Instant Pot Ham Recipe – Easy, Sweet, and Festive Delight
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by venlarecipez
As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen transforms into a hub of joy and delicious aromas. Picture this: the sweet scent of honey mingling with the warm notes of orange juice and a hint of spicy mustard, all swirling around a succulent ham that s been touched by the magic of the Instant Pot. It s a delightful recipe I ve embraced for festive gatherings because it beautifully captures that essence of celebration without the fuss.
When I first experimented with this method, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I could bring such a flavorful dish to the table. No more waiting hours for dinner to be ready; with just three simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping centerpiece that will have friends and family raving. The glossy glaze not only adds a burst of flavor but also elevates the presentation, ensuring it stands out on any holiday table.
Join me as we dive into the world of this Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham a dish that s not just easy, but also perfect for those looking to leave behind the fast food routine and opt for something homemade and heartfelt!
Why is Instant Pot Ham a Must-Try?
Instant Pot Ham is an absolute game changer for festive meals!
Quick Preparation: Enjoy a delicious holiday ham without hours of labor thanks to the Instant Pot.
Three Simple Ingredients: With just honey, orange juice, and mustard, you’ll create a mouthwatering glaze.
Mouthwatering Flavor: The sweet and tangy profile makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Glorious Texture: Picture perfectly moist and glossy ham that s tender throughout.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it with seasonal sides like sugar snap peas or potato rolls for a complete meal.
This recipe will surely elevate your culinary game and leave fast food in the dust!
Instant Pot Ham Ingredients
For the Glaze
- Orange Juice Adds brightness and acidity; fresh grapefruit juice can be used in a pinch.
- Honey Provides sweetness while enhancing the glaze’s richness; no substitutions needed for this ingredient.
- Spicy Brown Mustard Introduces gentle heat and depth of flavor; substitute with regular Dijon mustard for a milder option or hot honey for extra spice.
For the Ham
- 6-8 lb. Cooked Bone-In Spiral Ham The star ingredient, fully cooked but served warm for maximum flavor; ensure it fits in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham
Prep the Ham: Trim the ham as needed to ensure it fits snugly into your Instant Pot. Place any trimmings alongside the ham to maximize flavor during cooking.
Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, and spicy brown mustard until well combined. This three-ingredient sauce is simple yet bursting with flavor!
Cooking: Pour the prepared glaze over the ham in the Instant Pot, making sure it s evenly coated. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes for perfectly infused ham.
Pressure Release: Once cooking is complete, turn off the pot and allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully switch to quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
Finish and Serve: Remove the ham from the pot and strain the remaining glaze. If desired, you can thicken the glaze by simmering it on the stovetop. Serve the ham warm, garnished with a drizzle of the glaze for added appeal.
Optional: Serve with seasonal sides like fluffy potato rolls or roasted vegetables.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham?
The perfect meal is all about harmonizing flavors and textures, making your dining experience truly unforgettable.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness complements the sweet glaze, creating a comforting side dish that delights the senses.
Blistered Sugar Snap Peas: These vibrant, crunchy vegetables offer a fresh contrast to the ham’s tender texture, balancing the meal beautifully.
Fluffy Potato Rolls: Soft and pillowy, these rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious honey glaze, adding an extra layer of comfort to your feast.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crispy edges provide a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness of the ham, offering a burst of flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: This tart, fruity addition brightens the palate, enhancing the overall experience of the savory ham with a pop of freshness.
Classic Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy slaw adds a refreshing crunch, helping to cut through the richness of the glazed ham.
Sparkling Cider: This festive drink pairs wonderfully with the ham, its effervescence and sweetness lifting the flavors of the dish while celebrating the holiday spirit.
Chocolate Mousse: As a decadent dessert, this creamy treat offers a rich end to the meal, balancing the savory elements perfectly and leaving everyone satisfied.
Instant Pot Ham Variations
Feel free to elevate your Instant Pot ham recipe with these inspired variations that will tantalize your taste buds.
Spicy Kick: Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the glaze for a smoky, spicy twist that enhances the sweetness of the honey.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a tablespoon of lemon or lime zest to brighten the glaze and introduce a refreshing zing to your ham. This easy addition transforms the flavor profile beautifully.
Maple Syrup: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a unique sweetness that pairs excellently with the other ingredients, adding a delightful twist to traditional flavors.
Apple Cider: Replace orange juice with apple cider to create a sweeter and more aromatic glaze that resonates with fall flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ginger Snap: Add grated fresh ginger to the glaze for a warm, aromatic flavor that adds depth and pairs delightfully with the sweetness of honey.
Bourbon Glaze: Introduce a splash of bourbon to the glaze for an indulgent twist. This adds richness and depth, making your ham even more festive and unforgettable.
Tropical Twist: Mix in crushed pineapple with the glaze for a fruity, tropical flavor that takes your holiday ham to sunny destinations. The sweetness and acidity beautifully complement the richness of ham.
Herb Infusion: Add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze, bringing an earthy freshness that balances the sweetness for a sophisticated flair.
Storage Tips for Instant Pot Ham
Room Temperature: Leftover Instant Pot ham should not be left out for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Fridge: Store your ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezer: If you have extra ham, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When reheating, use the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, adding a touch of glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Ham
- Seal Properly: Ensure the lid is securely sealed to allow for even cooking and to avoid any unpleasant surprises during your Instant Pot ham cooking.
- Size Matters: Choose a 6-8 lb. ham that fits comfortably in your Instant Pot without crowding; this ensures proper heat distribution and glaze infusion.
- Glaze Variations: Feel free to experiment using different types of mustard or even adding brown sugar can elevate your Instant Pot ham flavor immensely.
- Resting Time: Always allow the ham to rest after cooking for optimal juiciness. This step helps lock in the tender, flavorful goodness.
- Don t Waste the Glaze: Strain and thicken leftover glaze on the stovetop to serve as a delicious drizzle, enhancing your ham even further!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on busy holiday mornings! You can pre-make the glaze mixing the orange juice, honey, and spicy brown mustard as far as 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The ham itself can be trimmed and placed in the Instant Pot (without the glaze) up to 3 days ahead for ultimate convenience. When it s time to serve, pour the prepared glaze over the ham, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, and allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. This means less stress and more time to enjoy with loved ones while still delivering a delicious centerpiece, just as scrumptious as if made the same day!
Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs
What kind of ham should I use for this recipe?
You ll want to choose a 6-8 lb. cooked bone-in spiral ham for this Instant Pot recipe. This type of ham is fully cooked and ideal for infusing the flavors from the glaze quickly. Ensure it fits comfortably in a 6-quart Instant Pot, allowing enough room for steam circulation and glaze coverage.
How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
Leftover Instant Pot honey glazed ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the ham to room temperature before storing it, but avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to minimize spoilage risks.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Leftover ham freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I do if the glaze is too thin?
If your glaze turned out thinner than expected, no worries! Simply strain the leftover glaze into a saucepan, and simmer it over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This will concentrate the flavors, time perfectly with your ham for serving.
Are there any dietary restrictions I should be aware of?
For those allergic to honey or mustard, you can substitute the honey with pure maple syrup and use a milder mustard like Dijon. Always check labels on pre-packaged hams for potential allergens. Additionally, this recipe is not suitable for pets, as ingredients like honey can be harmful to dogs.
Is there a way to customize the flavor of the glaze?
Certainly! You can easily switch up the glaze by experimenting with different mustards like honey mustard for a sweeter kick or a spicy garlic mustard for added depth. Another fantastic idea is to incorporate brown sugar or even a splash of apple cider for a lovely fruity note!