Smoked Pulled Ham
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Looking for a delicious and flavorful way to prepare ham? Try this smoked pulled ham recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner! Full of flavor from a delicious rub, then slow cooked on your smoker so it’s fall-apart tender.
This smoked pulled ham with brown sugar glaze is a show-stopping recipe for sure. It has the most tender texture and mouthwatering flavor, not to mention it’s incredibly easy to make. Smoked ham always has 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. Next time you want to spring on a big 8-10 pound ham, grab this recipe and give it a try!
Why You’ll Love this Smoked Pulled Ham Recipe
- This is the perfect party recipe! Make it for Thanksgiving, Christmas or simply as a fun 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 always goes great with any apple flavor! So use some apple juice with this recipe for complimentary flavors.
- Apple cider vinegar – This adds a bit of a tangy flavor and also helps to tenderize the ham.
- Sweet and smoky rub – We’re partial to our Gimme Some Grilling Sweet and Smoky Rub, but you can use anything at your local grocery store too. 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 outside of the ham. It also acts as a binder for the rub.
- Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic will meld with the ham and 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 – Add some extra sweetness with a bit of honey in the glaze.
- Ginger ale – This is our secret ingredient to making the best smoked pulled ham ever!
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar glaze truly makes the best seasoned ham ever.
Helpful Tools
How to Make Smoked Pulled Ham
Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit to let it heat while you prep the ham.
Place your ham meat-side down in a large disposable roasting pan. Then use a knife to 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. 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. Heat 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.
Once your ham reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, carefully take it off the smoker and increase the heat to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
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. 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. Use two forks to shred and a sharp knife to cut into chunks.
How To Store Leftover Smoked Pulled Ham
Allow the leftovers to fully cool and then transfer to an airtight container or zip top plastic bag. You can also keep it in the disposable pan and then cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
FRIDGE: Store leftover ham in the fridge for 3-5 days.
FREEZER: You can freeze your leftovers too! Just place in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months.
How to Reheat Leftover Ham
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.
What temperature do you remove ham?
Ham is fully cooked once the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an instant read meat thermometer to quickly get an accurate reading on the internal temperature of the ham.
What to Serve with Smoked Pulled Ham
This delicious pulled ham is perfect on top of a hearty baked potato with some smoked baked beans on the side. Some bacon wrapped asparagus and seasoned smoked potatoes are great side dishes too.
You can also serve with simple veggies like grilled zucchini and grilled asparagus. And don’t forget some yummy homemade BBQ sauce too!
Pro Tips for the Best Smoked Pulled Ham
- Always make sure to check the internal temperature of ham before pulling it out of the smoker.
- Allow leftovers to cool, but don’t leave them out for longer than two hours before storing in the fridge or freezer.
- Don’t be afraid to change up the sweet and smoky rub! You can use any combination on seasonings and spices that you want and any of your favorite BBQ rubs.
Who knew that a dry rub and delicious glaze would make the best pulled ham ever? You’re going to love this juicy and tender ham!
More Smoker Recipes You’ll Love!
- This Smoked Sausage is one of the best and easiest ways to prepare link sausage.
- Embrace the cold weather with this Smoked Brisket Chili. It’s so tasty!
- Need a new game day recipe? Then check out these amazing Smoked Brats.
- Make these tasty Texas Twinkies in the smoker and serve as an easy appetizer.
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Smoked Pulled Ham
Ingredients
- 8-10 pound whole picnic ham bone in
- 2 Tablespoon 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 the yellow mustard, using your hands to spread it across 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 with the ham in it and then pour the glaze over the top of the ham. Cover the pan tightly with foil.1 cup apple juice
- 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.
Rosa Vasquez says
Hello! I have a dumb question. Is the ham a pre-cooked ham?
Brooke Kill says
Yes it is pre-cooked!