Instant Pot Ham
User Reviews
5
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
8 - 12
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Calories
371 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Instant Pot Ham
Description
The ham is positioned on a steamer rack in an Instant Pot alongside a mixture of canned pineapple, Dijon mustard, honey, and brown sugar. It cooks at high pressure according to weight and cut—20 minutes for larger, uncut hams or less for spiral-sliced varieties—followed by a natural pressure release. This approach ensures the ham is heated through thoroughly without drying out.
After cooking, the cooking liquid is thickened with a cornstarch and water slurry, producing a glossy pineapple honey sauce that can be brushed over the ham and optionally broiled for a caramelized finish. The sauce imparts both sweetness and acidity, complementing the savory meat.
This dish is practical for the holidays or any occasion when a flavorful ham without the extended cooking time is desired. The recipe notes suggest using an 8-quart or 6-quart pressure cooker, optionally skipping the glaze, or crisping the skin under the broiler to finish.
Checking the internal temperature ensures the ham is warmed suitably; if it is slightly underheated, additional pressure cooking can be applied briefly. The sauce can also be used as a serving accompaniment to emphasize the pineapple and honey notes.
Ingredients
- 1 (3921g or 8.6lb) ham 7 inches thick, bone-in, uncut
- 398 ml (14oz) pineapple canned
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup (63g) honey
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
Thickener
- 2½ tablespoons (22.5g) cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) water cold
Instructions
- Pressure Cook Ham: Add 1 (14oz or 398ml) can of pineapples and 2 tbsp (30ml) dijon mustard in Instant Pot. Give it a quick mix. Layer a steamer rack then place ham on top. Drizzle ¼ cup (63g) honey all over the top of the ham.Close lid and turn Venting Knob to Sealing position.Pressure Cooking Method:8 - 9 lbs Bone-in Uncut Ham: High Pressure for 20 minutes, then Natural Release for 30 minutes6 - 7 lbs Bone-in Uncut Ham: High Pressure for 15 minutes, then Natural Release for 30 minutesSpiral Ham (Cut Ham): High Pressure for 3 minutes, then Natural Release for 20 minutes will be warm enoughCheck ham's internal temperature at its’ thickest part with a food thermometer.Temperature Tips: 95°F (35°C) - 110°F (43°C) is hot enough to serve the ham, especially with the hot honey sauce. If the ham is at 80°F (27°C), put the lid back on and pressure cook the ham at High Pressure for another 5 minutes, then Natural Release for 10 minutes.
- Make Pineapple Honey Sauce: Rest ham on a large chopping board or serving bowl. The ham's internal temperature will continue to rise.Bring the sauce back to a simmer by pressing the "Cancel" button, then "Saute" button. Taste and gradually add in brown sugar to desired sweetness. Sweetness Tips: You'll want the sauce to be quite sweet to balance the salty smoky ham flavor. For reference, we added roughly ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar. Mix 2.5 tbsp (22.5g) cornstarch with 3 tbsp (45ml) cold water in a small mixing bowl. Add the cornstarch mixture one third at a time to thicken the honey pineapple sauce until desired thickness.
- Serve Ham with Pineapple Honey Sauce: Cut the juicy ham with a sharp knife and a fork. Serve it with the Honey Pineapple Ham Sauce. Enjoy & happy holidays!~
Notes
- The recipe was developed for an 8-quart Instant Pot; a 6-quart model will also work if the ham fits.
- If you prefer not to use the glaze, replace the pineapple mixture with 1 cup cold water and increase cooking time by three minutes.
- For crispier skin, brush the ham with the honey sauce after cooking and broil briefly, watching closely to prevent drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches at least 95°F internally before serving, reheating with additional pressure cooking if needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8- 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories 371 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 371kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 78mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 1514mg | 63% |
| Potassium | 412mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 17IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 19mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.