Looking for an effortless holiday dinner centerpiece? Say hello to our Easy Instant Pot Glazed Ham! This classic dish is cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time, thanks to the electric pressure cooker. With juicy, perfectly cooked meat and deliciously balanced brown sugar-mustard glaze, this Instant Pot ham recipe not only frees up precious oven space but also promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
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Ham is quintessential for a holiday meal like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and this Pressure Cooker Ham is a game-changer. Not only does pressure cooking give us moist and juicy meat every time, it frees up oven space for all your other holiday dishes.
You can make this recipe with a spiral ham if it fits in your pressure cooker, but I prefer to use boneless ham or unsliced ham as it tends to stay juicy better. If you do use a bone-in ham, don’t forget to save the ham bone for Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup or Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup!
Ingredients
Boneless Ham: You can make this recipe with any size ham that will fit in your Instant Pot. I tested this recipe with a 6 quart electric pressure cooker and a 4 pound boneless ham.
One note to keep in mind with cooking times: you will pressure cook the ham 2 minutes per pound. So, if you use a 6 pound ham, you will cook for 12 minutes. Additionally, if using a bone-in ham, add 2 additional minutes to account for the bone.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard gives a much-needed vinegary kick to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients. It also acts as glue to hold the brown sugar in place.
Sweeteners: We are using a combination of brown sugar and honey to get both the flavor and a nice texture to the sauce, but you can feel free to use one or the other depending on what you have on hand.
Cinnamon: an optional ingredient, cinnamon goes really well with the honey and brown sugar and is a nice balance to the ham and Dijon mustard. It’s all about creating balance with the flavors.
Corn starch slurry: Equal parts corn starch and water, this slurry will thicken our glaze so that becomes a sauce to top the ham.
Variations
The combination of Dijon mustard, brown sugar and honey is one of my absolute favorites, but you can get really creative with the glaze flavors with this cooking method. Adding a unique and flavorful glaze to your Easter ham can elevate its taste and make it stand out on the table. Here are some fun and different glaze ideas to try:
- Apricot-Ginger Glaze: Combine apricot preserves, grated fresh ginger, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy glaze with a hint of spice.
- Citrus-Honey Glaze: Mix together orange marmalade, honey, orange juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of cloves for a bright and refreshing glaze that pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
- Maple-Bourbon Glaze: Whisk together maple syrup, bourbon whiskey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and a dash of cinnamon for a rich and decadent glaze with a hint of smokiness.
- Pineapple-Brown Sugar Glaze: Blend crushed pineapple, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of ground cloves for a sweet and tangy glaze with tropical flair.
- Spicy Peach Glaze: Puree canned peaches in juice with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a sweet and spicy glaze with a smoky kick.
- Honey-Mustard-Dill Glaze: Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, fresh chopped dill, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic powder for a tangy and herbaceous glaze that adds a burst of flavor to the ham.
- Ginger-Orange Glaze: Combine orange juice, grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar for a zesty and aromatic glaze with Asian-inspired flavors.
- Cranberry-Orange Glaze: Mix together cranberry sauce, orange zest, orange juice, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon for a festive and tangy glaze that complements the ham perfectly.
How to Make Instant Pot Ham
- Place the trivet or steamer basket and one cup of water in the Instant Pot.
- Next, spread mustard over your ham, then layer with cinnamon, brown sugar and honey.
- Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- Natural pressure release for 10 minutes then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the ham from your Instant Pot and allow to rest while you make the glaze.
- Finally, turn on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Mix corn starch and 1 Tablespoons of water in a small mixing bowl. Add the corn starch slurry to the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot and bring to a low boil. Stir occasionally with a whisk. Continue to simmer for 2-4 minutes, or until your sauce has thickened.
Recipe Tips
- For a caramelized finish, broil the ham in the oven for a few minutes after pressure cooking.
- Use leftover ham in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles for quick and delicious meals. We’re partial to this Teriyaki Ham Stir-Fry.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag. The ham will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to Keep Boneless Ham from Drying Out
Keeping boneless ham moist and tender while cooking is crucial. Here are some tips to prevent it from drying out:
- Use a Glaze: Applying a flavorful glaze not only adds taste but also helps seal in moisture. A glaze made with ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, or fruit juices can enhance both the flavor and moisture of the ham.
- Covering: By cooking the ham in the Instant Pot, this helps trap steam and moisture, preventing the ham from drying out. If baking your ham in the oven, cover with aluminum foil to lock in the moisture.
- Cooking Method: Consider using a cooking method that retains moisture, such as slow cooking or pressure cooking.
- Internal Temperature: Cook the ham to the proper internal temperature without overcooking. Boneless hams typically need to reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Additionally, boneless ham is already fully cooked, so our goal is simply to reheat and impart the flavors of the glaze.
- Resting Period: Allow the ham to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your boneless ham stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
What to Serve with Pressure Cooker Ham
- Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, collard greens, and dinner rolls.
- Fresh salads with seasonal ingredients for a vibrant contrast.
- Roasted vegetables for a hearty and nutritious accompaniment.
- Corn casserole is a favorite in our house!
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
- Instant Pot Everything Bagel Salmon
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Instant Pot Corned Beef
Instant Pot Glazed Ham
Whip up a holiday favorite with our Instant Pot Glazed Ham recipe. With a blend of brown sugar and tangy Dijon mustard, this glazed ham promises juicy perfection in every bite. Perfect for Easter or any festive gathering, this ham is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless ham, approximately 4 pounds
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
Instructions
- Add trivet to your Instant Pot, along with 1 cup water.
- Spread mustard over your ham, then layer with cinnamon, brown sugar and honey.
- Place the ham on your trivet. Lock the lid and seal the vent. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes then carefully open the vent to quick release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the ham from your Instant Pot and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
- While the ham is resting, turn on the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Mix corn starch and 1 Tablespoons of water in a small mixing bowl. Add the corn starch slurry to the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot and bring to a low boil. Stir occasionally with a whisk. Continue to simmer for 2-4 minutes, or until your sauce has thickened.
- Slice the ham and serve with the glaze.
Notes
Note: Cooking time is equal to 2 minutes per pound, so adjust per the size of your ham. If you are using a bone-in ham, add 2 additional minutes to the total cook time. This recipe was tested with a 6 quart Instant Pot.
Broil: Once the ham is done cooking, an optional step is to broil the ham for 1-2 minutes to create some caramelization of the glaze.
Thickening time for the glaze may vary depending on your preferred thickness.
Be sure to let your cooked ham rest for a few minutes. This will ensure that all the juices stay in the ham when slicing and it doesn't dry out.
Variations: Feel free to swap maple syrup for the honey or add pineapple juice for a sweet and tart contrast.
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 140Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 360mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 0gSugar: 27gProtein: 5g
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