Smoked Ham with Sweet Holiday Glaze Recipe

Smoked Ham with Sweet Holiday Glaze

• Level: Intermediate
• Yield: 8 to 12 servings
• Nutritional Analysis Per Serving Serving Size 1 of 10 servings Calories 1136 Total Fat 59 g Saturated Fat 25 g Carbohydrates 71 g Dietary Fiber 12 g Sugar 44 g Protein 78 g Cholesterol 307 mg Sodium 5354 mg
• Total Time: 1 day 3 hr 10 min
• Prep: 10 min
• Inactive: 1 day
• Cook: 3 hr

Transform your holiday table with this show-stopping smoked ham, infused with aromatic hickory smoke and glazed to perfection with a buttery-bourbon masterpiece. This showstopper requires patience and planning, but the payoff is a centerpiece that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

For the Ham:

• One 10-pound cooked bone-in spiral ham, ideally from the shank end
• 1 cup Neely's Dry Rub seasoning (see below)

Sweet Holiday Glaze:

• 2 sticks salted butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Neely's Dry Rub Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 cups paprika
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 3/4 tablespoons onion powder

Directions:

1. Coat the ham generously with the dry rub, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This crucial step allows the vibrant spices to penetrate deep into the meat, creating layers of flavor that will shine through the smoke.
2. Prepare your grill for indirect cooking at 250F. Add hickory chips and charcoal to create that signature smoky character.
3. Transfer the ham to an aluminum roasting pan and position it on the grill grates away from direct heat. Smoke for 3 hours, keeping the temperature steady at 250F and replenishing hickory chips and charcoal as the smoke fades. Once finished, place the ham on a serving platter.
4. While the ham smokes, combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a rich, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
5. Pour the warm glaze generously over the hot ham and serve immediately, letting guests savor every perfectly caramelized bite.

Make-Ahead Tip: Preparing Neely's Dry Rub Seasoning

1. Mix all seasoning ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight container for up to six months. Having this blend ready means you can create this impressive dish anytime inspiration strikes.