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November 19, 2024
Cooking a double smoked ham can be a delicious and impressive meal to serve to your family and friends. This special type of ham is smoked twice, which adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the meat. Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner or simply want to elevate your Sunday brunch, learning how to properly cook this ham is a skill worth acquiring.
To start, you will need to select a high-quality double smoked ham from your local butcher or grocery store. Look for a ham that is fully cooked and labeled as “double smoked” or “hickory smoked” for the best results. The smokiness of the ham will be a key component in enhancing its flavor.
Once you have acquired your ham, you will need to prepare it for cooking. Start by preheating your oven to the appropriate temperature, typically around 325°F (163°C). Remove any packaging or netting from the ham and place it in a shallow roasting pan. If desired, you can score the ham by creating shallow criss-cross cuts on the surface. This will not only add an aesthetic touch but also allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more efficiently.
Next, it’s time to season your double smoked ham. You can keep it simple by rubbing the ham with a mixture of salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Alternatively, you can get creative and experiment with your favorite herbs and spices. Whichever seasoning you choose, make sure to evenly coat the entire surface of the ham. This will create a delicious crust as the ham cooks.
Pro Tip: For those who prefer a sweeter glaze, consider basting the ham with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will create a deliciously sticky and caramelized glaze over the ham.
Preparing the Smoker
Before you start cooking your double smoked ham, it’s important to prepare your smoker. Follow these steps to ensure your smoker is ready:
1. Clean the Smoker
Thoroughly clean the smoker to remove any residue from previous use. Use a brush or scrubbing pad to clean the grates and interior surfaces. Rinse with water and let it dry completely.
2. Add Smoking Wood
Choose the type of smoking wood you prefer, such as hickory, apple, or maple wood chips. Soak the wood chips in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes to an hour. Drain the chips and place them in the smoker’s wood chip box or smoker box.
3. Preheat the Smoker
Light your smoker and preheat it to the desired smoking temperature, typically around 225°F (107°C). Allow the smoker to heat up for about 15-20 minutes to ensure it reaches and maintains the proper temperature.
Keep in mind that different smokers may have slightly different preheating instructions, so consult your smoker’s manual for specific guidance.
By properly preparing your smoker, you’ll create the optimal cooking environment for your double smoked ham, ensuring it comes out flavorful and delicious.
Choosing the right wood chips
When it comes to double smoking a ham, the type of wood chips you choose can greatly enhance the flavor of your dish. Different woods have different strengths and flavors, so it’s important to select one that complements the taste of the ham.
Here are some popular wood chip options for smoking ham:
- Hickory: Known for its strong and smoky flavor, hickory is one of the most popular choices for smoking ham. It adds a robust and rich taste to the meat.
- Apple: If you prefer a sweeter and milder flavor, apple wood chips are a great option. They impart a subtle fruity aroma to the ham.
- Cherry: Cherry wood chips offer a touch of sweetness with a mild smoky flavor. They are a versatile choice that pairs well with the natural flavors of ham.
- Mesquite: With its strong and intense flavor, mesquite wood chips should be used sparingly. They add a bold and slightly bitter taste to the ham.
It’s important to note that certain woods, like cedar or pine, should be avoided when smoking ham as they can give off an unpleasant taste. Stick to hardwoods that are specifically meant for smoking such as those mentioned above.
When using wood chips, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker. This will help create a steady and flavorful smoke throughout the cooking process.
Experiment with different wood chip flavors to find your preferred combination. Whether you’re looking for a strong and smoky taste or a subtle hint of sweetness, choosing the right wood chips will take your double smoked ham to the next level.
Preparing the Ham
Before cooking the double smoked ham, it’s important to properly prepare it to enhance the flavor and ensure even cooking. Here are the steps to prepare the ham:
1. Unwrap the ham and remove any packaging or netting. Place the ham in a large container or sink filled with cold water. Let it soak for 24 hours to remove any excess salt or brine.
2. After soaking, remove the ham from the water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the ham on a cutting board and trim off any excess fat, if desired.
3. Score the surface of the ham by making shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern. This will help the flavorings penetrate the meat and create an attractive presentation.
4. Prepare a flavoring rub by combining your choice of spices and herbs. Common ingredients include brown sugar, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts.
5. Cover the ham loosely with plastic wrap or foil and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Once the ham is prepared, it’s ready to be cooked using the double smoking method. This process involves smoking the ham twice to infuse it with delicious smoky flavor. Continue reading to learn how to cook the double smoked ham.
Removing the skin
Before you begin cooking your double smoked ham, it’s important to remove the skin. The skin can prevent the delicious flavors from penetrating the meat, so it’s best to remove it for a better taste.
To remove the skin, start by using a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the skin. Be careful not to cut too deep as you want to remove only the skin, not the fat underneath. Once you have made the initial cut, gently lift the corner of the skin and begin to peel it away from the meat.
Continue peeling the skin away, using your knife to loosen any areas that are still attached. Take your time and be patient, as you want to remove the skin as cleanly as possible without taking too much of the fat layer with it.
Once you have removed the skin, you can proceed with preparing your double smoked ham. Whether you plan to glaze it, season it, or wrap it in bacon, removing the skin is an important step to ensure a delicious and flavorful end result.
Seasoning the Ham
Before smoking the ham, it is important to season it to enhance its flavor. Follow these steps to season your double smoked ham:
1. Prepare the rub:
Combine your favorite dried herbs and spices to create a flavorful rub. Some popular options include brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and mustard powder. Experiment with different combinations to find your preferred flavor profile.
2. Apply the rub:
Spread the rub all over the surface of the ham, ensuring an even coating. Using your hands, gently massage the rub into the meat, allowing the flavors to penetrate and marinate the ham.
Note: If the ham comes pre-packaged with a glaze or seasoning packet, you can use that instead of creating your own rub. Follow the instructions provided on the packaging for best results.
3. Let it rest:
Allow the seasoned ham to rest for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before smoking. This allows the flavors to meld together and infuse into the meat.
Once the ham is seasoned and rested, it is ready to be double smoked to perfection!
Creating a flavorful spice rub
One of the key steps to cooking a delicious double smoked ham is creating a flavorful spice rub to coat the outside of the ham.
Here are some tips to help you create a delicious spice rub:
- Choose a variety of spices: Mix together a combination of your favorite spices to create a unique flavor profile. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, mustard powder, and black pepper.
- Balance the flavors: Be sure to balance the flavors of your spice rub by including a combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements. This will help to enhance the overall taste of your ham.
- Consider adding herbs: In addition to spices, you can also add herbs to your spice rub to add a fresh and aromatic element. Some common herbs to consider include thyme, rosemary, and sage.
- Adjust to your taste: Taste the spice rub as you go and adjust the amounts of each ingredient according to your personal preference. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add more black pepper or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar.
Once you have created your spice rub, generously coat the outside of the ham with it, making sure to evenly distribute the spices. This will help to enhance the flavor of the ham and create a delicious crust when it’s cooked.
Smoking the Ham
Once the ham has been double-basted and seasoned to perfection, it’s time to move on to the smoking process. This step will add a smoky flavor and enhance the overall taste of the ham.
1. Preheat the Smoker
Start by preheating your smoker to a temperature of 225°F (107°C). Use wood chips such as hickory, apple, or oak for a delicious smoky aroma.
2. Prepare the Ham
Carefully transfer the seasoned ham to the smoker rack, making sure it’s stable and won’t tip over. If your smoker has a water tray, fill it up to keep the ham moist during the smoking process.
3. Smoke the Ham
Place the ham in the smoker and close the lid. Let it smoke for around 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
For an extra touch of flavor, you can brush the ham with a glaze or sauce of your choice during the last hour of smoking. This will create a delicious caramelized crust on the outside of the ham.
Remember to periodically check the temperature and smoking progress, adjusting the smoker as needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature and has a beautiful smoky color, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Double smoking a ham takes time and patience, but the end result is well worth it. The smoky flavor combined with the juicy and tender meat will make it a star of any meal. Enjoy!
Q&A
What is a double smoked ham?
A double smoked ham is a ham that has been smoked twice, resulting in a more intense smoky flavor.
How long does it take to cook a double smoked ham?
The cooking time for a double smoked ham depends on its size, but generally it takes about 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C).
What wood chips should I use when double smoking a ham?
It is recommended to use fruit wood chips, such as apple or cherry, when double smoking a ham. These woods provide a sweet and mild flavor that complements the ham well.
Can I use a regular oven to cook a double smoked ham?
Yes, you can use a regular oven to cook a double smoked ham. Just make sure to set the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and follow the cooking time guidelines.