How to BBQ a Ham on a Gas Grill

Barbecuing a ham on a gas grill is a fantastic way to infuse rich, smoky flavors into this classic dish. While ham is often associated with holiday feasts, grilling it can bring a delicious twist that works for any occasion. The grill enhances the natural sweetness of the ham while adding a caramelized, crispy glaze. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a special gathering or just trying something new, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to BBQ a ham on a gas grill.

Choosing the Right Ham

Before you fire up the grill, selecting the right ham is essential. Here are a few factors to consider:

Bone-In vs. Boneless Ham

• Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and juicy but take longer to cook.
• Boneless hams are easier to slice and serve but can dry out more quickly if not monitored.

Pre-Cooked vs. Raw Ham

• Most store-bought hams are pre-cooked (or “fully cooked”) and only need to be reheated to an internal temperature of 140°F.
• Raw hams require longer cooking (until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F) and benefit from slow grilling.

Recommended Ham Size

• A 6-10 lb ham works well for grilling, as it fits most grill sizes and provides enough meat for a gathering.

Preparing the Ham

Thawing the Ham

If your ham is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before grilling. Never thaw at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth.

Scoring the Ham

Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat and creates a visually appealing texture when caramelized.

Seasoning the Ham

Before placing the ham on the grill, apply a dry rub or light seasoning. Some great seasoning ideas include:

• Brown sugar and black pepper
• Paprika and garlic powder
• Mustard powder and cayenne pepper

Setting Up the Gas Grill

To achieve the best results, set up your grill for indirect heat. This prevents the ham from burning while allowing it to cook evenly.

Indirect vs. Direct Heat

• Indirect heat (recommended) – Turn on only one side of the burners and place the ham on the cooler side.
• Direct heat – Can be used briefly for searing but should be avoided for long cooking times.

Ideal Grill Temperature

• Maintain a temperature between 225-300°F for slow and even cooking.
• Higher temperatures may cause the ham to dry out or burn before fully cooking.

Adding Wood Chips (Optional)

For a smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips (such as hickory, applewood, or cherry) to a smoker box or a foil packet placed over the burner.

Creating the Perfect Glaze

A good glaze enhances the ham’s natural flavors and forms a delicious caramelized crust. Here are some great glaze combinations:

Classic Honey Glaze

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Maple Bourbon Glaze

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Pineapple Mustard Glaze

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ground cloves

Applying the Glaze

• Brush the glaze onto the ham every 20-30 minutes during cooking.
• Be generous with the glaze in the last 30 minutes for the best caramelization.

Grilling Process

Placing the Ham on the Grill

• Place the ham on the cool side of the grill (away from direct flames).
• If your ham is pre-sliced (spiral-cut), position it cut-side down to prevent drying out.

Cooking Time per Pound

• For pre-cooked ham, grill for 10-15 minutes per pound until it reaches 140°F.
• For raw ham, grill for 15-20 minutes per pound until it reaches 160°F.

Basting and Rotating

• Rotate the ham every 30 minutes for even cooking.
• Baste frequently with the glaze to build up a sticky, flavorful coating.

Finishing and Serving

Resting the Ham

Once your ham reaches the correct internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the meat tender.

Carving Techniques

• Use a sharp knife to slice against the grain for the most tender pieces.
• If using a spiral-cut ham, follow the pre-cut slices for even portions.

Suggested Side Dishes

Pair your BBQ ham with complementary side dishes such as:

• Grilled pineapple slices for a sweet contrast
• Roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty addition
• Cornbread or dinner rolls for a comforting touch
• Coleslaw to balance the richness with a refreshing crunch

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

How to Prevent Drying Out

• Keep a small pan of water on the grill to add moisture.
• Tent the ham with foil if it starts browning too quickly.
• Glaze frequently to maintain juiciness.

Adjusting Heat for Different Grill Types

• If using a two-burner grill, leave one burner off and cook on the cooler side.
• If using a three-burner grill, turn off the middle burner and place the ham there.

Adding Extra Smokiness

• Use wood chips to infuse smokiness.
• Try a smoker box for deeper, longer-lasting smoke flavor.
• Brush ham with a bit of liquid smoke if you don’t have wood chips.

Conclusion

Grilling a ham on a gas grill is a simple yet impressive way to elevate a classic dish. By selecting the right ham, seasoning it well, and carefully managing your grill temperature, you can achieve a smoky, sweet, and caramelized masterpiece. With a perfectly balanced glaze and delicious side dishes, your BBQ ham will be the star of any meal. So fire up your grill and enjoy the incredible flavors of homemade BBQ ham.