Juicy Easter Ham on the Grill: A Smoky-Sweet Holiday Recipe

Tucking into a succulent Easter ham with smoky grilled notes can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Families gather around the table, anticipating the rich, caramelized flavors that emerge from careful preparation.

Tender meat kissed by grill marks promises a delightful centerpiece for your holiday celebration.

Marinades and glazes enhance the natural sweetness of premium pork, creating layers of complexity.

Seasonal herbs and subtle spices complement the ham robust character, making each slice a culinary delight.

Simple techniques ensure you achieve perfectly grilled results that will impress everyone at the table.

Let’s unlock the secrets to a mouthwatering ham that turns your Easter gathering into an unforgettable dining experience.

Grilled Easter Ham Centerpiece Celebration

• Simplify your Easter feast with this straightforward grilling technique that requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
• Elevate the ham's taste with a sweet and tangy brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Create a show-stopping main dish that will impress family and friends, making your Easter celebration memorable and delicious.
• Enjoy a hands-off approach with occasional basting, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones while the ham cooks to perfection.

Grilled Easter Ham Ingredient Checklist

• Ham: A classic Easter centerpiece with a rich, savory flavor that becomes wonderfully caramelized when grilled.

• Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Pineapple Juice: A sweet and tangy mixture that creates a delicious caramelized coating for the ham, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Grill Heat: Medium heat ensures even cooking and helps develop a beautiful exterior while keeping the ham juicy and tender.

Grilled Easter Ham Grill Master Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Get your grill ready by setting it to a cozy medium heat around 350°F (175°C).

This warm temperature will help cook your ham evenly without burning.

Step 2: Whip Up the Glorious Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Pineapple juice

Stir everything until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy, creating a mouthwatering coating for your ham.

Step 3: Create Beautiful Diamond Cuts

Use a sharp knife to score the ham’s surface, making elegant diamond-shaped patterns.

These cuts will help the glaze penetrate deeply and create a stunning presentation.

Step 4: Lavish with Glaze

Take your prepared glaze and generously brush it all over the scored ham.

Make sure every nook and cranny gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Grill with Patience

Place the ham on the grill, positioning it away from direct heat.

Close the grill lid and let it cook for approximately two hours.

Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the remaining glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Check for Perfect Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature.

The ham should reach at least 140°F (60°C) before you remove it from the grill.

This ensures it’s safely cooked and wonderfully tender.

Pro Tips for Juicy Grilled Easter Ham

• Score the ham with diamond-shaped cuts to help the glaze penetrate deeper and create an irresistible caramelized exterior.
• Maintain medium heat around 350F to ensure even cooking without burning the sugary glaze.
• Brush glaze every 30 minutes to keep the ham moist and develop a rich, sticky coating that enhances flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham reaches a safe 140F, guaranteeing both delicious taste and food safety.
• Experiment with different juice options like orange or apple juice if pineapple isn't available, maintaining the same sweet-tangy profile.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Easter Ham

• Wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always cool ham completely before storing.
• Slice ham into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Label bags with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place ham in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
• Cut ham into smaller pieces. Place on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when ham reaches desired temperature.

Delicious Pairings for Grilled Easter Ham

• Elevate Grilled Easter Ham Pairings
• Sip Sweet Riesling: Crisp white wine with subtle sweetness complements the ham's rich glaze, balancing its salty-sweet flavor profile perfectly.
• Match Roasted Spring Vegetables: Asparagus, carrots, and Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and herbs create a fresh, seasonal side that enhances the smoky grilled ham.
• Serve Tangy Fruit Chutney: Bright, zesty mango or apricot chutney adds a vibrant counterpoint to the ham's caramelized exterior, bringing unexpected complexity to each bite.
• Pour Sparkling Prosecco: Light, bubbly Italian sparkling wine cuts through the ham's richness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser during the meal.

Flavorful Variations on Grilled Easter Ham

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace brown sugar with sugar-free maple syrup and use low-sodium Dijon mustard to create a healthier glaze that reduces salt intake while maintaining rich flavor.
• Honey Mustard Variation: Swap pineapple juice with orange juice and add honey instead of brown sugar for a tangy, sweet alternative that complements the ham's natural taste.
• Herb-Infused Version: Mix fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic into the glaze for an aromatic spin that adds depth and complexity to the traditional grilled ham recipe.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use a certified gluten-free Dijon mustard to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of mustard for the glaze?

Absolutely! While Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor, you can substitute with whole grain mustard or honey mustard for a slightly different taste profile.

• Do I need to remove the ham's skin before grilling?

No, you can leave the skin on. Scoring the surface helps the glaze penetrate and creates an appealing presentation while keeping the meat moist.

• How do I prevent the ham from drying out on the grill?

Basting every 30 minutes with the glaze and cooking over indirect heat helps maintain moisture. Keep the grill lid closed to trap heat and prevent the ham from becoming too dry.

• Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, you can mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it on the ham.

Grilled Easter Ham Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory Easter ham sparkles with honey-glazed perfection, bringing classic holiday flavors to your festive table. Juicy slices and caramelized edges invite you to savor each delectable bite of this traditional centerpiece celebration.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 8–12 pounds bone-in ham

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice

Aromatic Ingredient:

• 3 cinnamon sticks

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Instructions

1. Prepare the outdoor grill, establishing a consistent medium temperature around 350F (175C) for even cooking.
2. Create a vibrant glaze by whisking brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Transform the ham’s exterior by carving intersecting diagonal lines across its surface, forming an elegant diamond-patterned texture.
4. Lavishly coat the scored ham with the prepared glaze, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all textured surfaces.
5. Position the ham on the grill’s indirect heat zone, sheltered from direct flames, and seal the grill’s lid to maintain consistent temperature.
6. Allow the ham to roast undisturbed for approximately two hours, periodically refreshing its glaze every half-hour to enhance moisture and flavor.
7. Monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; ham requires reaching a minimum of 140F (60C) to guarantee safe consumption.
8. Once temperature criteria are met, carefully remove the ham from the grill, letting it rest momentarily before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Scoring the ham creates beautiful diamond patterns that help the glaze penetrate and caramelize, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor absorption.
• When grilling, position the ham indirectly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking, maintaining moisture and preventing charred exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness, preventing overcooking that could dry out the ham and compromising its tenderness.
• For dietary variations, substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or apple cider for different flavor profiles while maintaining a similar sweet-tangy glaze consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg