Double smoked ham is an exceptional treat that elevates a simple store-bought ham into something extraordinary. This recipe adds a smoky depth of flavor to the ham while coating it with a sweet and tangy peach glaze. The process of smoking the ham twice ensures the perfect balance of smoky and savory, while the glaze gives it a rich, caramelized finish. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, this double smoked ham will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in ham shank

• 1 liter pineapple juice (divided)

• 1 cup peach jam or apricot jelly

Directions

1. Prepare the Ham:
   Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Using a boning knife, gently score the outside of the ham in a crosshatch pattern, creating 1.5–2″ squares. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat.

2. Smoke the Ham:
   Place the ham cut side down on the middle rack of your smoker. On the bottom rack, place a chafing pan lined with tin foil to catch any drippings. Smoke the ham at 225°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, which should take about 4 hours. During this time, spritz the ham with pineapple juice every hour to keep it moist.

3. Prepare the Glaze:
   Once the ham reaches 130°F, whisk together the peach jam and 1/4 cup of pineapple juice to create a glaze.

4. Baste the Ham:
   Generously baste the ham with the peach glaze, then increase the smoker temperature to 300°F and smoke for an additional 30 minutes. Baste again, then increase the temperature to 350°F and smoke for another 30 minutes. The internal temperature of the ham should now be 145–150°F.

5. Rest and Serve:
   Remove the ham from the smoker, tent it with tin foil, and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: 2614 kcal (for the whole recipe)

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 216g

• Fat: 168g

• Saturated Fat: 60g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 79g

• Cholesterol: 620mg

• Sodium: 11886mg

• Potassium: 3055mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 33g

• Vitamin A: 6 IU

• Vitamin C: 16mg

• Calcium: 95mg

• Iron: 9mg

The Flavor Profile of Double Smoked Ham

The beauty of Double Smoked Ham lies in its complex yet harmonious flavor profile. The first layer of flavor comes from the slow smoking process itself, which infuses the ham with a deep, savory smokiness. As the ham smokes, the fat renders and helps keep the meat juicy, while the seasoning and natural flavors of the ham develop further. The crosshatch pattern scored into the ham’s surface ensures that the smoke and juices penetrate deeply, infusing the meat with smoky goodness.

The second layer of flavor comes from the sweet and tangy peach glaze. The peach jam or apricot jelly, when combined with pineapple juice, creates a glaze that is both sweet and slightly tart. This contrast works beautifully with the savory ham, balancing the richness of the meat with the light, fruity sweetness of the glaze. The glaze caramelizes as it smokes, giving the ham a glossy finish and a slight crispy texture on the outside.

Together, these elements create a deliciously complex ham that’s perfect for anyone who loves a mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The result is a tender, juicy ham with a beautifully caramelized crust that pairs well with both traditional and contemporary side dishes.

How to Prepare Double Smoked Ham

Making Double Smoked Ham is surprisingly simple, especially considering the impressive results. The key is patience and attention to detail during the smoking process. Here’s how you can create this incredible dish:

1. Prepare the Ham:
The first step is to preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). While the smoker is heating, prepare the ham by scoring its surface in a crosshatch pattern. Using a boning knife, carefully score the outside of the ham, making 1.5 to 2-inch squares. This allows the smoke and the glaze to penetrate the meat more effectively, ensuring even flavor distribution.

Once the ham is scored, you’re ready to start smoking.

2. Smoke the Ham:
Place the ham cut side down on the middle rack of the smoker. On the bottom rack, place a chafing pan lined with tin foil to catch any drippings. This will prevent a mess in your smoker while also giving you some delicious drippings to use for other dishes if desired.

Smoke the ham at 225°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C), which should take about 4 hours. During this time, it’s important to keep the ham moist by spritzing it with pineapple juice every hour. This helps maintain the ham’s tenderness and ensures it doesn’t dry out during the long smoking process.

3. Prepare the Glaze:
While the ham is smoking, prepare the glaze by whisking together peach jam (or apricot jelly) and 1/4 cup of pineapple juice. This mixture will form the sweet and tangy glaze that will be brushed over the ham during the second smoking phase. The glaze is a key element in adding richness and sweetness to balance the smoky flavor of the ham.

4. Baste and Smoke Again:
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, it’s time to glaze it. Generously baste the ham with the peach glaze, making sure to coat it evenly. After glazing, increase the smoker’s temperature to 300°F (149°C) and continue smoking for an additional 30 minutes. This will help the glaze set and begin to caramelize on the surface of the ham.

After 30 minutes, baste the ham again with more glaze, then increase the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and smoke for another 30 minutes. During this phase, the internal temperature of the ham should reach 145–150°F (63–66°C), ensuring that the ham is fully cooked, juicy, and tender.

5. Rest and Serve:
Once the ham has finished smoking, remove it from the smoker and tent it with tin foil. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting the ham allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. After resting, slice the ham and serve it with your favorite side dishes.

Nutritional Breakdown of Double Smoked Ham

Double Smoked Ham is a rich and indulgent dish, and its nutritional content reflects that. A serving of this ham (for the entire recipe) provides approximately 2,614 calories, which can be split into multiple servings depending on how you choose to serve it. The high calorie count comes from the fat content of the ham and the glaze, which contributes to the dish’s richness and flavor.

In addition to the calories, the ham provides 216g of protein, making it an excellent source of this essential macronutrient. The fat content is quite high at 168g, including 60g of saturated fat, which contributes to the tender and juicy texture of the meat. This indulgence makes the dish perfect for special occasions rather than everyday meals.

The ham also contains 45g of carbohydrates, with 33g of sugar coming primarily from the pineapple juice and peach glaze. While the sugar adds sweetness to the dish, it is balanced by the savory and smoky flavors of the meat.

Serving Suggestions for Double Smoked Ham

Double Smoked Ham makes an impressive centerpiece for any meal, especially during the holidays. The smoky, caramelized exterior and tender, juicy interior make it a showstopper that’s perfect for serving to guests. Here are some great ways to serve Double Smoked Ham:

• With Classic Sides: Serve the ham with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and green beans for a hearty meal. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs wonderfully with savory side dishes.

• As Sandwiches: Slice the ham thinly and serve it on soft rolls for delicious sandwiches or sliders. Add a bit of mustard or pickles for extra flavor.

• With Salad: Pair the ham with a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the meat. A simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette can provide a light and refreshing contrast.

• For Breakfast: Use the leftover ham for a delicious breakfast, serving it alongside scrambled eggs or in an omelette.

Why Double Smoked Ham is Perfect for Special Occasions

Double Smoked Ham is the perfect dish for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to make an impression. The process of double smoking ensures that every bite is packed with smoky flavor, while the sweet peach glaze adds a rich and caramelized finish that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Whether served as the centerpiece of a festive meal or sliced for sandwiches, this ham is versatile, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Memorable Dish

Double Smoked Ham is a true showstopper, offering a perfect combination of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. The double smoking process gives the ham a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat, while the peach glaze provides a beautiful caramelized finish. Whether served at a holiday meal or a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress and become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a memorable main dish.