Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

There is something truly magical about a perfectly cooked ham, and this Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe nails it every time with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. This dish features a luscious honey glaze infused with warm spices and bright orange zest, creating a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy notes that soak right into the tender ham. Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but ensures your ham stays juicy and full of flavor, making it an ideal centerpiece for any family gathering or special occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked ham any other way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet impactful ingredients is the first step to creating a memorable honey glazed ham. Each element plays an essential role—from adding sweetness and warmth to bringing out the vibrant color and enhancing the texture of the final dish.

• 5 pound Ham (boneless or bone-in): The star of the show; choose your favorite ham style to suit your preference.
• 1 cup Honey: Provides natural sweetness and the beautiful sticky glaze that clings to the ham.
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar (firmly packed): Adds depth and caramel-like flavor that complements the honey perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon Ground ginger: A subtle zip of spice that warms up the glaze without overpowering it.
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon: Infuses the glaze with cozy aromatic notes reminiscent of holiday desserts.
• 1 teaspoon Orange zest: Adds a fresh citrus brightness, balancing the rich sweetness.

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Glaze

Start by combining honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest in a bowl. This mixture is what makes your ham irresistibly flavorful and shiny.

Step 2: Warm the Glaze

Pop the bowl in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds to soften the glaze, making it pourable and perfect for brushing over the ham.

Step 3: Prepare the Ham

Place your ham on a large piece of aluminum foil, ensuring it’s big enough to wrap the entire ham securely for cooking.

Step 4: Apply the First Coat of Glaze

Use a basting brush to coat the ham generously with half of the honey glaze. Don’t rush this step—the glaze forms a delicious seal that locks in moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Wrap the Ham

Carefully wrap the ham in the foil, sealing it tightly so no juices escape during cooking. This is key to keeping your ham juicy and tender.

Step 6: Set Inside the Instant Pot

Place a trivet with handles in the Instant Pot’s inner pot—this makes it much easier to remove the ham when it’s done. Then pour in 1.5 cups of water to create the steam needed for pressure cooking.

Step 7: Position the Ham

Set the wrapped ham on the trivet inside the Instant Pot, making sure it’s stable and surrounded by the water for even cooking.

Step 8: Seal and Cook

Lock the lid and set the valve to SEALING. Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes for a 5-pound ham. Adjust the time slightly if your ham is larger or smaller, keeping it tender and perfectly heated through.

Step 9: Natural Release and Final Check

Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 15 minutes before venting the rest. Use a thermometer to ensure the ham reaches at least 145°F inside, the safe temperature for cooked ham.

Step 10: Additional Cooking If Needed

If the ham hasn’t reached the right temperature yet, seal the lid again and cook under high pressure for an extra 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 11: Remove and Unwrap

Carefully take the ham out of the Instant Pot and place it on a serving platter. Discard the foil and any liquid leftover to prepare for glazing.

Step 12: Broil for a Caramelized Finish

If you want that irresistible glaze caramelization, rewarm the remaining glaze and brush it generously over the ham. Set your oven to broil and cook for 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 13: Serve Immediately

Enjoy the ham hot off the broiler for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a lovely herbal contrast to the sweet glaze, while a sprinkle of orange zest over the top brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This ham pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad—all balancing the richness of the honey glaze perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange slices on a wooden board with fruit such as pineapple or figs, nuts, and cheeses for a beautiful charcuterie-style presentation that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Proper wrapping preserves moisture and flavor, so your ham tastes just as good the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep ham longer, slice it and freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat ham gently in the oven at 275°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, or use the microwave on low power with a damp paper towel to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a bone-in ham for this Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in ham works just as well and can even add a bit more flavor, so feel free to use whichever you prefer.

What if I don’t have orange zest? Can I skip it?

While orange zest brightens the glaze, you can omit it if needed, or substitute with lemon or lime zest for a different but equally fresh twist.

Is the cooking time the same for smaller or larger hams?

For smaller hams, you can reduce the cooking time slightly; for larger hams, increase it by about 5 minutes per additional pound. Always check the internal temp to be sure.

Can I prepare the ham a day in advance?

Yes, you can prep and glaze the ham a day ahead and refrigerate it wrapped in foil. Let it come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating.

How do I know when the ham glaze is ready to brush on?

After microwaving, the glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. If it seems too thick, warm it a few seconds more.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves flavorful, fuss-free meals. It’s quick, impressively delicious, and perfect for celebrations or a weeknight feast. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to for ham that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Happy cooking!

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