Grilled ham is a simple yet delicious dish that brings out the savory flavors of ham. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort. The smoky aroma from the grill combined with the rich taste of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should be easily found in most kitchens or local supermarkets. However, if you don't usually keep thick cut ham at home, you might need to visit the deli section of your supermarket. Make sure to get high-quality olive oil for the best flavor, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the taste of the ham.

Ingredients For Grilled Ham Recipe
Ham: Thick cut slices of ham are ideal for grilling, providing a hearty and flavorful base for the dish.
Olive oil: Used to brush the ham slices, adding a rich, smooth flavor and preventing them from sticking to the grill.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the natural flavors of the ham.
Technique Tip for Grilling Ham
To enhance the flavor of your ham, consider marinating it for a few hours before grilling. A simple marinade of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a splash of soy sauce can add a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor. Make sure to pat the ham slices dry before brushing with olive oil and seasoning with black pepper to ensure they grill properly and achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
thick cut ham - Substitute with turkey slices: Turkey slices provide a similar texture and can be grilled to achieve a comparable flavor profile.
thick cut ham - Substitute with grilled portobello mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, grilled portobello mushrooms offer a meaty texture and can absorb marinades well.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can also withstand high heat and adds a subtle, unique flavor to the dish.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: For a spicier kick, crushed red pepper flakes can be used to add heat and complexity.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Grilled Ham
How to Store or Freeze Grilled Ham
Allow the grilled ham to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
Wrap each slice of ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and prevent the ham from drying out.
Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the ham has been stored.
Store the ham in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. This keeps the meat fresh and safe to eat.
For longer storage, place the wrapped and sealed ham in the freezer. Frozen ham can last up to 2-3 months without losing its flavor and texture.
When ready to use, thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the quality of the meat.
Reheat the ham by placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
Avoid reheating the ham multiple times, as this can lead to a loss of flavor and moisture. Only reheat the portion you plan to consume immediately.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the grilled ham slices in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the ham is warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
- Place the grilled ham slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
- Serve hot.
Microwave Method:
- Place the grilled ham slices on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving.
Grill Reheat Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Lightly brush the ham slices with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the slices back on the grill and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
- Remove from the grill and enjoy.
Sous Vide Method:
- Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
- Place the grilled ham slices in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes.
- Remove from the bag and serve immediately.
Essential Tools for Grilling Ham
Grill: A cooking device that uses direct heat to cook food, perfect for achieving those beautiful grill marks on the ham.
Tongs: Essential for flipping the ham slices on the grill without piercing the meat and losing juices.
Basting brush: Used to brush olive oil evenly on both sides of the ham slices.
Pepper grinder: For freshly grinding black pepper to season the ham slices.
Meat thermometer: Optional, but useful for checking the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it is heated through.
Cutting board: A surface to place the ham slices while brushing with oil and seasoning with pepper.
Serving platter: To place the grilled ham slices once they are cooked and ready to serve.
How to Save Time on Making Grilled Ham
Preheat the grill in advance: Start preheating your grill while you prepare the ham slices to save time.
Use pre-sliced ham: Purchase thick cut ham that is already sliced to avoid the extra step of cutting it yourself.
Prepare seasoning ahead: Mix the olive oil and black pepper in a small bowl before brushing it on the ham.
Cook multiple slices at once: If your grill is large enough, cook all the ham slices simultaneously to reduce overall cooking time.

Grilled Ham Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices Ham thick cut
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the ham slices with olive oil on both sides.
- Season the ham slices with freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the ham slices on the grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear and the ham is heated through.
- Remove from the grill and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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