Cooking a spiral ham on a Traeger is a great way to prepare a delicious and impressive main course for your family and friends. Spiral hams are already a popular choice for special occasions, and using a Traeger to cook them takes the flavor and texture to a whole new level. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to cook a spiral ham on a Traeger, including preparation, cooking time, and some expert tips to make your dish truly unforgettable.
Understanding Spiral Hams and Traeger Grills
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a brief look at spiral hams and Traeger grills.
What is a Spiral Ham?
A spiral ham is a type of cured ham that has been cut into a spiral shape, typically using a machine. This cut allows the ham to be glazed and cooked more evenly, making it a popular choice for special occasions. Spiral hams are usually made from pork leg or shoulder, and they’re often pre-glazed or pre-cooked before being packaged.
What is a Traeger Grill?
A Traeger grill is a type of pellet grill that uses wood pellets as fuel. Traeger grills are known for their ability to cook food evenly and consistently, making them a popular choice for BBQ enthusiasts. Traeger grills use a combination of heat and smoke to cook food, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.
Preparing Your Spiral Ham for Cooking
Before you start cooking your spiral ham, there are a few things you need to do to prepare it.
Removing the Glaze (Optional)
If your spiral ham comes with a pre-applied glaze, you may want to remove it before cooking. This is because the glaze can burn or become too caramelized during the cooking process. To remove the glaze, simply rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Scoring the Fat (Optional)
Scoring the fat on your spiral ham can help the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat. To score the fat, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as this can damage the meat.
Applying a Glaze (Optional)
If you removed the pre-applied glaze or if your spiral ham didn’t come with one, you can apply your own glaze before cooking. There are many different types of glazes you can use, including honey, brown sugar, and mustard. Apply the glaze evenly to the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines if you scored the fat.
Cooking Your Spiral Ham on a Traeger
Now that your spiral ham is prepared, it’s time to cook it on your Traeger.
Setting Up Your Traeger
Before you start cooking, make sure your Traeger is set up and ready to go. This includes filling the pellet hopper with your preferred type of wood pellets, setting the temperature to 275°F (135°C), and making sure the grill grates are clean.
Placing the Ham on the Traeger
Place the spiral ham on the Traeger grill grates, flat side down. Close the lid and make sure the vents are set to allow smoke to escape.
Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your spiral ham will depend on its size and your personal preference for doneness. Here are some general guidelines:
- For a small spiral ham (5-7 pounds), cook for 2-3 hours at 275°F (135°C).
- For a medium spiral ham (7-10 pounds), cook for 3-4 hours at 275°F (135°C).
- For a large spiral ham (10-12 pounds), cook for 4-5 hours at 275°F (135°C).
It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Basting the Ham (Optional)
If you want to add extra flavor to your spiral ham, you can baste it with a mixture of pan juices and glaze every 30 minutes or so. This will help keep the ham moist and add a rich, caramelized flavor to the surface.
Tips and Variations for Cooking a Spiral Ham on a Traeger
Here are some expert tips and variations to help you take your spiral ham to the next level:
Using Different Types of Wood Pellets
The type of wood pellets you use can greatly affect the flavor of your spiral ham. Here are some popular options:
- Hickory: This is a classic choice for spiral hams, and it adds a strong, smoky flavor.
- Apple: This is a sweeter option that pairs well with the natural flavor of the ham.
- Cherry: This adds a fruity, slightly sweet flavor to the ham.
Adding Aromatics to the Traeger
Adding aromatics to the Traeger can enhance the flavor of your spiral ham. Here are some popular options:
- Onions: Slice an onion and place it on the Traeger grill grates with the ham.
- Carrots: Slice a carrot and place it on the Traeger grill grates with the ham.
- Celery: Slice a stalk of celery and place it on the Traeger grill grates with the ham.
Glazing the Ham During the Last 30 Minutes
If you want to add a sticky, caramelized glaze to your spiral ham, you can apply it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the glaze set and add a rich, sweet flavor to the surface of the ham.
Conclusion
Cooking a spiral ham on a Traeger is a deliciously easy way to prepare a mouth-watering main course for your family and friends. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a truly unforgettable dish that’s sure to impress. Remember to experiment with different types of wood pellets, aromatics, and glazes to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!
| Spiral Ham Size | Cooking Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 pounds | 2-3 hours | 275°F (135°C) |
| 7-10 pounds | 3-4 hours | 275°F (135°C) |
| 10-12 pounds | 4-5 hours | 275°F (135°C) |
- Preheat your Traeger to 275°F (135°C).
- Place the spiral ham on the Traeger grill grates, flat side down.
- Hickory: This is a classic choice for spiral hams, and it adds a strong, smoky flavor.
- Apple: This is a sweeter option that pairs well with the natural flavor of the ham.
What is a Spiral Ham and Why is it Suitable for a Traeger?
A spiral ham is a type of cured ham that has been cut into a spiral shape, typically using a machine. This cut allows for even cooking and makes it easier to glaze the ham. Spiral hams are suitable for a Traeger because they can be cooked low and slow, which helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the ham.
The Traeger’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature also ensures that the ham is cooked evenly throughout. Additionally, the smoke flavor from the Traeger complements the salty, savory flavor of the ham, making it a perfect match for this type of cooking.
What Temperature Should I Cook a Spiral Ham on a Traeger?
The ideal temperature for cooking a spiral ham on a Traeger is between 225-250°F (110-120°C). This low temperature helps to prevent the ham from drying out and allows the glaze to set properly. It’s also important to use the Traeger’s smoke setting to add a rich, smoky flavor to the ham.
It’s worth noting that the temperature may vary depending on the size and type of ham you’re using. It’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific temperature recommendations. Additionally, make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).
How Long Does it Take to Cook a Spiral Ham on a Traeger?
The cooking time for a spiral ham on a Traeger will depend on the size of the ham and the temperature you’re using. As a general rule, you can expect to cook a spiral ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound. So, for a 5-pound ham, you would cook it for about 75-100 minutes.
It’s also important to factor in the time it takes to glaze the ham. You’ll typically want to glaze the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking, so make sure to plan accordingly. You can also use the Traeger’s timer to ensure the ham is cooked for the right amount of time.
Can I Use a Pre-Glazed Spiral Ham on a Traeger?
Yes, you can use a pre-glazed spiral ham on a Traeger. In fact, many spiral hams come pre-glazed with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. If you’re using a pre-glazed ham, you can simply place it on the Traeger and cook it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, keep in mind that pre-glazed hams may not have the same level of flavor as a ham that’s been glazed from scratch. If you want to add extra flavor to your pre-glazed ham, you can try brushing it with a little bit of BBQ sauce or honey during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How Do I Glaze a Spiral Ham on a Traeger?
Glazing a spiral ham on a Traeger is easy. Simply mix together your glaze ingredients, such as brown sugar, mustard, and spices, and brush them onto the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also use a pre-made glaze or BBQ sauce if you prefer.
To get a nice, caramelized glaze, make sure to brush the ham every 10-15 minutes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the glaze set properly and give the ham a nice, sticky texture.
Can I Cook a Spiral Ham on a Traeger Without a Glaze?
Yes, you can cook a spiral ham on a Traeger without a glaze. In fact, some people prefer the natural flavor of the ham without any added glaze. If you’re cooking a spiral ham without a glaze, simply place it on the Traeger and cook it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep in mind that cooking a spiral ham without a glaze may result in a slightly drier texture. To combat this, you can try brushing the ham with a little bit of oil or BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Spiral Ham?
Leftover spiral ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store leftover ham, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator or freezer.
When reheating leftover ham, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat the ham in the oven, on the Traeger, or even in the microwave.