Few things bring people together like a perfectly cooked ham. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a Sunday family dinner, or just an excuse to fire up the Traeger, this Smoked Orange Maple Glazed Ham delivers on every level—savory, sweet, and packed with smoky goodness.
As a working dad who loves backyard cooking, I’m always looking for ways to elevate simple meals while keeping the process approachable. This recipe checks all the boxes: a pre-cooked spiral ham gets a flavorful glaze featuring fresh orange juice, rich maple syrup, and a hint of spice. A slow-smoke session on the pellet grill gives it that unbeatable Traeger touch, creating crispy, caramelized edges and juicy, flavorful meat.
Let’s dive in.
Why Smoke a Pre-Cooked Ham?
If you’ve never smoked a pre-cooked ham before, you might be wondering—why bother? Here’s why:
- Deeper Flavor – A ham from the grocery store is fine on its own, but when you add smoke and a homemade glaze, it transforms into something restaurant-worthy.
- Caramelized Crust – The combination of low heat, sugar from the glaze, and indirect grilling creates that irresistible sweet, sticky bark on the outside.
- Effortless Cooking – Since the ham is already cooked, all we’re doing is heating it through and adding layers of flavor—which means less stress and a guaranteed juicy final product.
So, whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a random Saturday, this smoked ham is an easy yet impressive meal that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Smoked Orange Maple Glaze
A good glaze is what makes this ham shine. The blend of citrus, sweet, and savory creates the perfect sticky coating. Here’s what you’ll need:
Glaze Ingredients:
- Juice and pulp from two fresh oranges – We used oranges from Crockett Farms for that fresh, natural citrus flavor.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup – Go for real maple syrup for the best results.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – Adds just the right amount of tang and depth.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Helps balance out the sweetness with a little acidity.
- 1/2 cup apricot jam – Brings a smooth fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the ham.
- A few dashes of hot sauce – Optional, but a little heat rounds out the flavors.
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 spiral-cut, pre-cooked ham – Around 8–10 lbs is ideal.
- Your favorite BBQ rub – We used Whiskey Bent BBQ’s Old Fashioned.
- 2 tbsp turbinado sugar – Optional, but adds extra caramelization.
Step-by-Step: How to Smoke a Spiral Ham on the Traeger
This recipe is simple, but the key is layering flavors as it cooks. Follow these steps for a ham that’s packed with smoky, citrusy sweetness.
1. Make the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients.
- Set over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Let it reduce by about 1/3, which should take 8–10 minutes. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
- Set aside for later.
2. Fire Up the Traeger
- Preheat your Traeger to 350°F.
- If using a different pellet grill, set it for indirect heat at the same temperature.
3. Prep the Ham
- Place the spiral-cut ham cut-side down in a deep, grill-safe dish. This keeps it from drying out while it absorbs the smoke.
- Sprinkle liberally with BBQ rub. The combination of salty, smoky, and slightly sweet seasoning pairs perfectly with the glaze.
4. Start Smoking
- Place the dish on the grill and cook for 15 minutes without glaze. This allows the exterior to absorb smoke before we start basting.
5. Glaze and Rotate
- After 15 minutes, turn the ham on its side to loosen the spirals. This helps the glaze seep into the layers.
- Brush on the first layer of glaze and sprinkle with a mix of BBQ rub and turbinado sugar for extra caramelization.
- Repeat this every 15–20 minutes until the ham is deeply caramelized and heated through, about 75 minutes total.
6. Rest and Serve
- Remove the smoked orange maple glazed ham from the Traeger and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with extra glaze on the side.
What to Serve with Smoked Orange Maple Glazed Ham
A great smoked ham deserves great sides. Here are some pairings that complete the meal:
- Scalloped Potatoes – Creamy, cheesy, and the perfect contrast to the sweet, smoky ham.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their slight bitterness balances the rich ham.
- Smoked Mac and Cheese – Double down on the Traeger goodness.
- Cornbread or Dinner Rolls – For soaking up all that extra glaze.
And here are some recipes for ham you could try, too:
Pro Tips for the Best Traeger Smoked Ham
- Use Fresh Oranges – Bottled juice won’t give you the same brightness.
- Choose a High-Quality Ham – The better the ham, the better the final dish.
- Don’t Skip the Sugar – Turbinado sugar helps create a caramelized crust.
- Keep Basting – Every 15 minutes adds a new layer of flavor.
- Let it Rest – This keeps the juices inside instead of running out when sliced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Bone-In Ham?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time—it’ll take closer to 90–120 minutes.
What Wood Pellets Should I Use?
Fruit woods like apple or cherry work beautifully, but hickory gives a deeper, richer smoke.
Can I Make This Without a Pellet Grill?
Yep! You can cook it in the oven at 350°F, basting as directed. You’ll miss the smoke flavor, but the glaze still shines.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Maple Glazed Ham is proof that simple ingredients, combined with the magic of a Traeger, can create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re making it for a holiday or just because, the combination of smoke, citrus, and caramelized glaze is tough to beat.
Next time you fire up the grill, give this recipe a shot—and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you do!
🔥 Want More Smoked Meat Recipes? Check out my guides on:
Happy grilling!
Smoked Orange Maple Glazed Ham on the Traeger
Equipment
- Traeger grill or BBQ (or oven)
- Small saucepan
- Sharp small knife
- Big baking dish or cast iron skillet
- pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Glaze
- Juice and pulp from 2 fresh oranges we used Crockett Farms oranges
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- A few dashes of hot sauce optional
For the Ham
- 1 spiral-cut pre-cooked ham (8-10 lbs)
- Your favorite BBQ rub we used Whiskey Bent BBQ’s Old Fashioned
- 2 tbsp turbinado sugar optional, for extra caramelization
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger (or pellet grill) to 350°F. If using a different pellet grill, set it for indirect heat. Use a mild fruitwood like apple or cherry for balanced smoke flavor.
Make the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Bring to a boil and reduce by about 1/3 (8–10 minutes).
- Set aside to cool—it will thicken slightly.
Prepare the Ham
- Place the ham cut-side down in a deep grill-safe dish (to retain moisture).
- Sprinkle generously with BBQ rub to create a flavorful crust.
Start Smoking
- Place the ham on the grill and cook for 15 minutes without glaze to absorb some smoke.
Glaze & Caramelize
- After 15 minutes, turn the ham on its side to loosen the spirals slightly.
- Brush on a generous amount of glaze.
- Sprinkle with a mix of BBQ rub and turbinado sugar for extra caramelization.
- Repeat this every 15–20 minutes for 75 minutes total, until the ham is deeply caramelized and heated through.
Rest & Serve
- Remove the ham from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra glaze on the side.
Notes
Keep the Ham Covered – Using a deep dish keeps it juicy and prevents burning.
Baste Frequently – Every 15 minutes adds a new layer of flavor.
Let It Rest – This keeps the juices locked in.
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