GRILL A SPIRAL HAM: Full Guide to Honey Baked Ham Outdoors
Grill a spiral ham as a fantastic way to elevate your holiday feast or any special occasion. This guide walks you through the entire process of creating a juicy, glazed honey baked spiral ham on the grill, ensuring a moist, flavorful result that will impress your guests. Whether you’re using a gas grill or charcoal grill, we’ll cover everything you need to know to achieve the perfect grilled spiral ham. See this in our Main Dishes, Grilling, Holidays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Ham, & Pork categories.
Spiral Honey Baked Ham on Grill Recipe
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Ingredients
- 10 lbs spiral sliced ham
- ¾ cup honey
- ½ cup butter melted
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- 2 cups water for drip pan
Instructions
- Start grill preheating with all opened vents.
- Remove ham packaging and rinse ham with running water. Pat dry with paper towels. Cover ham with foil (not bottom).10 lbs spiral sliced ham
- Combine all ingredients to make ham glaze. If you want it thinner, add 3 Tbsp hot water. You didn't have to cook it like other glazes!¾ cup honey, ½ cup butter, ½ cup dark brown sugar, 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp cinnamon, ⅛ tsp paprika, ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- Prep hot grill for indirect heating, easy charcoal refilling, & add water drip pan. Cover grill with lid (vent open). Wait 10 minutes.2 cups water
- Add foil covered ham to hot grill (over drip pan). Cover grill, keeping bottom vent fully open, and cover lid vent to ⅔ open.
- Maintain 300-350 °F. After 1 hour, remove foil, brush ham fully with glaze, & return foil covering, and cover grill with lid. Open all vents fully.
- After 30 more minutes, remove and discard foil covering. Fully glaze ham again. Check internal ham temp; goal is 140 °F. Cover grill with lid.
- Depending on last internal ham temp, adjust remaining cook time. Otherwise, check every 15-30 minutes and glaze again. When internal ham temp is 140 °F, glaze ham again, remove from grill, and let rest indoors (uncovered) for about 15-20 minutes. Then, carve to serve.
Nutrition
Overview: What is the best way to grill a spiral ham?
Step 1 Overview: Prepare the ham for grilling
Before you start grilling your spiral ham, it’s important to prepare first. So, unpackage it and cover it with foil.
Step 2 Overview: Set up your grill for indirect heat – both Charcoal & Gas grills are covered
Setting up your grill for indirect heat is very important before grilling a spiral ham. Grill setup makes sure the ham heats evenly without burning.
Step 3 Overview: Make This Copycat honey glaze recipe for spiral ham
Making a copycat honey glaze for your grilled spiral ham is easier than you might think. My ham glaze consists of honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and paprika. It’s all described in the shown recipe.
Step 4 Overview: Make Honey Baked Ham on the Grill
As an overview, the ham is covered in a foil tent (nothing on its bottom side). Grill it for about an hour. Then, glaze it about every 1/2 hour until desired internal temp is reached. Then, let it rest for a bit. Finally, carve it up to serve.
Next, I cover all these details of all these overview sections. Also, as an alternative, here’s another way of having a “Grilled Spiral Ham” by Grill On A Dime.
Detailed Step 1. Prepare the Ham for Grilling
So, start and remove the ham’s packaging, rinse it under running water, and pat it dry with paper towels. If your ham comes with a glaze packet, set it aside for now.
Next, cover the ham with a foil tent that wraps around it everywhere except the bottom side.
Use foil to lock in moisture while grilling
Use aluminum foil to ensure your grilled spiral ham stays moist. Start by wrapping the ham loosely in foil before placing it on the grill. This creates a barrier that helps retain moisture and prevents the ham from drying out during the long cooking process.
You can put the foil covered ham on a baking sheet to carry it outside when the grill’s setup and preheated.
Detailed Step 2. Setup the Charcoal or Gas Grill
This setup allows for indirect heat cooking, commonly used for large cuts of meat that prevents burning the exterior. Leave one grill side empty; this is where you’ll later place your water filled drip pan and the ham on the grill over it.
Setting up a CHARCOAL grill for indirect grilling
Setting up a charcoal grill for indirect grilling is critical for a spiral ham. Start by lighting your charcoal in your normal manner. Once the coals are hot, move them onto one side of the grill, creating a two-zone fire. Or, in some charcoal grills, you can place hot coals on 2 opposite sides with the empty area in the middle. This gives the most even distribution of heat.
Then, place a water filled drip pan into the grill’s low area with no hot coals. After that, return the main cooking grate above the coals and drip pan. Finally, cover the grill with its lid, leave the vents open, and let it preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
Managing coal placement and vents for even heat distribution
Proper coal management is key to keeping even heat distribution when grilling a spiral ham on a charcoal grill. So, as you grill, you’ll need to replenish the coals to maintain a steady temperature. Add more charcoal every 30-45 minutes, placing new charcoal on top of the existing hot coals.
Try to maintain a consistent temperature between 300°F and 350°F throughout the entire cooking time. Use a grill thermometer (not a meat thermometer) to help monitor and adjust your vents to control the heat as needed.
Tips for maintaining consistent temperature on a charcoal grill
Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial when grilling a spiral ham on a charcoal grill. Start by using a chimney starter to light your charcoal, ensuring all coals are evenly lit before adding them to the grill. Once your coals are arranged, use the vents on your grill to control airflow and, consequently, temperature. Opening the vents increases airflow and temperature, while closing them does the opposite. Aim to keep your grill temperature between 300°F and 350°F for optimal ham grilling.
Regular monitoring is key to temperature consistency. If the temperature starts to drop, add more coals on top of the hot ones. Avoid opening the grill lid too frequently, as this can cause significant temperature fluctuations. So, if you need to remove the lid, try to time it for performing several tasks at once to minimize heat loss. For more on this, read a related topic “Weber Charcoal Grill Not Getting Hot Enough?”. It covers temperature controls and proper venting.
Setting up for grilling a spiral ham on a GAS grill
Grilling a spiral ham on a gas grill is entirely possible and can give delicious results. However, it requires having at least 2 separate burners. Start by preheating your gas grill to medium-low heat, aiming for a temperature between 300°F and 350°F. While the grill is heating, prep the ham.
Adjusting burners for indirect heat on a gas grill
Creating an indirect heat setup on a gas grill is crucial for grilling a spiral ham evenly without burning it.
First, place a water filled drip pan into the lower grill grate area where you’ll be leaving the gas burner OFF. Then, return the top cooking grate. Next, open all the vents. Finally, turn on one or more gas grill burners to medium-low heat, leaving the others off.
Now, since you’ve set up your burners and vents, close the lid and allow the grill to preheat for about 15 minutes. Be sure the grill reaches 300°F to 350°F. After this, adjust the active burners and vents to achieve this temperature range.
Drip pan position for spiral ham on a grill: Charcoal or Gas Grills
Positioning the drip pan correctly is important when grilling a spiral ham on a grill. Place the drip pan directly under where the ham will sit, on the cool side of the grill. This means not on top of any burning coals or not over an active gas burner flame.
The drip pan will catch any juices or fat that drips from the ham. Also, it prevents flare-ups and keeps your grill cleaner. Be sure to put water (or apple juice) in it for adding moisture, that helps keep your ham juicy and not dried out. It doesn’t need any liquid more than 1-inch deep.
The size of your drip pan should be large enough to catch all the drippings but not overly large. A disposable aluminum foil pan works well. As you grill, periodically check the liquid level in the drip pan and replenish it if necessary.
Detailed Step 3. Make the Ham Glaze
Making the ham glaze is extremely easy. You just combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl. And you mix in the melted butter at the very last. The glaze ingredients and amounts are shown in this post’s recipe. Also, keep reading to see more about how and when to use the ham glaze.
When and how to correctly apply the ham glaze while grilling
Timing is crucial when it comes to applying this delicious ham glaze to your grilled spiral ham. Start by grilling the ham without glazing for the first hour. This allows the ham to heat through evenly without the glaze’s sugar burning. When glazing, use a basting brush. Apply the glaze generously all over the ham, making sure to also get it between a bunch of the spiral slices where feasible.
You’ll baste it a few times during the cooking time; just follow the recipe for those times. The meat will develop a rich, caramelized exterior. Remember, never apply the ham’s glaze early in the grilling process. Its sugars can burn if exposed to heat for too long.
For a totally different homemade glaze, check out this incredible “Double Smoked Ham with Glaze” recipe and article.
Detailed Step 4. The Best Way to Grill a Spiral Ham
Cook to Ideal temperature and cooking time for spiral ham on the grill
Place the foil covered ham onto the grill’s indirect heat area, directly over the water filled drip pan. You’ll be grilling it at a low temperature for roughly around 2 hours at the higher temp or about 3 hours at the lower temp. Keep reading for all the details and also when to brush it with glaze, when to remove the foil, and monitoring heat temps.
So, when grilling a spiral ham, the ideal internal temperature you’re aiming for is 140°F. With that said, aim for a grill temperature between 300°F and 350°F. Since most spiral hams come pre-cooked, you’re essentially reheating the meat but, very slowly. This helps keep it moist and tender. A good rule of thumb is to grill the ham for about 12-18 minutes per pound.
Use a meat thermometer: Check Internal ham temp for pre-cooked spiral hams
Using a meat thermometer is crucial when grilling a spiral ham to ensure it’s heated to the perfect temperature without overcooking. For pre-cooked spiral hams, you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Insert the thermometer into a thick part of the ham, avoiding the bone, for a good reading. It’s important to note that you’re not cooking the ham from raw, but rather reheating it.
Start checking the internal temperature about 30-45 minutes before you anticipate the ham to be done. This allows you to make adjustments.
How do I ensure my grilled spiral ham stays moist and flavorful?
About halfway through the cooking time, or after the first hour, remove the foil, and apply glaze. This will start ham’s exterior to caramelize and to develop that sticky-sweet finish. After glazing, you can either leave the ham unwrapped for the remainder of the cooking time or loosely re-wrap it, depending on how much caramelization you desire. If you notice the outside of the ham browning too quickly, create a foil tent over the ham to shield it from direct heat for the rest of the cook time.
Basting is a crucial technique for maintaining the juiciness and enhancing the flavor of your grilled spiral ham. Use the basting brush to apply the glaze generously to the ham every 20-30 minutes during the last half of the grilling process.
Resting the ham after grilling for locking in flavors and juices
Resting your grilled spiral ham is a crucial step that’s often overlooked but can make a significant difference in the final product. So, once your ham reaches the desired internal temperature of 140°F, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This process ensures when you cut into the ham, that the juices will stay in the meat rather than running out onto the cutting board.
After resting, give your ham one final baste with the glaze just before carving and serving for an extra boost of flavor and shine. Also, regarding carving, read this really good article on “How To Cut A Spiral Ham – Easiest Way to Slice Ham (Guide)“.
Expert Tips on Spiral Cut Ham on the Grill
How to get a caramelized glaze finish
To get that perfect caramelized glaze finish on your grilled spiral ham, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your glaze has a good balance of sugar and liquid, like this recipe has done. Optionally, you can also add a touch of corn syrup to your glaze recipe; that helps prevent crystallization and gives an even, shiny surface.
Another caramelization tip is to watch your grill’s temp carefully during the grilling process. If possible, consider to increase the heat during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking to make it more caramelized. But, watch it closely to avoid burning. Using a kitchen torch is a gourmet tip that can also help achieve those perfectly caramelized spots.
Lastly, be bold and creative with your glaze ingredients. Mixing in a very small splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze can enhance the flavor and aid in creating that desirable caramelized crust.
How to avoid overcooking and drying out spiral ham on the grill
Avoiding overcooking can help your grilled spiral ham from drying out. Since most spiral hams come pre-cooked, your goal is to heat it through without cooking it further. Start focus on maintaining a consistent temperature between 300°F and 350°F. This lower temperature allows for gentle heating without rapidly drying out the meat.
To further prevent drying, be sure to use a water filled drip pan in your grill to add moisture to the cooking environment. Basting the ham regularly or basting to apply more glaze also helps keep it moist.
How to Make a Smoker Spiral Ham
You can have a smoker spiral ham on a grill by getting the temp down to 250 F and cooking a couple more hours. But, using a smoker for spiral hams is much easier. So, here’s a recipe and article for how to create your own Smoker Spiral Ham.
Best methods for reheating ham and keeping it juicy
Reheating leftover grilled spiral ham while maintaining its juiciness requires careful attention. This section is for popular ways of how to reheat leftover spiral cut ham in the oven, slow cooker, or microwave.
OVEN reheating grilled spiral ham
One of the best methods is to use your oven. Preheat it to 325°F and place the ham in a baking dish. Add about 1/2 cup of water or broth to the dish to create steam, then cover tightly with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
SLOW COOKER reheating grilled spiral ham
Another effective technique is to use a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker with a 1/4 cup of water or broth, cover, and heat on low for 2-3 hours, or until warmed through.
MICROWAVE reheating grilled spiral ham
For quicker reheating, you can use the microwave, but be cautious as it can easily dry out the ham. Place ham slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
PAN FRYING on Stovetop for reheating grilled spiral ham
Slowly heat your ham by pan frying it in a preheated skillet. Generally, you won’t need any oil, unless it’s too dry. Just set the burner to medium heat and fry it for about 2 minutes on each side.
Final tips for reheating grilled spiral ham
Regardless of the method you choose, avoid overheating as this will lead to dry, tough meat. For an extra boost of flavor and moisture, consider brushing the ham with a bit of leftover glaze or just some honey before reheating.
Creative ideas and recipes for leftover grilled ham
Leftover grilled spiral ham can give you a variety of delicious dishes with nothing going to waste. There are some ideas below and an entire post dedicated to it: “Leftover Ham Ideas“.
For breakfast, consider making ham and cheese scrambled eggs. Or, you can fry an egg and a ham slice. Then, add it to toasted, buttered English muffin for a ham n egg breakfast sandwich.
For lunch, you could make ham and cheese grilled sandwiches. Also, consider a classic option of a hearty ham and bean soup. Finally, making an authentic Italian sub is a super idea.
For dinner, stovetop ham and beans with cornbread muffins on the side is a fantastic change of pace. Or, a scalloped potatoes and ham casserole is a perfect match.
For salads, there’s the option of a Chef salad or a regular salad with diced or cubed ham additions.
Great storage tips for grilled spiral ham
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of your leftover grilled spiral ham. After grilling, allow the ham to cool down a bit, but don’t leave it out for more than an hour. Then, cut it all off the bone. Finish by wrapping the ham in plastic wrap or putting it in a food storage bag or a food storage container. Store it in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-5 days. If you ever notice any signs of spoilage, such as an odor, slimy texture, or mold, discard it.
For longer storage, freeze it within 1 day of grilling. When freezing, consider portioning the ham into meal-sized servings. Consider double bagging to preserve quality and to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ham typically lasts me for 2-3 months.
When ready to use the frozen ham, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, defrost in microwave, or set in sink of hot water for a maximum of 1/2 hour. A large portion may take 24-48 hours to thaw completely in the fridge.
Conclusion of Honey Baked Spiral Ham on the Grill
Now you know how to grill a spiral ham. The steps to follow were simple and in a perfect order for minimizing your time. The ham’s honey glaze is made easily and you’ve learned about timing of adding a removing foil covering the ham. Finally, you learned all the tips to make the glazed ham caramelized yet juicy on the inside. So, many grocery stores have spiral cut hams ready for you. Go get one and also any needed glaze ingredients.
Good.
Great methods! Thanks for the steps in order. Made me confident to go buy a spiral ham. Will try it out soon. Already made the ham glaze and it’s the best I’ve ever tasted. Cheaper than the ones you buy and a whole lot richer tasting.