Grilled Orange-Glazed Ham with Barbecue Sauce
This crowd-pleasing grilled ham combines the bright flavors of orange juice and honey marinade with a sweet barbecue glaze. The diamond-scored surface allows the marinade to penetrate deeply while creating an attractive presentation. Perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you need to feed a large group. The indirect grilling method ensures even heating while the final glaze creates a beautiful caramelized finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 pound fully cooked boneless ham
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup orange marmalade
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
- 1
Mix orange juice, honey, chives and oil in medium bowl
- 2
Make cuts on top of ham in diamond pattern about 1/2 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep
- 3
Place ham in large resealable plastic bag and pour orange juice mixture over ham, turning to coat
- 4
Refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours, turning occasionally
- 5
Heat coals or grill for indirect heat
- 6
Remove ham from marinade and reserve marinade
- 7
Cover and grill ham over low heat for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, brushing with marinade 2 or 3 times and turning once or twice, until heated through
- 8
Discard remaining marinade
- 9
Mix barbecue sauce, marmalade and mustard in 2-quart saucepan
- 10
Cook sauce over low heat 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well blended
- 11
Brush sauce on ham and grill 10 to 15 minutes longer or until glazed
- 12
Serve ham with remaining sauce
Tips
Score the ham in a diamond pattern to help the marinade penetrate and create an attractive presentation when grilled.
Use indirect heat to prevent the outside from burning while the inside heats through properly.
Reserve some of the barbecue glaze separately to serve alongside the finished ham.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover ham for up to 4 days wrapped tightly. Slice before storing for easier reheating.
Ham can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance. The barbecue glaze can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
Slice ham against the grain and serve warm with the reserved barbecue sauce on the side.
Common Mistakes
Avoid direct high heat which will burn the outside before the inside is heated through
Don't skip the marinating time as it's essential for flavor penetration
Discard used marinade that touched raw surfaces to prevent contamination
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I cook this ham in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 325°F for about 1 hour, then brush with glaze and bake 15 minutes more until caramelized.
How long will the leftover ham keep?
Properly stored leftover ham will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for 2-3 months.
Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
Yes, but reduce cooking time slightly as spiral-cut hams heat faster. The marinade will penetrate the pre-cut slices easily.