The Juiciest and Most Flavorful Smithfield Ham Recipe You’ll Ever Make

When I first learned how to prepare Smithfield ham, I didn’t realize I was about to uncover a family tradition that would forever become the centerpiece of our gatherings. The aroma alone is enough to bring everyone into the kitchen—rich, smoky, slightly sweet, and so irresistible that even before the first slice is served, conversations pause and heads turn.

Over the years, I’ve tried this ham in countless ways—oven-roasted for holidays, grilled for summer parties, even quickly reheated in the air fryer for weeknight dinners. Every method brings out something different, but all share one thing in common: a celebration of flavor, warmth, and togetherness.

What I especially love about this dish is that it feels both luxurious and comforting. It has the power to impress guests at a festive dinner, yet it’s also the perfect leftover meal the next day—thin slices tucked into warm rolls, paired with cheese, or diced into omelets. From my experience, nothing creates nostalgia like the smell and taste of this ham.

Preparation Time

• Soaking time (if country-style, optional): 8–24 hours
• Cooking time (depending on method): 1.5–4 hours
• Glazing and finishing time: 20–30 minutes
• Total time: Between 2–5 hours (depending on method and style chosen)

Recipe details

• Difficulty: Medium
• Servings: 8–12 people (depending on portion size)

The necessary ingredients (possible in all kinds of variations)

• 1 Smithfield ham (bone-in or boneless, about 8–12 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• Whole cloves (to stud the ham, optional)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional for aroma)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing glaze)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for festive touch)

Before I get into the preparation steps, I want to share some alternative ideas because I know not everyone enjoys ham in the same way:

• Vegan alternative: Use a large smoked seitan roast or a jackfruit roast instead of ham, and glaze it the same way. The texture won’t be the same, but the flavors will be rich and satisfying.
• Gluten-free alternative: Most hams are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the glaze ingredients—substitute mustard and vinegar brands that are certified gluten-free.
• Low-sugar version: Replace brown sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol and use unsweetened apple juice for the glaze.

The steps of preparation (possible in all kinds of variations)

I’ve prepared this recipe in many different ways depending on the occasion and the tools I had at home, and each brings out a unique flavor:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. If the ham is salted and country-style, soak it in cold water for 8–24 hours, changing the water occasionally.
3. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, fat side up.
4. Score the fat in a crisscross pattern and, if desired, stud with whole cloves.
5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, and butter. Simmer until it thickens into a glaze.
8. About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove foil and brush with half the glaze.
9. Continue baking uncovered, basting occasionally with more glaze, until caramelized and sticky.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
11. Serve warm, with remaining glaze drizzled over slices.

Alternative cooking methods

• Air fryer: Slice ham into smaller pieces, glaze, and cook at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated and caramelized.
• Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi: Place ham slices with glaze, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then broil or air crisp for caramelization.
• Grill: Wrap the ham in foil, cook on indirect heat for 2–3 hours, then unwrap and glaze directly over flame for smoky flavor.
• Microwave: For leftovers, microwave slices with glaze for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
• Steaming: Keeps the ham extra moist, especially if reheating leftovers—steam for 15–20 minutes and glaze before serving.

Nutritional benefits

• High protein content: Supports muscle repair and energy.
• Rich in B vitamins: Especially B12 and niacin, essential for nervous system health.
• Source of minerals: Contains iron, zinc, and phosphorus for bone strength and immunity.
• Collagen and gelatin (if bone-in): Great for joint and skin health.
• Healthy herbs and spices in glaze: Rosemary, cloves, and mustard add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Possible additions or upgrades

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is experimenting with upgrades:

• Add pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for a retro holiday twist.
• Use maple bourbon glaze for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Sprinkle crushed pecans on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Infuse the glaze with fresh ginger for a zesty kick.
• Serve with cheesy scalloped potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
• Use leftovers in sandwiches, omelets, fried rice, or pasta dishes.

Questions and Answers

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the ham a day before, refrigerate it, and reheat gently with glaze before serving.

Do I need to soak the ham first?
Only if you’re using a very salty, dry-cured Smithfield country ham. Spiral-cut or city hams usually don’t need soaking.

How do I keep the ham from drying out?
Cover with foil during the first stage of baking and baste with glaze regularly.

What’s the best glaze for ham?
From my experience, brown sugar, honey, and mustard are classics, but bourbon or maple syrup glazes are excellent too.

Can I use boneless ham instead of bone-in?
Yes, but bone-in tends to be juicier and more flavorful.

How do I know when the ham is done?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

Can I freeze leftover ham?
Absolutely—slice it, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

What sides go best with ham?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, mac and cheese, or cornbread pair beautifully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you ensure the glaze ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4–6 hours with glaze, then caramelize under the broiler before serving.

Every time I prepare this ham, it feels like an event—not just a meal. From the first whiff in the oven to the last slice on the platter, it brings warmth, connection, and joy to the table. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to share it with your loved ones, spread it on social media, and keep the tradition alive—because good food tastes even better when it’s shared!