. Cover loosely with foil and place in the smoker.

Step 2: Smoke the Ham

  1. Smoke the ham at 225°F for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120–125°F.
  2. While the ham is smoking, prepare the glaze.

Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  2. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Smoking

  1. Uncover the ham and generously brush the glaze over the entire surface, allowing some to seep between the slices.
  2. Increase smoker temperature to 275°F.
  3. Return the ham to the smoker uncovered and cook for an additional 30–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135–140°F and the glaze is caramelized.
  4. Baste with additional glaze every 15 minutes for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

  1. Remove the ham from the smoker and tent loosely with foil.
  2. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  3. Slice and serve warm with extra glaze drizzled over the top.

TIPS:

  • Choose a spiral-cut ham to allow the glaze and smoke to penetrate each slice.
  • For a slightly healthier twist, reduce the brown sugar by 1/4 cup and rely more on natural honey sweetness.
  • Leftover ham is perfect for sandwiches, omelets, soups, and meal prep bowls.

KEYWORD: Twice Smoked Ham, Brown Sugar Honey Glaze, Smoked Ham, Holiday Ham

Author

  • Hello, I'm Brandt, a Certified Grillmaster, chef, and culinary enthusiast with a lifelong passion for creating exceptional flavors through grilling and cooking. Over the past 30 years, I've honed my barbecue skills on a wide range of smokers, grills, and culinary techniques. I've served as a BBQ judge and earned awards and recognition for my achievements in the world of barbecue.

    I'm also an author, writer, and contributor to sites such as Fine Cooking, The Food Chronicles, My Tasty Dish, and The Cooking. I'm dedicated to sharing my expertise and guiding you on your culinary journey.

    Join me as we dive deep into the art of grilling, where I'll be unveiling my time-tested tips and secret recipes that bring people together, one sizzle at a time!

    View all posts

Last updated: February 16, 2026