Perfectly Smoked Ham + Holiday Meal Planning Tips
Looking for a perfectly smoked ham recipe? This is the right place! This pellet smoked ham recipe is great all year long and is smoked to perfection!
Ham is a staple in our house for many reasons, with the most important reason being that it is perfect for a quick lunch and it’s easy to cook! That makes it perfect for summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just about any time of the year!!
The holidays are just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning our holiday meals (see tips below) and indulging in a delicious smoked ham this holiday season!
Come on…you know you want to make this recipe!
If you are looking for more Smoked Recipes to try…this is the smoked ham recipe for you! Let’s dig in!
Perfectly Smoked Ham
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Servings: 8 -12
Ingredients
- Spiral Ham (10-12 lbs)
- Honey
- Pineapple Juice
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne
- Paprika
- Chili Powder
- Black Pepper
Instructions
- Unwrap the ham from its packaging and set the glaze package aside.
- Place in a large aluminum foil pan with a grated rack on the bottom.
- Start the pellet smoker according to normal operations and preheat to 250˚.
- Place the ham in the pan on the middle rack.
- Smoke the ham anywhere from 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature is 140˚.
Recipe Notes
- Allow 2-3 days for the ham to thaw out in the refrigerator.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes per pound.
Get the printable recipe for this Perfectly Smoked Ham below our tips.
Holiday Meal Planning Tips
Planning a holiday meal can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re juggling shopping lists, family schedules, and all the extras that come with the season. These simple tips will help you stay organized, cut stress, and enjoy a smooth holiday cooking experience.
Prep and Cook in Advance
One of the best ways to cut down on last minute stress is to make what you can ahead of time. Many holiday favorites are freezer-friendly or can be stored safely in the refrigerator a few days before the big meal.
Casseroles, mashed potatoes, rolls, and desserts are easy to prep early and reheat when you’re ready. Even chopping vegetables or mixing sauces in advance can save valuable time on cooking day.
Store everything in airtight containers, label them clearly, and make space in your fridge or freezer so nothing gets lost.
On the day of your meal, all you’ll need to focus on is heating, assembling, and enjoying the process.
Keep Food Warm with Slow Cookers and Warmers
Oven space is always in short supply during the holidays, which makes slow cookers incredibly helpful. Use them to keep mashed potatoes warm, hold green beans, warm up sauces, or even reheat your precooked sides.
If your family eats in shifts or you’re hosting an open house-style gathering, slow cookers ensure everything stays hot and safe to serve. Borrow extras if you need to…most people are happy to help, and it makes the day run so much smoother.
Make a Cooking Schedule
A simple cooking schedule can make any holiday meal easier. Start by writing down each dish you plan to serve, how long it takes to cook, and whether it uses the oven, stove, slow cooker, grill, or smoker.
Having everything laid out helps you avoid bottlenecks and keeps the kitchen flowing. You’ll know what to start first, what can wait, and what should be reheated last minute.
Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate
You don’t have to make every single dish! Ask family members to bring a favorite side, dessert, or appetizer. Most people love helping out, and it frees you up to focus on the main dish, like your perfectly smoked ham.
Delegating also makes the meal feel more communal and less like a one-person show.
Prep the Table and Serving Area Early
Setting the table, arranging serving dishes, and organizing utensils can all be done a day or two before your gathering.
This small step saves time and helps you see if you’re missing anything—like extra forks, serving spoons, or napkins.
Keep Cleanup in Mind
Holiday meals create lots of dishes, so plan your cleanup before the cooking begins. Use disposable pans for easy cleanup, line baking dishes with parchment, and keep a sink full of hot soapy water so you can wash as you go.
If you’re hosting a crowd, consider placing small trash bags or bins around the kitchen to make cleanup even easier for everyone.
Repurpose Leftovers
A smoked ham can turn into ham and bean soup, breakfast casseroles, or a ham pasta recipe.
Turkey, ham, beef roasts, or chicken can be used for sandwiches, salads, soups, and freezer meals. Planning ahead ensures nothing goes to waste while keeping extra spending under control.
Freeze leftovers in airtight, clearly labeled containers. Move them to the fridge the day before so they’re ready to heat and serve when it’s dinner time.
More Holiday Meal Ideas:
Here is the printable smoked ham recipe to make at home for your family!
Smoked Ham
Ingredients
- Spiral Ham 10-12 lbs
- Honey
- Pineapple Juice
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne
- Paprika
- Chili Powder
- Black Pepper
Instructions
- Unwrap the ham from its packaging and set the glaze package aside.
- Place in a large aluminum foil pan with a grated rack on the bottom.
- Start the pellet smoker according to normal operations and preheat to 250˚.
- Place the ham in the pan on the middle rack.
- Smoke the ham anywhere from 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature is 140˚.
Notes
Cook for 12-15 minutes per pound.
If you want more Electric Smoker Recipes, try these other smoked recipes!
Perfectly Smoked Turkey
Perfectly Smoked Ribs
Best Smoked Brisket
Serve up this smoked ham, turkey, brisket, or ribs with these tasty homemade baked beans.
