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This Smoked Ham with Honey Apricot Glaze transforms a classic holiday centerpiece into a memorable smoked ham recipe that’s juicy, savory, and bursting with balanced sweet heat. If you love bold, fall-off-the-bone pork, you’ll also enjoy recipes like the show-stopping Honey Glazed Ham and the subtly sweet Hot Honey Peach Ham, both of which showcase how honey and glaze flavors elevate a ham. For a completely different spin on using leftover ham, try the comforting Cajun Ham and Sausage Bean Soup — a hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings. Whether you’re serving this smoked ham for holidays, Sunday dinner, or special gatherings, it’s a delicious way to center your table while linking your favorite recipes together.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
🍖 Recipe Name: Smoked Ham with Honey Apricot Glaze
⏱️ Ready In: About 2 hours 15 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Serves: 12–14
🥣 Key Ingredients: Ham, honey, apricot preserves, brown sugar, butter, Smokin’ Sweet Heat
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-Free
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: Juicy smoked ham finished with a sticky sweet-heat glaze that caramelizes perfectly
Key Ingredients
Bone-In Smoked Ham (8–10 lb)
A fully cooked ham warms gently in the smoker while absorbing extra smoky flavor.
Honey
Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
Apricot Preserves
Bring fruity sweetness and thickness to the glaze.
Brown Sugar
Adds depth and caramel-like richness.
Butter
Creates a smooth, rich glaze and prevents burning.
Red Pepper Flakes
Provide subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
White Vinegar
Brightens the glaze and cuts through the richness.
Smokin’ Sweet Heat (to taste)
Adds signature sweet heat with smoky depth.
How to Smoke a Ham
1. Preheat the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 275°F using a mild wood like apple or cherry.
2. Smoke the Ham
Place the 8–10 lb ham directly on the smoker grates. Smoke uncovered for 2 hours, allowing the ham to heat through and absorb smoke.
3. Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- 1 cup honey
- 18 ounces apricot preserves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 stick butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Stir until smooth and melted. Season with Smokin’ Sweet Heat to taste.
4. Glaze the Ham
After 2 hours, brush the ham generously with the glaze, coating all sides.
5. Finish Smoking
Return the glazed ham to the smoker and cook for 10–15 minutes, just until the glaze sets and becomes sticky.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Smoked Ham
- Use mild wood to avoid overpowering the glaze
- Add glaze only at the end to prevent burning
- Adjust Smokin’ Sweet Heat for your preferred spice level
- Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches
What to Serve With Smoked Ham with Honey Apricot Glaze
This smoked ham recipe pairs perfectly with classic comfort sides and smoked favorites. Creamy mac and cheese, buttery mashed potatoes, southern-style green beans, or a fresh coleslaw help balance the sweet heat of the glaze. For holiday meals, serve this Smoked Ham with Honey Apricot Glaze alongside casseroles, warm dinner rolls, or sweet potatoes to round out the table.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This smoked ham recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Leftovers can be tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the ham with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven until heated through. Brushing on a little extra glaze before reheating helps keep the ham moist and flavorful.
Flavor Variations
You can easily customize this Smoked Ham with Honey Apricot Glaze to match your taste. Swap the apricot preserves for peach or pineapple for a different fruity sweetness. Add Dijon mustard for extra tang, increase red pepper flakes for more heat, or stir a splash of bourbon into the glaze for a rich holiday twist.
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Summarize and Save
Smoked Ham with Honey Apricot Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham 8–10 lb
- 1 cup honey
- 18 ounces apricot preserves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 stick butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Smokin’ Sweet Heat to taste
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 275°F.
- Place ham directly on smoker grates and smoke uncovered for 2 hours.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, apricot preserves, brown sugar, butter, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. Heat until smooth, then season with Smokin’ Sweet Heat to taste.
- Brush ham generously with glaze.
- Return ham to smoker and cook an additional 10–15 minutes until glaze sets.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Glaze at the end to prevent burning
- Apple or cherry wood works best
- Adjust spice level to taste
- Ideal holiday or special-occasion main dish
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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