what does double smoked ham mean

What Does Double Smoked Ham Mean? A Complete Guide to This Unique Preparation Method

For many people, the holidays just aren’t complete without a beautifully glazed ham as the centerpiece of the table. But you may have noticed a new term popping up at the deli counter or on packaged holiday hams: double smoked. This preparation method results in ham with a deeper, richer smoky flavor, but what exactly does “double smoked” mean when it comes to ham?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about double smoked ham including how it’s made, what makes it different, tips for selecting the best double smoked ham, and recipe ideas so you can enjoy this specialty meat at its full potential. Keep reading to become a double smoked ham expert!

What Is Double Smoked Ham?

Double smoked ham refers to a process where fully cooked ham undergoes a second round of smoking to amplify its flavor. There are two key stages in making double smoked ham:

• The first smoking is done by the manufacturer. Ham is cured, cooked, and smoked as part of the preparation process. This initial smoking imparts subtle smoky notes and aids in preservation.

• The second smoking happens right before serving. The cooked smoked ham is placed in a smoker or grill again, usually at a low temperature between 225°F and 300°F. This second round of smoking infuses the ham with a much deeper, more intense smoky taste.

What’s the Difference Between Regular Smoked Ham and Double Smoked Ham?

While both regular smoked ham and double smoked ham undergo an initial smoking during production, double smoked ham has a second round of smoking that makes it stand out:

• Double the smoke: The name says it all – double smoked ham gets twice the smoky goodness from its second pass through the smoker.

• Intensified flavor: With two sessions in the smoker, double smoked ham ends up with a significantly smokier, richer taste.

• Enhanced moisture: The low and slow second smoking helps retain moisture and prevents the ham from drying out.

• Caramelized exterior: Brushing on a sweet glaze before the second smoke creates a crispy, candied crust on the outside.

• Unique texture: Double smoked ham tends to be slightly less uniform in texture with juicy interior meat and a almost crunchy exterior bark.

Tips for Selecting the Best Double Smoked Ham

Not all hams make great candidates for double smoking. Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing a ham to double smoke:

• Seek out a cured, pre-cooked ham. Raw or “fresh” ham requires different preparation methods. Look for labels like “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”.

• Choose a whole, bone-in ham. The bone adds flavor and the higher fat content helps the meat stay moist. Half hams work too.

• Look for a ham with ample marbling and quality fat distribution for the best texture after double smoking.

• Prefer a wet cured or brine-soaked ham, which will be juicier and more tender when double smoked.

• Opt for heritage breed hams like Berkshire or Duroc for the most intense pork flavor to shine through.

• Hickory smoked hams pair perfectly with the second round of smoking. Avoid mesquite smoked hams, which can get overly strong.

• Seek out hams cured or smoked without added water or broth, which dilute the flavor.

With the right ham selection, you’ll be well on your way to double smoked perfection.

How to Prepare Double Smoked Ham at Home

Follow these simple steps for smoking store-bought ham at home:

1. Choose a fully cooked, ready-to-eat whole ham ideally 10 lbs or larger.

2. Remove any packaging and use a knife to score the fat, making shallow crosshatches.

3. Fire up smoker or grill to between 225°F and 250°F. Place a drip pan underneath.

4. Put scored ham directly on racks and smoke, maintaining heat at 225°F to 250°F until internal temperature reaches 130°F.

5. In a saucepan, prepare your glaze of choice while ham is smoking.

6. When ham hits 130°F, brush glaze all over outside. Return to smoker but increase heat to 300°F.

7. Continue smoking glazed ham until internal temperature hits 145°F to 150°F, about 30 minutes more.

8. Remove ham and allow it to rest 15 minutes before slicing to serve.

It only takes about 4 – 5 hours total smoking time to transform an ordinary cooked ham into an incredible double smoked showstopper.

Delicious Glaze Options for Double Smoked Ham

A sweet glaze takes double smoked ham to the next level. Consider these mouthwatering glaze ideas:

• Brown sugar, honey, and spicy mustard
• Orange marmalade with cloves and cinnamon
• Cherry preserves with balsamic vinegar
• Miso with brown sugar and ginger
• Maple syrup with cayenne and black pepper
• Bourbon, molasses, and coffee

Get creative mixing flavors like fruit, savory, sweet, and spicy that complement the pork and smokiness. Warm glaze before applying to ensure it adheres nicely.

Serving Double Smoked Ham Hot or Cold

The beauty of double smoked ham is that it can be served directly from the smoker hot or chilled later for cold appetizer platters.

For hot ham, let rest about 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture. Accompany with glazed carrots, scalloped potatoes, and yeast rolls.

For cold sliced ham, chill thoroughly after smoking then hand slice paper thin. Pair with biscuits, mustard, pickles, and stuffed eggs.

Either way you serve it, double smoked ham is sure to be a new favorite thanks to its amplified smoky flavor and juicy, tender texture.

Inspiring Recipe Ideas for Double Smoked Ham

Besides serving ham straight up, double smoked ham also shines in these recipes:

• Baked eggs in ham cups made from sliced ham ring molds
• Split pea soup with ham bone and vegetables
• Hashbrown breakfast casserole with ham, cheese, and eggs
• Ham, apple, and brie panini on fresh sourdough bread
• Macaroni and cheese with diced ham stirred in
• Hearty 15-bean ham soup loaded with vegetables

With its versatile flavor, double smoked ham can be used in all sorts of soups, sandwiches, egg dishes, casseroles, pasta bakes, and more.

Satisfy Your Hunger for Smoky, Juicy Ham

Double smoked ham is truly the crème de la crème for ham lovers. With two sessions in the smoker, it emerges with a profoundly smoky flavor and irresistible tenderness. Use this guide to select a top-notch ham and double smoke it at home for your most impressive feast yet. From glazing tips to serving suggestions, you’ll have all the know-how for preparing double smoked ham. Get ready to enjoy immensely satisfying slices of this uniquely flavored specialty ham.