How to Make a Delicious Traeger Spiral Ham with Pineapple Glaze

A Flavorful Tradition: Traeger Spiral Ham with Pineapple Glaze

The tradition of serving ham during holiday feasts is timeless, but giving it a unique twist can make it unforgettable. This recipe for Traeger's Spiral Ham with Pineapple Glaze brings together the succulent flavors of a perfectly smoked ham and a sweet, tangy glaze, creating a dish that’s both impressive and delicious.

Ingredients for Perfection

To serve 8 people, you will need:

• 1 (10 lb) fully cooked bone-in spiral cut ham
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 whole cinnamon stick
• 14 whole cloves (divided)
• 1 medium pineapple (skin removed, cored, and cut into thin 2-inch-wide pieces)
• 10 maraschino cherries

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat the Grill: Set the Traeger grill to 325°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Ham: Rinse the ham under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.

3. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and 4 cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes until the pineapple juice is reduced by half and the sauce is thick and syrupy.

4. Apply the Glaze: Brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it reaches between the folds of the cut slices. Reserve the remaining glaze.

5. Add Pineapple and Cherries: Use the remaining 10 cloves to pin the cherries and pineapple slices together and secure them onto the ham, spacing them evenly. Place the ham in a deep baking dish, fat-side up.

6. Cook the Ham: Place the baking dish on the grill grates. Insert a probe into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. Close the lid and cook for 75 minutes. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham, close the lid, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, about 15-20 minutes more.

7. Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

A Feast to Remember

This ham, with its sweet and smoky flavor, will undoubtedly become a holiday favorite. The combination of pineapple and cherry not only adds to the festive look but also infuses the ham with a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory, smoky meat.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ham

• Use Hickory Pellets: For an added layer of flavor, smoke the ham over hickory pellets.
• Temperature Monitoring: Use a wireless meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to perfection without having to open the grill frequently.
• Additional Glaze Options: Experiment with different glazes, such as honey or maple syrup, to create your unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

By following this Traeger Spiral Ham recipe, you can create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. With just a bit of preparation and the right ingredients, your guests will be talking about this ham long after the feast is over.