How to Smoke a Ham

Few things rival the rich aroma and bold flavor of a perfectly smoked ham.

At Snake River Farms, all of our Kurobuta hams are fully cooked and smoked over real hardwood, which means you’re starting with incredible flavor from the very first slice. But here’s the secret: giving your ham a second trip through the smoker at home adds a “double-smoke” depth and lets you finish it with a glaze that makes it unforgettable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to smoke a ham step by step. We’ll cover how long to smoke a ham (and specifically how long to smoke a pre-cooked ham), plus share glaze inspiration like our favorite smoked ham with brown sugar glaze. We’ll also show you why beginning with a Snake River Farms Kurobuta ham guarantees unmatched flavor, tenderness, and presentation.

Before you get started, you might want to explore a few additional resources to prep your ham like a pro:

Why Start with Kurobuta Ham?

Not all hams are created equal. When you’re taking the time to double-smoke and glaze a centerpiece for your table, the quality of the ham matters just as much as the method. That’s where our Kurobuta ham stands apart.

• Heritage Breed Excellence - Made from 100% Berkshire hogs — known as Kurobuta in Japan — this heritage pork is celebrated for its deep color, fine-grained texture, and beautiful marbling.
• Flavor Advantage - Kurobuta pork is naturally tender, juicy, and flavorful. Each ham carries a subtle sweetness and a touch of smoke from the hardwood smoking process that we build upon when you finish it in your smoker at home.
• Traditional Craft - Every ham is cured with our signature family recipe, then smoked over real hardwood. This time-honored approach gives it an unmistakable flavor and quality.
• Options for Every Table - Choose bone-in for a traditional centerpiece and the bonus of flavor-packed leftovers, or go with boneless for easier carving and serving. We offer both whole and half hams so you can select the right size for your gathering.
• Trusted Quality - Our hams are consistently praised by professional chefs, BBQ competitors, and home cooks for their tenderness, presentation, and bold flavor.
• Sustainably Raised - We partner with small family farms where Berkshire hogs are humanely cared for, never treated with hormones, and raised on a slow-feed program that enhances both flavor and quality.

When you choose Kurobuta pork, your smoked ham will stand out — rich in flavor, tender in texture, and unforgettable at the table.

Learn more about what makes our hams truly special and why Kurobuta pork is unlike any other. Read the full guide here.

Snake River Farms Kurobuta stands alone in the pork world. The color is deep and vibrant and the fat, amazingly succulent and complex.

-Chef Kris Komori - James Beard Semi-Finalist

How Much Ham Per Person & Cooking Times

Before you heat your ham, it’s helpful to know how much to serve and how long it will take. Even though our Kurobuta hams are fully cooked, warming them properly ensures they stay juicy, tender, and flavorful. Use the guide below to plan servings and heating times for any size ham.

Ham Size and Servings Recommendations: Plan for at least 8 ounces per person. If you want leftovers or are serving hearty eaters, aim for 12 ounces per person.

Ham Cooking Guidance

All our Kurobuta hams are fully cooked, so heating times are shorter than for raw hams. Keep these tips in mind:

• Target 140°F internal temperature at the thickest part of the ham.
• Check several spots, especially for bone-in hams, to ensure even heating.
• Avoid overheating — higher temperatures can reduce moisture and tenderness.

Shop for your perfect Kurobuta ham today and make your next meal unforgettable.

What You’ll Need to Smoke a Ham

Even though our Kurobuta hams arrive fully cooked and pre-smoked, having the right tools and ingredients ensures your finishing process adds maximum flavor and presentation appeal. Here’s what we recommend.

• Smoker - A charcoal, pellet, wood-fired, or electric smoker works perfectly for finishing your ham. Set it low and slow to gently warm the ham and enhance the smoky flavor without drying it out.
• Wood Chips or Chunks - We suggest apple, cherry, or hickory wood to complement the natural sweetness of our Kurobuta ham. These fruit and hardwood options create a delicate layer of smoke that enhances, rather than overwhelms, the flavor.
  
  Pro Tip: If you’re using an electric smoker, add a handful of apple or cherry wood chips to the smoker box. This gives your Kurobuta ham that extra layer of flavor you’d expect from a traditional smoker, without any extra effort.
  
  
• Meat Thermometer - Even though the ham is fully cooked, a meat thermometer is essential to monitor internal temperature and avoid overcooking. We aim for a warm, juicy ham without drying the edges.
  
  Make it easy with our SuperFast Thermometer for quick, accurate readings every time.

• Glaze Ingredients - Finishing your ham with a glaze adds both flavor and visual appeal. Popular options include:
  
  
  • Brown sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Honey
  • Mustard

For inspiration, check out our Bourbon Orange Glazed Kurobuta Ham recipe — a perfect example of a sweet, savory glaze that enhances the natural richness of our ham.

• Roasting Pan & Aluminum Foil - Use a roasting pan to transport your ham safely to and from the smoker. Aluminum foil is great for loosely covering the ham while it rests, keeping it moist and allowing the glaze to set.
• Optional Extras - For presentation and serving, consider keeping these on hand:

• • Basting brush
  • Carving knife
  • Cutting board
  • Apron

Ready to master your smoked ham? Learn more about choosing the perfect smoker and gift-worthy options for meat lovers in our guides: An Expert's Guide to Smokers and The Ultimate Gift Guide for Meat Smokers.

Preparing Your Kurobuta Ham

A little prep goes a long way to ensure your ham heats evenly and your glaze sets perfectly. Taking the time to thaw, temper, and (optionally) score the surface sets the stage for a beautiful finish. These simple steps not only enhance flavor and texture but also guarantee your Kurobuta ham makes a show-stopping centerpiece.

Thaw the Ham Properly

Plan ahead for the best results. Fully thaw your ham in the refrigerator — larger hams can take several days. Use the guide below to estimate thawing time based on size:

Quick Thaw Method

Sometimes plans change, and you need your ham thawed faster. We recommend using a cool water bath only in emergencies.

For detailed instructions on thawing large cuts and hams safely, including timing tips for different sizes, check out our full guide: How to Thaw Large Cuts, Roasts, and Hams.

Watch our step-by-step video on properly thawing and handling large hams for best results: Thawing SRF Roasts and Hams Tips & Tricks.

Score the Surface (Optional)

Scoring the ham creates shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This step:

• Allows glazes to penetrate deeper
• Adds a professional, attractive presentation

Select Your Glaze or Rub

Choose a glaze that complements the natural sweetness of Kurobuta pork. Options include:

• Sweet (brown sugar, honey, maple)
• Savory (mustard, spice rubs)
• Balanced combinations (chef-inspired blends)

For inspiration and step-by-step tips on finishing your ham with the perfect glaze, check out our Ham Glaze Guide.

Position the Ham for Smoking

Place the ham fat side up on the smoker rack. This allows the natural juices to baste the meat as it warms, keeping it tender and flavorful.

Pro Tip: Lightly pat the ham dry before applying glaze. This helps the glaze adhere better and develop a beautiful, caramelized finish during smoking.

The Wagyu of Hams! Delicious Ham, not too salty, very tender. I have a family of foodies and they were very impressed with the quality of the ham, the size and the presentation. We followed a recipe (twice smoked ham) on the Snake River Farms website and it was spectacular.

 - Nancy A., Verified Buyer

How to Smoke a Ham (Step-by-Step)

Even though our Kurobuta hams are fully cooked, finishing them in the smoker adds a subtle “double-smoke” flavor that makes them unforgettable. Whether you choose to glaze it or enjoy it plain, the ham will be juicy, tender, and full of rich, savory flavor. Follow these steps for beautifully warmed and flavorful results.

Steps:

1. Preheat the Smoker
   Set your smoker to 225 to 250°F for low-and-slow warming.
   
   
2. Place the Ham on the Smoker
   Position the ham fat side up on the smoker rack, ensuring proper airflow around the meat for even warming.
   
   
3. Monitor Internal Temperature
   Warm the ham until it reaches 135°F at the thickest part. Because it’s already fully cooked, this ensures it’s heated through without drying out.
   
   
4. Apply the Glaze (Optional)
   Brush the ham evenly with your chosen glaze. Cover and smoke for 5 minutes to set the first layer. Repeat until the glaze is fully absorbed or the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
   
   
5. Rest the Ham
   Remove from the smoker and let it rest loosely covered with foil for 15–20 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Pro Tips:

• Keep a water pan in the smoker to maintain moisture.
• Use mild fruit woods like apple or cherry to complement the ham’s natural sweetness.
• Save the bone for soups or stews — it adds rich flavor to stocks and sauces.

For leftover ideas, check out our Leftover Kurobuta Ham Recipes.

Easy to handle as far as prepping it; the size I purchased was awesome for the crowd with plenty of leftovers. Flavor and texture are amazing. Never did I have a smoked ham this delicious. It was flavorful and juicy. I admire the quality of the product. It’s easy to tell that it’s a cut of meat that had been handled properly and with respect of the animal. The cook is, again, super easy. The ham comes with a instruction booklet. So that is very helpful.

- Rebecca M., Verified Buyer

The Benefits of Smoking a Kurobuta Ham

Finishing a fully cooked Kurobuta ham in the smoker adds extra flavor and depth, creating a tender, juicy centerpiece that stands out at any meal.

• Unmatched Flavor - Our Kurobuta hams are naturally tender, juicy, and packed with rich, smoky-sweet flavor. Finishing them in the smoker adds another layer of depth, creating a centerpiece your family and friends will remember.
  

• Expertly Crafted - Cured with a time-honored family recipe and smoked over real hardwood, our hams deliver consistent, high-quality results every time.

• Perfect for Any Occasion - Whether it’s holidays, backyard BBQs, or family dinners, smoking your ham elevates every table and makes any meal feel special.

• Simple to Prepare - Because our hams are fully cooked, the smoking process is approachable for any home cook. Follow our step-by-step guide for professional results with minimal effort.

Shop Kurobuta hams now to start planning your next unforgettable meal.