Smoked Pulled Ham
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Posted: 03/11/26
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Smoked pulled ham takes a classic picnic or holiday ham and elevates it with slow smoking until the meat becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred — perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or hearty dinners. With a flavorful rub and sweet glaze, this recipe brings rich smoky flavor and juicy texture to the table.
This smoked pulled ham with brown sugar glaze is a show-stopping recipe the whole family will love. It has the most tender texture and mouthwatering flavor, not to mention it’s incredibly easy to make. Cooking ham in a smoker gives it such a classic flavor that never gets old, and this recipe embraces all of those flavors! We love to eat this on its own with tasty sides, but it’s great on a sandwich, in a casserole dish, and so much more.
The smoker is really the easiest way to infuse flavor in meat. It’s why we love Smoked Chicken Breast and Smoked Ribs, and it’s absolutely why we love this pulled ham in the smoker. The texture of smoked ham is next level! Next time you want to spring on a big 8-10 pound ham, grab this smoked ham recipe and give it a try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This is the perfect party recipe! Make it to feed a crowd for Thanksgiving, Christmas or simply as a great meal for a family gathering.
- Not an pro at the smoker? Not to worry! This super easy recipe is accessible for anyone. Simple ingredients, easy to follow instructions and the most delicious end result.
- Smoked pulled ham is a great topping for nachos, super tasty in tacos, and perfect on sandwiches. There are so many different ways to serve it.
Ingredients for Smoked Pulled Ham
- Apple juice – Pork is complimented by apple flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar – This adds a bit of a tangy flavor and also helps to tenderize the ham.
- Sweet and Smoky Rub – Use any rub you like from your local grocery store. Or, make your own Sweet and Smoky Rub.
- Yellow mustard – Yellow mustard not only adds some tanginess to the ham but it also creates a nice crust on the outer surface. It also acts as a binder for the rub.
- Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic will add a delicious flavor.
- Whole picnic ham – You’ll need to grab an 8-10 pound ham for this smoked pulled ham recipe.
- Dijon mustard – Using both yellow mustard and dijon mustard adds loads of flavor. The warmth of dijon mustard is extra tasty with ham.
- Honey – Adds some extra sweetness in the glaze.
- Ginger ale – This is our secret ingredient to making the best smoked pulled ham ever.
- Brown sugar – Adds the perfect caramelization to the sweet glaze.
How to Make Smoked Pulled Ham
Place ham meat-side down in a large disposable roasting pan. Cut score marks across the entire surface of the ham, about 1 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep, in a diamond pattern.
Drizzle the ham with the yellow mustard and use your hands to spread it across evenly. Then generously season the outside of the ham with the sweet and smoky rub.
Transfer the pan with the ham onto the smoker grates and close the lid for about 6-7 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a medium saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients over medium high heat and bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it comes to a boil lower heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour apple juice into the bottom of the pan with the ham in it and then pour the brown sugar glaze over the top of the ham and cover the pan tightly with foil.
Place the covered ham back onto the smoker with reduced heat, close the lid, and continue cooking the ham until the internal temperature reads at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take about 2 to 3 more hours.
Remove the ham and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding.
Pour any remaining juices from the braising pan over the shredded ham before serving.
Pro Tips
- Always make sure to check the internal temperature of ham before pulling it out of the smoker.
Who knew that a simple dry rub and delicious glaze would make the best pulled ham ever? You’re going to love this juicy and tender ham and so will your friends and family, I bet it becomes a highly requested dish!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling so I can see your grilling masterpieces!
Smoked Pulled Ham Recipe
Smoked pulled ham is slow cooked on the smoker until fall-apart tender with a sweet and smoky rub and glaze — perfect for sandwiches, entrees, or party platters.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8-10 pound whole picnic ham bone in
- 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 Tablespoons sweet and smoky rub
Glaze
- 2 ¼ cups ginger ale
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Braising Liquid
- 1 cup apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the ham meat-side down in a large disposable roasting pan. Using a knife, cut score marks across the entire surface of the ham about 1 inch apart and 1/2 inch deep in a diamond pattern. Drizzle the ham with yellow mustard, using your hands to spread it out evenly. Generously season the outside of the ham with the sweet and smoky rub.
- Transfer the pan with the ham onto the smoker grates. Close the lid and smoke the ham for about 6-7 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients. Over medium high heat bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly. Once sauce comes to a boil lower heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Once your ham reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, carefully take the ham off the smoker and increase the heat to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pour apple juice into the bottom of the pan, leaving the ham in it and then pour the glaze over the top of the ham. Cover the pan tightly with foil.
- Once the smoker is preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, place the covered ham onto the smoker, close the lid, and continue cooking the ham until the internal temperature reads at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit and your thermometer probe slides into the meat like it is sliding into softened butter. This should take bout 2-3 hours.
- Remove the ham and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding. Pour any remaining juices from the braising pan over the shredded ham before serving.
Tips
Fridge: Store leftover ham in an airtight container or covered aluminum pan for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Store leftovers in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months.
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven with some of the leftover juices. You can also reheat some ham on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 851kcal (43%), Carbohydrates: 30g (10%), Protein: 66g (132%), Fat: 51g (78%), Saturated Fat: 18g (113%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 24g, Cholesterol: 187mg (62%), Sodium: 3634mg (158%), Potassium: 928mg (27%), Fiber: 0.3g (1%), Sugar: 28g (31%), Vitamin A: 29IU (1%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 53mg (5%), Iron: 3mg (17%)
How To Store Leftover Smoked Pulled Ham
Fridge: Store leftover ham in an airtight container or covered aluminum pan for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Store leftovers in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months.
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven with some of the leftover juices. You can also reheat some ham on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How To Serve Smoked Pulled Ham
This delicious pulled ham is perfect on top of a hearty Baked Potato with some Smoked Baked Beans on the side. My household especially loves this ham with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus and Seasoned Smoked Potatoes.
You can also serve with simple veggies like Grilled Zucchini and Grilled Asparagus. Add your pulled ham to a slider bun with some yummy Homemade BBQ Sauce! There are so many delicious options to enjoy this protein.
More Great Smoker Recipes
- This Smoked Sausage is one of the best and easiest ways to prepare link sausage. In just over an hour, you’ll have tender, juicy and deliciously smoky sausages to feed a crowd.
- Embrace the cold weather with this Smoked Brisket Chili. It’s so tasty and reduces food waste by using up leftover brisket.
- Need a new game day recipe? Check out these amazing Smoked Brats. No two brats are the same – everyone can load them up with their own favorite toppings!
- Make these tasty Texas Twinkies in the smoker and serve as an easy appetizer. Very similar to a jalapeño popper, but wrapped in bacon, these are always a hit!
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