Are you prepared to use a delectable dry rub to elevate your ham to a new level? This is the finest ham dry rub recipe that will make your taste senses sing. Up your cooking game. Here I’ll provide all the information you need, whether you’re getting ready for a big occasion or you’re just in the mood for some delicious ham. Prepare to discover the techniques for crafting the ideal combination of spices and seasonings to elevate the taste of your ham to a whole new level. Together, I will explore the world of dry rubs for ham and create a flavorful symphony on your plate!
Ingredients of Smoked Ham Rub
Usually, a mixture of spices and seasonings is used in the dry rub to improve the ham’s flavor. The smoked ham rub is made using a few basic spices.
Paprika – 3 Tablespoons
Paprika enhances the color and depth of smoked ham rubs. The dish’s flavor is enhanced by somewhat sweet and smokey undertones that balance the savory ham.
Garlic Powder- 2 Tablespoons
Its rich, savory flavor adds depth to the rub and enhances the overall flavor profile of the ham. Garlic powder, when combined with other spices and herbs, creates a rich and well-rounded coating for the ham, which is filled with delicious aromas and smells as it smokes.
Onion Powder- 2 Tablespoons
Its distinct flavor adds depth and richness to the spice blend, complementing the savory notes of the ham dry rub.
Chili Powder- 1 Tablespoon
Chili powder imparts depth of flavor and a bit of spice to the meat. When blended with other ham spices, chili powder creates a well-rounded and delicious rub that enhances the ham’s natural richness.
Salt- 2 Tablespoons
Salt increases flavor and improves the overall taste of meat.
Black Pepper- 1 Tablespoon
Adding 1 tablespoon of black pepper enhances the flavor of smoked ham, resulting in a wonderful and flavorful dish that will impress.
Ground Ginger- 1 Teaspoon
Ginger gives a bright touch to this multipurpose massage. Every now and again, my rubs simply need that particular something, and a little of ginger truly brings all the other spices together. It pairs well with ham, cutting through the richness of the hog fat and balancing out sugar glazes.
Ground Cloves- 1/4 Teaspoon
Cloves are frequently used to stud ham, creating a wonderful aroma and invoking nostalgia for the dish’s original characteristics. I simply cannot tolerate a smoked ham rub recipe without ground cloves. It’s like if something is constantly missing, you know?
Anyway, the recipe has a dash of cloves to evoke thoughts of home. If you leave out the ground cloves, it will not have the same taste as Grandma’s house.
Cayenne Pepper- 1 Teaspoon
Its spicy kick adds depth and spice to the rub, improving the overall flavor of the ham. When blended with other herbs and spices, cayenne pepper makes a flavorful blend that will entice your taste buds.
Brown Sugar- 1/4 Cup
Its sweetness accentuates the flavor of smoked ham and creates a gorgeous caramelized crust. Brown sugar, combined with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, transforms smoked ham into a delightful and tasty dish.
How To Season A Ham?
Don’t worry, although it may appear a little frightening at first, the process is actually rather straightforward. This is how a ham is smoked.
Step 1: Select Your Ham
Thus, selecting your ham should be your first task. I recommend getting a bone-in ham, though I tend to prefer pre-smoked. However, this recipe can also be used if you like to smoke raw ham. Ensure that the internal temperature of both hams reaches 145°F. Since I believe the bone imparts a great deal of taste, I’m not a huge fan of boneless ham. If you already have one, though, you ought to boil it until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Step 2: Get the Ham Ready
Simply remove the ham from its packing and quickly rinse it under cold water. Using some paper towels, dry it off. With a sharp knife, trim off any excess fat from the ham, leaving only a thin layer on the outside.
Stage 3: Seasoning Ham
Before smoking the ham, we’ll liberally coat it with the dry rub and use some mustard as a binder. This can definitely be prepared in advance and chilled for the entire night if preferred.It may lessen the amount of labor required on the day of your holiday party or cookout. If the rub has penetrated the meat and some moisture has leaked out, you may want to think about adding a little extra.
Step 4: Get the smoker ready
Preheat your smoker to 250°F. If you have a certain type of smoker, you can add either wood chips or pieces. For cooking ham, apple, pecan, maple, cherry, and hickory are all great choices. Remember to soak the wood chips or pieces in water for about 30 minutes before putting them in the grill.Just load those pellets into the hopper of your pellet barbecue and start cooking. If you’d like, feel free to prepare a water pan for the smoker.
Step 5: Let the Ham Smoke
Simply place the ham on the baking rack in the smoker.Put the meat thermometer into the middle part of the ham. Just put the lid back on the smoker and let the ham smoke until it hits 135 degrees inside. When it arrives, we may begin glazing it.
Meanwhile, just combine all of the glaze ingredients in a small pot and heat until they begin to simmer. Prepare a silicone brush so that you can apply the glaze.
Step 6: Glaze the Ham in (Optional)
You can smoke the ham for one more hour and let the sauce set. Simply coat the ham with the glaze and continue smoking it until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.The size of the ham will affect how long it takes to cook. My ham cooked at 250 degrees in just two hours, but larger hams may require up to twenty minutes per pound.
Step 7: Take a Break and Get Ready to Serve
Take the ham out of the grill and let it rest for at least ten minutes before cutting it. This produces a more succulent piece of ham by distributing the flavors more evenly.
All you have to do is cut the ham into slices and serve it with your preferred sides and the additional glaze you reserved.
What to Serve With Traditional Ham?
I like to serve a variety of side dishes alongside my classic smoked ham, but there are a couple that I just have to have.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Butterflake Rolls
- Sweetened Carrots
- Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Mashed Potato Casserole
Ham Dry Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Onion Powder
- 1 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Salt
- 1 Tablespoons Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
Instructions
To Make The Ham Dry Rub:
- Just mix all the spices together in a Tupperware container with a lid to make the smoked ham rub. Just toss in all the spices, pop the lid back on, and give it a good shake.
To Apply To The Ham:
- Take the ham out of its packaging and gently blot it with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Just pop it on a baking sheet. (If you have a cooling rack, it's super handy to place it on a baking sheet for better air circulation.)
- Spread some yellow mustard on a raw or pre-cooked ham as a binder, then generously sprinkle the BBQ rub all over the ham. I usually just put the ham on top of a baking rack with the meat side facing down. This is great for conveniently transporting to the barbecue smoker.
- This recipe is perfect for both twice smoked ham or fresh ham. While the ham is cooking, the rub will infuse the meat with delicious flavor and aroma. Oh, and don't forget to check out our heavenly glaze, it's right up there.
- Just a friendly reminder that smoked ham should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Cook at 250 degrees until the thermometer reads 145 F. Start glazing the ham at 135 degrees.
- You'll end up with some extra rub, which is perfect for seasoning ribs or pulled pork.
Nutrition
Final Words
Improve the quality of your ham by using this ideal dry rub recipe. Your ham can reach entirely new heights of taste with the addition of a tasty blend of herbs and spices. Try out different combos to find the one that you like best. This easy-to-follow method turns an ordinary ham into a delicious centerpiece that works for any occasion. Prepare to wow your guests and savor the delicious results of this recipe for dry rub ham!
