This Smoked Ham Recipe is the Perfect Blend of Sweet, Smoky, and Spicy

If you’re looking for a way to take your ham to the next level, this chipotle roasted ham is the answer. Cooked low and slow on the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Small Kamado Grill, this recipe delivers the perfect mix of smoky heat, sweet glaze, and tender juiciness. The Blues Hog Raspberry Chipotle Sauce creates a caramelized crust that locks in flavor, while Char-Griller Lump Charcoal provides clean, bold smoke. Best of all, it’s easy to prep, easy to cook, and packed with incredible taste.  

Why Use a Small Kamado Grill for Roasting?

Kamado grills are designed for insulated, efficient cooking, making them perfect for low-and-slow roasting. The Char-Griller AKORN Jr. Kamado Grill is a compact yet powerful kamado grill that delivers high-end performance in a portable size. Thanks to its insulated steel construction, it retains heat and moisture exceptionally well, ensuring your ham stays juicy and flavorful while absorbing that signature charcoal-grilled essence.  

"This Raspberry Chipotle Roasted Ham is a must try for fans of bold barbecue flavors. Pair it with your favorite sides and watch it steal the show at your next cookout." - James Llorens

For this cook, indirect heat is the key to achieving a perfectly roasted ham. Indirect cooking means placing the food away from the direct flame, allowing it to cook slowly and evenly, similar to an oven. This technique prevents burning while ensuring that the heat circulates around the food, resulting in deep, rich flavors and a beautifully tender texture.  

Why Indirect Cooking on a Grill is Perfect for Ham 

Indirect cooking is essential when roasting a large cut of meat like ham. Placing the ham directly over the fire would cause the outside to burn before the inside is fully heated. Instead, by using the Char-Griller Smokin’ Stone kamado grill accessory, the heat is diffused, creating an oven-like environment inside the kamado grill. This allows the ham to cook evenly and absorb the smoky flavors from the lump charcoal while staying juicy and tender.  

This method also makes temperature control easier. Instead of constantly flipping or adjusting the meat, you can maintain a steady 300-350°F and let the kamado grill do the work. Keeping a consistent fire ensures that the glaze has time to caramelize without burning, giving the ham its signature sticky-sweet crust.  

Why Char-Griller Lump Charcoal is the Best Choice

The fuel you use is just as important as the grill itself. Char-Griller Lump Charcoal is made from 100% natural hardwood, ensuring a clean burn with no fillers or additives. Lump charcoal burns hotter and longer than briquettes, making it ideal for kamado-style cooking. Because it produces less ash, it also helps maintain airflow inside the grill, leading to better temperature control and more consistent results.  

Lump charcoal also delivers a richer, more natural smoke flavor compared to other fuel sources. Since this ham is cooked over indirect heat for a couple of hours, the clean-burning nature of lump charcoal ensures that the meat absorbs just the right amount of smoke without any overpowering bitterness.  

The Role of the Smokin’ Stone in Kamado Cooking 

For any indirect cook on a kamado grill, the Char-Griller Smokin’ Stone is an essential accessory. By sitting between the fire and the cooking grate, it acts as a heat deflector, preventing direct exposure to the flame. This setup mimics traditional slow-roasting techniques, allowing meats to cook evenly and develop a deeper flavor without charring. 

The Smokin’ Stone also helps regulate temperature by distributing heat more evenly throughout the grill. Instead of dealing with hot spots, your food benefits from consistent, circulating heat, making it ideal for roasting, baking, and smoking.  

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Recipe

This chipotle roasted ham is the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. Cooking it on the Char-Griller AKORN Jr. enhances the flavor with an authentic charcoal-smoked touch, while the Smokin’ Stone ensures even cooking and juicy results. Using Char-Griller Lump Charcoal adds another layer of natural wood-fired flavor that makes this dish stand out.  

If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive recipe for a special occasion or just a weekend cookout, this ham is a great choice. It’s simple to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and a perfect example of how indirect cooking on a kamado grill delivers unbeatable results. Fire up your grill, load up the lump charcoal, and get ready for next-level flavor.