Whole grilled ham with crispy edges on a wooden cutting board garnished with herbs

Crispy Grilled Whole Ham - A Juicy And Flavorful Delight

Name: Crispy Grilled Whole Ham - A Juicy And Flavorful Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 piece Whole boneless smoked ham (about 4 kg) - choose one with a good layer of fat for crispiness; 100 g Brown sugar (for sweet glaze); 3 tbsp Dijon mustard (to balance sweetness); 2 tbsp Honey (for glaze); 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar (to add tang); 1 tsp Ground black pepper (freshly cracked); 1 tsp Garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor); 2 tbsp Olive oil (to brush for crispiness)

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medium

120 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories450kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat25gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole boneless smoked ham (about 4 kg) - choose one with a good layer of fat for crispiness1 piece
Brown sugar (for sweet glaze)100 g
Dijon mustard (to balance sweetness)3 tbsp
Honey (for glaze)2 tbsp
Apple cider vinegar (to add tang)2 tbsp
Ground black pepper (freshly cracked)1 tsp
Garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)1 tsp
Olive oil (to brush for crispiness)2 tbsp

This recipe guides you through grilling a whole ham to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting meal, this method uses simple ingredients and common kitchen tools. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $25 USD / €23 / £20 / ₹1850. The dish contains around 450 kcal per serving and fits well into a balanced diet. Difficulty is medium with a total cooking time of about 2 hours, making it ideal for a leisurely weekend meal.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the grill for indirect cooking

1Set up your grill for indirect heat with a temperature around 180°C (350°F). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to one side; if using gas, turn on only one or two burners. This will allow slow and even cooking, preventing burning.

Preheat and clean the grill grates

2Heat the grill on indirect heat for about 10 minutes and clean the grates thoroughly with a grill brush to avoid sticking.

Mix the glaze

3In a bowl, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth.

Brush the ham with olive oil and start grilling

4Lightly brush the entire ham with olive oil to help the skin crisp up. Place the ham on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) with the fat side up. Close the lid.

Grill the ham slowly

5Cook the ham for about 1.5 to 2 hours, turning every 30 minutes, and basting with the glaze each time to build a flavorful crust. Keep the grill temperature steady at 180°C (350°F).

Check internal temperature for safety

6Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the ham. For pre-cooked hams, heat until the internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F). For raw hams, cook until an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) is reached. This ensures safety as per food guidelines.

Finish with high heat for crispy crust

7Once the desired temperature is near, move the ham over direct heat briefly (about 3-5 minutes per side) to crisp up the edges. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Rest the ham before serving

8Remove the ham from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows juices to redistribute for a moist ham.

Cooking Tips

1Use a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking the ham. Insert it into the thickest part without touching bone.

2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw and cooked meat and washing hands and surfaces thoroughly.

3If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

4Leftover ham can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

5Try adding pineapple slices during the last 30 minutes for a tropical touch.

Equipment Needed

Grill (charcoal or gas)
Meat thermometer
Basting brush
Mixing bowl
Grill tongs
Sharp knife and cutting board

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole boneless smoked ham (~4 kg) - around $20. Look for a good layer of fat and a pleasant smoke aroma.
[ ] Brown sugar (100 g) - about $1. Easy to find in the baking aisle.
[ ] Dijon mustard (3 tbsp) - about $0.50. Check the expiration date.
[ ] Honey (2 tbsp) - around $1. Choose pure honey for best flavor.
[ ] Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp) - about $0.50. Select organic if possible.
[ ] Ground black pepper (1 tsp) - pantry staple or $0.10.
[ ] Garlic powder (1 tsp, optional) - pantry staple or $0.10.
[ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - pantry staple or $0.25.

Total approximate cost: $24.45

FAQ

Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked hams just need to be heated through to an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F), so grilling is a great way to add flavor and crispiness without overcooking.