Instant Pot Ham - The Recipe Critic (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

This instant pot ham is juicy, full of flavor, and cooked so that there is a caramelized glaze, making this ham taste like a slice of heaven! It will have every guest at your dinner table asking for the recipe!

Ham is a classic main dish for any meal, but I often see it cooked on holidays! If you want to try out some more delicious ham recipes, then try out this apricot glazed ham, this honey glazed ham or this insanely delicious garlic honey mustard glazed ham!

Instant Pot Ham - The Recipe Critic (1)

Instant Pot Ham

So let’s start with the basics. A large, sliced ham is already cooked. After you buy it from the store, what you are doing with it is heating it up. There are SO many ways to do this, but the instant pot has become a favorite way of mine. Not only does it help it to retain all of the juices, but it gives it that crisp, caramelized outside edge that we all want a slice of!

Instant pot ham not only has the best flavor and texture, but it is so simple and easy to make! You just set it and forget it, and when it’s all done, the clean-up is easy, and the food is delicious! You can’t ask for anything much better than that when it comes to cooking in the kitchen. Make this ham into an entire meal by adding in some delicious mashed potatoes, some green beans and don’t forget a fresh salad! Everyone will want to come to your house for all of the holiday dinners with this recipe!

What Ingredients Do You Need to Cook a Ham in the Instant Pot?

Would you believe me when I told you that this ham only takes a few ingredients to make it taste absolutely heavenly? Well, get ready to have your socks knocked off because this recipe only requires a few simple ingredients. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

  • Ham: I get a sliced, boneless spiral ham for this recipe.
  • Apple Juice: An Instant Pot need liquid to work and this apple juice provides that but it also brings in a slight flavor that will infuse into the ham while it’s cooking.
  • Brown Sugar: This is a MUST if you want to get that delicious, caramelized glaze on top! You will all be fighting for the pieces that have the most!
  • Honey: This adds in a slightly sweet taste to the glaze.
  • Dijon Mustard: Mustard is a classic flavor to put with ham.
  • Cloves and Cinnamon: These spices add a deep flavor to the overall taste of the ham.

How to Cook a Ham in an Instant Pot?

Cooking a ham in the Instant Pot is one of the best-kept secrets everyone needs to know about! It’s insanely delicious. Get ready to learn how to make the best ham you’ve ever had!

  1. Spray: Coat a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot with non-stick cooking spray. If the ham is too big, you can trim it down to fit the pot.
  2. Add Juice: Pour the apple juice into the bottom of the pot.
  3. Use Trivet: Place the trivet in the pot if you have one. Place the ham cut side down on the trivet, or in the bottom of the pot.
  4. Mix Ingredients: In a small saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, cloves, and cinnamon. Cook over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes or until the glaze has warmed through.
  5. Rub: Rub half of the brown sugar glaze on top of the ham. Save the other half for later.
  6. Cook: Seal the pot, then select Manual High Pressure. Set the time for 15 minutes.
  7. Release Pressure: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to manually release pressure.
  8. Cover: Carefully remove the ham from the pot, it will be hot. Place it in a 13×9 baking dish, and cover with foil to keep moist and warm.
  9. Add Additional Glaze: Reheat the remaining glaze in the saucepan, and pour the rest over the ham in the baking dish.
  10. Broil: Set your oven to the broil setting, and place the ham in the oven uncovered for 2-4 minutes, or until glaze has caramelized. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
  11. Serve: Slice the ham using a sharp knife, and serve on a platter!
Instant Pot Ham - The Recipe Critic (2)

Cooking Times by Weight

If you are wondering how long to cook instant pot ham then you will need to know the weight of your ham first! Here is a helpful chart for the correct times depending on the weight of your ham.

  • 3 Pound Ham: 5 minutes + 10 minute natural release
  • 4 Pound Ham: 7 minutes + 10 minute natural release
  • 5 Pound Ham: 9 minutes + 10 minute natural release
  • 6 Pound Ham: 11 minutes + 10 minute natural release
  • 7 Pound Ham: 13 minutes +10 minute natural release
  • 8 Pound Ham: 15 minutes + 10 minute natural release
Instant Pot Ham - The Recipe Critic (3)

How to Store Leftover Ham

Wrap up your leftover instant pot ham tightly in foil and put it in your fridge. It will last up to 3 days!

Instant Pot Ham - The Recipe Critic (4)

More Recipes with Ham

Ham is the best because it tastes good with everything! My family loves it, I love it, our guests love it when they come over… Really, you can’t go wrong with it! I’ve rounded up a few more delicious ham recipes that you will love! Try them out, they are so delicious!

Breakfast

Ham and Cheese Quiche

55 mins

Dinner

Better than Takeout Ham Fried Rice

30 mins

Dinner

Leftover Ham and Cheese Broccoli Casserole

35 mins

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Instant Pot Ham - The Recipe Critic (9)

Save

PinPrint

Instant Pot Ham

4.50 from 2 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

This instant pot ham is juicy, full of flavor, and cooked so that there is a caramelized glaze, making this ham taste like a slice of heaven! It will have every guest at your dinner table asking for the recipe!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Natural Steam Release: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 People

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Coat a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot with non-stick cooking spray. If the ham is too big, you can trim it down to fit the pot.

  • Pour the apple juice into the bottom of the pot.

  • Place the trivet in the pot if you have one. Place the ham cut side down on the trivet, or in the bottom of the pot.

  • In a small saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, cloves, and cinnamon. Cook over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes or until the glaze has warmed through.

  • Rub half of the brown sugar glaze on top of the ham. Save the other half for later.

  • Seal the pot, then select Manual High Pressure. Set the time for 15 minutes.

  • Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to manually release pressure.

  • Carefully remove the ham from the pot, it will be hot. Place it in a 13×9 baking dish, and cover with foil to keep moist and warm.

  • Reheat the remaining glaze in the saucepan, and pour the rest over the ham in the baking dish.

  • Set your oven to the broil setting, and place the ham in the oven uncovered for 2-4 minutes, or until glaze has caramelized. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn.

  • Slice the ham using a sharp knife, and serve on a platter!

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 28mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Alyssa Rivers and the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic. The blog launched in 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family. Each recipe is tried and true, family-tested and approved.

Read More About Me

More Ideas

Dinner

Big Mac Casserole

40 mins

Dinner

Green Chile Chicken

50 mins

Dinner

Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

1 hr 10 mins

Instant Pot Ham - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay cook ham? ›

Method. Put the gammon into a large saucepan and pour on enough cold water to cover. Add the carrots, leek, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Bring to the boil, turn down to a simmer and cook for 3 hours, topping up with more boiling water if necessary.

Can you heat a precooked ham in an instant pot? ›

The steamy environment inside your pressure cooker is PERFECT to heat a precooked ham so it's just the right temperature for serving! And it's always tender and juicy ham I'm proud to serve. I've never cooked it another way ever since!

How to make the best precooked ham? ›

Cooking it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes per pound should do the trick, depending on the type of ham (whole or half, bone-in or no bone ― these specifics are outlined here). You just want to make sure the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees.

Does ham get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

We Recommend

Because it's dense, ham requires long, slow cooking to become perfectly tender. It also must be protected from drying out during the cooking process. According to the USDA, a 3-ounce serving of cooked ham provides: 178 calories.

How does Martha Stewart bake a ham? ›

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Wrap ham completely with parchment-lined foil and place on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Transfer ham to oven and bake 1 1/2 hours. Unwrap ham; discard parchment and foil.

What makes ham taste better? ›

Peach preserves, hot pepper jelly, and maple syrup work as sweet bases for glazes that add sheen as well as distinct flavor. Tasty additions such as aromatics, herbs, and spices switch up a traditional ham and make it truly memorable.

How do you reheat a fully cooked ham in an instant pot? ›

Instructions
  1. Place the ham in the liner of the electric pressure cooker with the cut side down.
  2. Press the brown sugar into the sides of the ham.
  3. Pour the pineapple and juice around the ham.
  4. Cover and set the valve to sealing.
  5. Program the electric pressure cooker using “manual” or “pressure cook” for 8 minutes.
Feb 3, 2022

How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out? ›

Arrange slices in a single layer on a greased baking pan. Add a couple of tablespoons of broth or water and cover with foil. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through, turning slices once.

How long to cook a 3 lb fully cooked ham? ›

Allow 20 minutes per pound when calculating how long to bake a fully cooked ham. For example, if the ham weighs 8 pounds, the cooking time would be 2 hour and 40 minutes. A fully cooked half ham will weigh approximately 3 to 4 pounds. Cooking time for a 3 pound ham would be 1 hour.

What can I add to ham for flavor? ›

Maple syrup and bourbon combine for a sweet, crunchy, and sticky crust, ideal for delicious spiral-cut ham. Ginger and cinnamon perfectly season this glaze, covering the salty, juicy ham.

When should I glaze a precooked ham? ›

In this case, you'll want to preheat your oven to 325 or 350 degrees F, then follow the directions on the package for how long to heat the ham before serving. The glaze should not be applied until the final hour to 30 minutes, in order to avoid burning the sugars.

How do you keep a precooked ham moist? ›

Take ham slices (many hams are already spiral-sliced) and place them, overlapping, on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and place in a 325-degree oven. This way, the slices, according to Dearborn Brand Ham, will heat quickly and not dry out.

Why does precooked ham have to reach 140? ›

However, if you want to reheat these cooked hams, set the oven no lower than 325 °F and heat to an internal temperature of 140 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Unpackaged, cooked ham is potentially contaminated with pathogens.

Does a fully cooked ham have to reach 140? ›

If reheating is desired, hams that were packaged in processing plants under USDA inspection must be heated to 140°F as measured with a food thermometer. Leftover spiral-cut hams or ham that has been repackaged in any other location outside the plant, must be heated to 165°F.

Can you overcook a precooked ham? ›

Heating above 135 degrees will only detract from taste and tenderness. Re-cooking or prolonged heating will always make cooked meat tough and in the case of cured hams, the meat will be crumbly. The same is true for any fully cooked or cured meat such as wieners or sliced ham.

Why do people boil ham before baking? ›

Depending on how the ham was cured, it will most probably be necessary to soak the ham for 24 hours before baking it. This step isn't necessary when boiling a ham as the boiling process automatically removes any excess salt, but it is a foolish errand to bake a salt cured ham without soaking..

What are the two ways ham is generally cooked? ›

In fact, most ham that is sold to consumers is already cured, smoked or baked. As a deli meat, it can be eaten right out of the refrigerator, but other hams are typically reheated for improved flavor and texture.

Why do you soak a ham before cooking? ›

If necessary, soak the gammon (ham) in cold water to reduce saltiness, according to butcher or packet instructions (most do not need this anymore as curing methods have changed). Weigh to calculate the cooking time. Place in a large pan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil.

What are the rules for cooking ham? ›

NOTE: Set oven temperature to 325°F. Cook all raw fresh ham and ready-to-eat ham to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, as measured with a food thermometer, before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 5759

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.