You know those holiday mains that steal the spotlight, the ones people are still talking about when they’re scraping the last of the glaze off the serving platter? That’s this smoked spiral ham recipe in a nutshell. With tender slices, an irresistible maple bourbon glaze, and all the smoky flavor you can handle, this ham is destined to be the centerpiece of your Easter table, Christmas dinner, or any weekend that deserves a little extra wow.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Spiral Ham Recipe
- Major flavor, zero stress: The spiral ham is already cooked—your smoker just works its magic, and the maple bourbon glaze takes it over the top.
- Perfect for gatherings: One 8-pound ham feeds a crowd, and there are always leftovers for sandwiches or brunch.
- Holiday magic, any weekend: This recipe isn’t just for Easter or Christmas. Bring it out for a Sunday dinner and suddenly you’re everyone’s favorite host.
What You Need for Smoked Spiral Ham
No fancy ingredients or rare rubs—just the good stuff. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
The Ham
- Spiral-cut smoked ham: 8 pounds is the sweet spot, but anything close works. Pre-cooked is key, since you’re just infusing flavor and reheating.
For the Braise
- Chicken stock: Adds moisture and depth as the ham smokes.
- Bourbon: Don’t go top-shelf—any decent bourbon gives the glaze its signature flavor.
- Maple syrup: For natural sweetness and shine.
For the Maple Bourbon Glaze
- Maple syrup: The real deal, not pancake syrup.
- Bourbon: Trust me, it makes the glaze!
- Brown sugar: Light or dark—both add caramel goodness.
- Ketchup: Yep! It balances the sweetness and helps everything caramelize.
- Apple cider vinegar: For a bright tang to cut the richness.
- Sweet BBQ rub: Store-bought or homemade—whatever makes you happy.
For precise amounts, check the recipe card at the end of the post.
How to Make Smoked Spiral Ham (Step-by-Step)
Ready to knock out the juiciest, glossiest spiral ham ever? Here’s your plan:
1. Preheat and Prep
- Fire up your smoker to 225°F. Any wood works, but fruit woods (apple, cherry) are awesome for ham.
- Remove the ham from packaging, let it come up to room temp for 30 minutes for even cooking.
2. Start Smoking
- Place the ham, cut side down, straight onto the smoker grates. Close the lid and smoke for 1.5 hours—no basting, no peeking, just let the smoke work.
3. Braise for Moisture
- After 1.5 hours, set the ham in a big cast iron skillet.
- Mix together chicken stock, bourbon, and maple syrup, then pour it over the ham.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bump up the smoker to 300°F, put the skillet back on, and cook for 2 hours (or until the internal temp hits 140°F).
4. Make the Maple Bourbon Glaze
- While the ham finishes, whisk all glaze ingredients together in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then take it off the heat.
- Taste it (cautiously—it’ll be hot!), and try not to eat it with a spoon.
5. Glaze and Broil
- When the ham’s up to temp, carefully remove foil and drain off extra liquid (save it for serving).
- Turn the ham onto its side. Brush generously with that glaze.
- Slide the glazed ham under your oven’s broiler on HIGH for 2–3 minutes. Watch it—this goes fast! You’re looking for bubbling, caramelized edges.
6. Serve and Soak Up the Compliments
- Serve right away, with pan drippings on the side for extra flavor.
- Slice, savor, and let your people rave about the best ham they’ve ever had.
Ingredient Swaps and Pro Tips
- No bourbon? Swap in apple juice for a kid-friendly glaze. It’s still amazing.
- Try new glazes: Peach preserves, orange marmalade, or honey all make fun twists.
- Don’t skip the foil: This keeps the ham juicy, not dry.
- Got leftovers? Chop up extra ham for next-day omelets, soup, or classic ham sandwiches.
Storage, Leftovers & Reheating
- Fridge: Keep leftover ham slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Great for prepping ahead!
- Reheating: Add a splash of stock or pan juices and warm, covered, in a 325°F oven until hot.
How to Serve Smoked Spiral Ham
Ham is nothing without sides! Try:
- Cheesy mashed potatoes
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Skillet green beans
- Warm rolls (for making leftover sandwiches)
- Deviled eggs and spring salads for Easter
And don’t forget that glaze—drizzle it over everything!
Smoked Spiral Ham Recipe FAQ
Plan for 3.5 to 4 hours total. Always use a meat thermometer—140°F is the magic number.
Nope! This method works for non-spiral hams too—just add a little time.
Yes! Use your oven, but add a tiny bit of liquid smoke to the braising liquid if you want a hint of smokiness.
Fruit woods like apple, cherry, or pecan. Hickory works, but can be a little stronger.
Smoked Spiral Ham Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 14 to 16 servings 1x
Description
This smoked spiral ham recipe turns a store bought ham into a juicy, smoky, show stopping centerpiece with a rich maple bourbon glaze that is perfect for holidays or any gathering that deserves big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 lb) spiral cut smoked ham
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- ¼ cup bourbon or apple juice
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup bourbon or apple juice
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 4 tsp sweet BBQ rub
- 4 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225°F.
- Place ham cut side down directly on smoker grates and smoke for 1.5 hours.
- Transfer ham to a large cast iron skillet.
- Mix chicken stock, bourbon, and maple syrup and pour over ham.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Increase smoker temperature to 300°F and return skillet to smoker.
- Cook for about 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Remove ham from smoker, uncover, and drain excess liquid.
- Turn ham on its side and brush generously with glaze.
- Broil on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes until glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
- Slice and serve with extra glaze and pan juices.
Notes
Always use a meat thermometer and avoid overcooking. Apple juice can replace bourbon for an alcohol free version. Leftover ham keeps well for sandwiches, soups, and breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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