Hey Pit Boss Nation, we know you’ve been wanting a sweet, juicy ham recipe for Easter dinner. Our pit masters did a great job with this! Twice-smoked ham, also called “double smoked” ham, is the best dish to serve for the spring holiday. It’s easy and delicious. Additionally, the delicious brown sugar glaze turns the meat a beautiful, crunchy caramelization. This recipe is ideal for smoking pork on the grill while you do what you love most: celebrating with your family.
This guide has everything you need to know to choose the best ham and a smoke it twice recipe that will blow your mind.
Double smoked ham is a delicious type of cured ham that involves smoking the meat twice for maximum flavor. But what exactly does “double smoked” mean and how does it impact the taste? This guide will cover everything you need to know about double smoked ham.
The Meaning of Double Smoked
The term “double smoked” refers to a two-step smoking process
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The ham is first smoked as part of the curing stage This initial smoking infuses flavor and preserves the meat,
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The ham is then smoked a second time just before serving. The second smoking further enhances the smoky taste and aroma.
So a double smoked ham gets smoked twice—once during curing and again right before eating. This extra smoking time really intensifies the signature smoky ham flavor.
How Double Smoking Works
Most hams, including those labeled “smoked ham”, only get smoked once during the curing phase. Here is the step-by-step process for double smoked hams:
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The raw ham is cured, which chemically preserves the meat and adds flavor. Curing methods include wet brining, dry curing, or injection of a curing solution.
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The cured ham is smoked for 4-24 hours to complete the preservation and imbue a smoky flavor.
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The ham is then cooked thoroughly to a safe temperature.
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After cooking, the ham is cooled, sliced, and packaged for sale.
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Just before serving, the cooked ham is smoked again for 1-2 hours to further enhance the smoky aroma and taste.
That second round of smoking is what makes it double smoked! The extra smoking time really amplifies the smoky essence and makes the ham even more mouthwatering.
Unique Characteristics of Double Smoked Ham
Thanks to that double smoke, this type of ham has some distinctive qualities:
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Intensified smoky flavor – More smoke absorption means bolder smoky taste.
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Wood-infused aroma – The ham has a prominent wood-scented aroma from absorbing smoke twice.
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Caramelized exterior – The second smoking caramelizes the exterior into an enticing mahogany-hued crust.
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Warm, roasted flavor – The gently roasted flavor comes through, as if just pulled hot from the smoker.
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Tender and juicy – The double smoke seals in moisture so the ham stays succulent.
Double smoked ham has much more robust smoky notes compared to single smoked ham. The complex blend of smoky, woody, and roasted flavors make this ham extra savory and addictive.
Types of Wood Used for Double Smoking
The specific wood used to smoke the ham impacts the flavor profile. Common wood choices are:
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Apple – Sweet, fruity smoke flavor
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Cherry – Mildly sweet, fruity smoky taste
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Maple – Provides a sweeter, reddish color
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Oak – Heartier, rich smoky flavor
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Hickory – Bold, bacon-like smoky flavor
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Mesquite – Intense, earthy smoke flavor
Apple, cherry, and maple woods lend a sweeter note to balance the saltiness of ham. Oak and hickory give a robust smoke flavor. Mesquite provides the strongest smoke taste.
Buying and Cooking Double Smoked Ham
When purchasing double smoked ham:
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Look for “double smoked” clearly labeled on the packaging. This indicates it was smoked twice.
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Choose a bone-in, fully cooked ham for best texture and flavor.
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Opt for a shank half ham, which is easier to carve.
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Figure 3/4 pound per person for bone-in ham.
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For cooking, just heat the ham until warm all the way through.
Double smoked ham can be enjoyed cold right out of the package. But gently warming it really brings out the smoky taste and aroma.
It’s easy to cook in the oven, on the grill, or in a smoker. Warm to an internal temperature of 130-140°F for serving. Simply heat and eat for flawless ham every time.
Serving Ideas for Double Smoked Ham
There are endless ways to serve and enjoy double smoked ham:
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Carve into slices to enjoy the elegant marbling of fat.
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Dice ham for omelets, hashes, or pasta dishes.
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Pair with redeye gravy for a classic Southern breakfast.
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Top biscuits, croissants, or rolls with sliced ham.
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Fill crepes, sandwiches, and paninis with sliced or chopped ham.
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Toss diced ham into salads, beans, soups, and potatoes.
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Wrap ham slices around melon, peaches, or asparagus.
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Stuff ham into quiche, frittata, scotch eggs or peppers.
With its intensely smoky flavor, double smoked ham adds show-stopping taste and texture to any dish. A little bit of this special ham goes a long way.
Why Go Double Smoked?
Compared to a single smoked ham, the double smoked version offers even bolder smoky notes, more succulent meat, and show-stopping presentation. The complex combination of smoky, salty, sweet, and savory flavors make this ham a crowd-pleasing favorite. With double the smoke, you get double the flavor!
So next time you’re shopping for that perfect holiday ham, special occasion meal, or Sunday dinner, look for the words “double smoked” on the label. Then get ready for tender, juicy ham with double the smoky goodness in every slice.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL
There are three main types of ham: Fresh (or green) ham, cured ham, cured/smoked ham.
You will find more cured ham than fresh ham at the supermarket. These tend to be pre-cooked and safe to eat cold, right out of the package.
From there, there are multiple ways of curing a ham. Although, the most popular is Wet Cured, also known as “City Hams. Salt, sugar, and other spices are mixed in a brine, which is injected or soaked into city hams.
If you want something more, though, a tasty smoked and cured ham is the way to go.
- Boss Tip #1: Look for, “Smoked” and “Fully Cooked”, “Ready to Serve”, or “Ready to Eat” on the label.
WHAT IS A TWICE SMOKED HAM?
Pre-cooked ham that is smoked on the grill to give it even more texture and flavor. This is called a “twice smoked ham.”
Glazed Double Smoked Ham
FAQ
Is a double smoked ham already cooked?
What is the difference between smoked and double smoked ham?
Does double smoked ham last longer?
What is the best ham for double smoking?
What is double smoked ham?
Double smoked ham takes regular smoked ham to a whole new level of deliciousness. You can make it in lots of flavors, ranging from habanero to bourbon, so you can enjoy your homemade smoked ham just the way you want it. What’s even better, double smoked ham is easy enough to do on a charcoal grill or any type of smoker you might have.
How do you cook a double smoked ham?
When the double smoked ham hits an internal temp of 140 degrees add some of the fruit and onion chunks to the top of the ham and apply the glaze one last time. Let the ham cook for another ten minutes, and then remove from the smoker. Let the ham rest for ten minutes before slicing thin and serving.
Can a sliced ham be double smoked?
Spiral, sliced hams that are precooked are ideal for double smoking. However, if you don’t want your ham to be pre-sliced, you can absolutely use an unsliced one, but keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to cook — again, the meat thermometer is your friend here to determine whether the ham has reached the correct temperature.
Is double smoked ham a good gift?
Double smoked ham is ideal for holidays and they also make a great gift at Christmas and Easter. The best ways to serve it sliced and with your favorite trimmings, which can range from green beans, root veggies such as carrots and parsnips to salad and roast potatoes.