It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If you’re like us and are home for the holidays, it’s time to plan for your big holiday meal. Whether you are cooking for 4 or 40, a show-stopping holiday meal is sure to please the crowd. This year, our Q39 Executive Chef Philip Thompson is dishing out his tips and tricks to make the most mouth-watering, BBQ Holiday Ham.
Why BBQ Ham for the Holidays?
BBQ holiday ham is a popular holiday dish because it is easy to make, flavorful, and can easily feed a large group. Cooking holiday ham on the BBQ gives it an extra smoky flavor which pairs well with holiday glazes and sauces. Plus, cooking holiday ham on the BBQ requires less oven space than baking, so it’s ideal for holiday parties and gatherings – bring on the sides!
How to BBQ Ham
If you want to make sure your BBQ holiday ham is extra special, then follow these steps from Q39 Executive Chef Philip.
- Choose the right cut of holiday ham. Look for something that has nice marbling and nice freshness in color – it should look appealing when you take it out of the package. Make sure to get an appropriate size ham for your holiday dinner; if you’re having a big gathering, make sure it’s enough to feed everyone! Plan on a ½ pound per person for boneless ham and 1/3 pound per person for bone-in.
- Create a flavorful glaze for the holiday ham. You can make your own, but we recommend our Honey BBQ Glaze. Be generous with the glaze – it should be thick on the surface of the holiday ham.
- Once you’ve prepared your holiday ham glaze, preheat your grill or meat smoker to 350°F. Place it in a roasting pan or baking sheet with some liquid (we recommend apple juice) at the bottom of the dish to help keep it moist during cooking. If you are using a smoker, we recommend using applewood or hickory wood for maximum flavor. Generously brush your Q39 Honey Glaze on top of the holiday ham before cooking. Cook for about 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Once the holiday ham is done on the BBQ, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. During this time, you can spoon any extra Honey Glaze over the ham to give it more flavor and color. Slice your BBQ holiday ham and serve with your favorite sides.
Additional Helpful BBQ Ham Tips
- If you’re using a charcoal or wood-fire grill, be sure to add more coal and wood as needed to maintain a constant temperature throughout the grilling process.
- Use a sharp knife when carving your BBQ Holiday Ham. Dull knives are some of the most dangerous tools in the kitchen.
- Be sure your ham is cooked all the way through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking ham to an internal temperature of 145 °F.
- Freeze your leftovers (if there are any) to make them last longer. Wrap holiday ham tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Frozen holiday ham can last for up to 4 months when stored properly.
BBQ Ham Leftovers
After your meal, when the holiday cheer is in the air, wrapping paper covers the living room floor, and the little ones are curled up by the fire, your BBQ holiday ham will make the perfect late-night snack! There are also so many delicious options for leftover holiday ham for your post-holiday meals. From classic holiday dishes such as Rachael Ray’s macaroni and cheese with holiday ham to a simple sandwich, you can find something that fits your taste.
If you are looking for a re-do of the night before, check out our complete guide on BBQ leftovers.
The holiday season is the time to spend with your friends. Show your guests this year that there are more ways to enjoy a holiday ham than the traditional way. Support local this holiday season by buying from local Kansas City vendors, or stop in at one of our two locations to pick up some of our award-winning sauces and rubs for your BBQ holiday Ham.
From all of us at Q39, we wish you a very safe and happy holiday season!