Ah, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a perfectly cooked ham wafting through the house, is there? Whenever I make this Best Instant Pot Ham, it instantly transports me back to those family gatherings where we’d all gather around the dinner table, excited and hungry after what felt like an eternity of waiting. In my family, ham has been a centerpiece for celebrations, whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or just a Sunday dinner. It’s that sweet, savory deliciousness that brings everyone together, and trust me, no one ever leaves the table without wanting seconds!
The magic of this recipe lies within the Instant Pot. Gone are the days of laboriously waiting for hours while basting and checking on the oven. With this method, you’ll achieve a super moist and flavorful ham that practically falls off the bone—and the best part? It only takes about 1.5 to 2 hours! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this delightful dish.
What’s in Best Instant Pot Ham?
Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham: This is the star of the show! I usually look for a ham that weighs between 5-7 pounds. A bone-in ham helps to keep the meat moist and adds great flavor.
Water: Just a cup will do! This helps to create steam during the cooking process, ensuring your ham stays tender and juicy.
Brown Sugar: This provides that delightful sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory flavors of the ham. Light or dark brown sugar would both work, depending on what you have at home.
Honey: A touch of honey adds a lovely floral sweetness to the glaze. I prefer using raw honey for its rich flavor, but any honey will do the job.
Dijon Mustard: This tangy element adds a bit of sharpness to the glaze, balancing out the sweetness from the sugar and honey.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of acidity can elevate the flavors and give a little zing to your glaze. Plus, it helps in tenderizing the meat.
Ground Cinnamon: The warm, cozy flavor of cinnamon brings everything together nicely. Just a teaspoon is all you need.
Ground Cloves (optional): If you love that warm, spicy flavor, feel free to add this! It’s an optional ingredient but can add depth.
Ground Ginger (optional): Like cloves, this spice adds a unique flavor twist. A little goes a long way!
Aluminum Foil: You’ll need this for wrapping your ham before cooking and for broiling to get that perfect caramelization.
Is Best Instant Pot Ham Good for You?
Let’s be honest—ham isn’t typically on the list of “health foods,” but it can still have its benefits when enjoyed in moderation.
Ham: This protein-rich meat can be part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with healthier sides. Just watch out for sodium levels; many pre-cooked hams can be quite salty, so if you’re watching your salt intake, look for low-sodium options.
Brown Sugar and Honey: While both are sources of sugar, they contain minerals that might offer some tiny benefits over regular white sugar. Just remember, moderation is key!
Also, consider adding some roasted veggies on the side for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients List
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 5-7 pounds)
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
– Aluminum foil (for wrapping)
This recipe serves about 8-10 people, so it’s perfect for a crowd!
How to Make Best Instant Pot Ham?
1. **Prepare the Ham:** Remove the ham from the packaging and pat it dry. Place it on a cutting board and score the top and sides in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
2. **Make the Glaze:** In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and any optional spices until well combined.
3. **Add Water to Instant Pot:** Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This will create steam to cook the ham.
4. **Place the Ham in the Pot:** Put the scored ham in the pot. If it doesn’t fit, you may need to cut it into halves or quarters. Ideally, it should sit on a trivet or in a steamer basket for easier removal.
5. **Add the Glaze:** Brush or pour half of the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it’s getting into those scored lines.
6. **Pressure Cook:** Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on high for 15 minutes per pound (which will be about 1.5 to 2 hours for a 5-7 pound ham).
7. **Natural Release:** After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes. After that, switch the valve to quick release for any remaining pressure.
8. **Broil for Crispiness (Optional):** Preheat your oven’s broiler. Carefully remove the ham from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Brush the remaining glaze over the top and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized—just make sure to keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
9. **Serve:** Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Delicious Additions and Serving Suggestions
If you want to jazz things up a bit, you could try adding some crushed pineapple to your glaze for a tropical twist, or even some bourbon for an adult flavor enhancement! And for a beautiful presentation, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a refreshing salad.
I really can’t stress enough how perfect this ham is for any gathering—you’ll have your guests raving about it! I hope you give this recipe a try at your next event, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out. Happy cooking!
