Experience the ultimate in holiday cooking convenience with this incredible Pressure Cooker Brown Sugar Ham! In just about 30 minutes, you can create a perfectly tender, succulent, and flavor-packed ham using your Instant Pot, completely eliminating the need for an oven. Get ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. This recipe is not just easy; it’s a game-changer for festive meals and busy weeknights alike!

You read that correctly – your centerpiece holiday ham can be prepared to perfection right in your electric pressure cooker. From start to finish, including the crucial natural release time, you’ll have a mouth-watering ham ready for the table in approximately 30 minutes. Imagine the time saved, the oven space freed up, and the delightful aroma filling your kitchen without the usual cooking marathon. This method guarantees a juicy, flavorful ham every single time.

Let me assure you, this Pressure Cooker Brown Sugar Ham is not only effortlessly simple to prepare but also profoundly delicious. The rich, sticky-sweet glaze combined with the savory ham creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exquisite, making it an instant classic in your recipe repertoire.

When the holidays roll around, or even on a busy weekday, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen meticulously preparing a meal. We all yearn for more quality time with family and less time tied to strenuous cooking tasks. This recipe provides the perfect solution, allowing you to create a magnificent ham with minimal fuss. Furthermore, if I can find a brilliant way to avoid turning on the oven, especially during warmer months or when oven space is at a premium, then it’s an absolute win!

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I crafted this incredibly quick and easy ham recipe to deliver the same succulent, rich flavor you’d expect from a ham baked for hours, but in a fraction of the time. The efficiency of the pressure cooker ensures that every ounce of flavor is sealed in, creating a ham that is just as delicious, if not more so, than its oven-baked counterpart. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together.

Picture this: I literally had just enough time to tidy up the breakfast dishes and pour myself a refreshing beverage, and lo and behold, this magnificent ham was ready to be carved and enjoyed. It’s that fast, freeing you up to focus on other holiday preparations or simply to relax and savor the moments with your loved ones. This recipe truly redefines convenience without compromising on taste.

Pressure Cooker Ham FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Preparing a ham in a pressure cooker might seem unconventional at first, but it’s a fantastic method that yields exceptional results. Below, we address some of the most common questions to ensure your Instant Pot ham experience is smooth and successful.

Selecting the Perfect Ham for Pressure Cooking

When choosing a ham for your Instant Pot, opt for a fully cooked, boneless ham or a half ham. Spiral-sliced hams are particularly excellent as the glaze can penetrate deeper, enhancing the flavor throughout. Ensure the ham fits comfortably into your pressure cooker pot without exceeding the maximum fill line. The size of your ham will dictate the necessary cooking time, so always check the recipe and your ham’s weight.

Do I have to wrap the ham in foil?

Yes, wrapping the ham in foil is a highly recommended and crucial step that significantly contributes to the success of this recipe. The foil acts as a protective barrier, effectively containing all the delicious brown sugar glaze ingredients that you’ll generously spread over your ham. Without the foil, these precious ingredients would simply melt and pool at the bottom of your pressure cooker pot while the ham cooks, leading to a less flavorful and juicy result. The foil ensures the ham bastes in its own juices and the rich glaze, resulting in a perfectly moist and intensely flavored ham. So, for the best outcome, absolutely do not skip wrapping your ham in foil!

Are there any special tips for cooking a brown sugar ham?

For an exceptionally cooked brown sugar ham, a few key tips can elevate your dish. While our Instant Pot method is primarily hands-off, if you were to traditionally bake a brown sugar ham, you would typically use a meat thermometer to guarantee it’s cooked through to the correct internal temperature (140°F for reheating fully cooked ham). Basting the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes during oven cooking would also ensure a rich, caramelized crust. For our pressure cooker version, the foil and the final glaze reduction step take care of this. Always remember to let the ham rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking and before carving, which allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and tender.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftover ham?

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious leftover ham for days. Place any remaining ham in a shallow, airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, portion out individual servings and warm them in the microwave until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat larger portions in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F or 135°C), covered with foil, until warmed to your liking. If reheating slices in a pan, a touch of water or broth can help keep them moist. It’s normal for some fats and oils to separate once refrigerated; you can either skim this off before reheating or leave it for added flavor, as it will melt back into the ham once warmed.

Why use a shallow container to store the leftovers?

Using a shallow container for storing leftovers is a smart food safety practice. When the container is shallow, the contents are able to chill much faster and more uniformly compared to a large, deep container. Rapid cooling is essential because food should ideally reach its chilled storage temperature (below 40°F or 4°C) within 2 hours after cooking. If food remains in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) for too long, bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. By using a shallow container, you help ensure your delicious ham cools quickly and safely, preserving its quality and extending its safe storage life.

What is the difference between a brown sugar ham and a regular ham?

The primary distinction between a brown sugar ham and a “regular” ham lies in its preparation and flavor profile. A brown sugar ham is specifically characterized by being coated with a luscious glaze typically made from brown sugar, often enhanced with other sweet and tangy ingredients like honey, mustard, and vinegar. This glaze caramelizes during cooking, creating a wonderfully sweet and slightly tangy crust that infuses the ham with an irresistible flavor. A “regular” ham, on the other hand, might be simply cured and smoked, and served without any additional sweet glaze, focusing more on its inherent savory, salty qualities.

How do you cook a precooked ham in the oven?

When cooking a precooked ham in the oven, the goal is primarily to reheat it thoroughly and potentially crisp up any glaze. For most precooked hams, you’ll want to bake it at a moderate temperature, such as 325°F (160°C). A general rule of thumb is to cook it for approximately 10 minutes per pound. Always cover the ham with foil during most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, removing the foil only for the last 15-20 minutes if you wish to brown or caramelize a glaze. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for safe consumption.

Essential Instant Pot Tools and Accessories!

While an Instant Pot is the star of this recipe, a few accessories can make your pressure cooking experience even smoother and more versatile. These tools are often available separately or as part of convenient sets, enhancing the functionality of your electric pressure cooker:

1. Instant Pot (or other Electric Pressure Cooker): The cornerstone for this incredibly quick ham.
2. 5-Piece Accessory Set: Often includes a steamer basket, egg rack, and other useful inserts.
3. 3-Piece Bundt Pan Bundle Set: Great for baking cakes or making savory meatloafs in your Instant Pot.
4. Stackable Stainless Steel Insert Steamer Pans: Perfect for pot-in-pot cooking, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
5. Glass Lid and Sealing Rings: An extra sealing ring is always handy to avoid flavor transfer between savory and sweet dishes, and a glass lid is useful for slow cooking or keeping food warm.

Is it better to bake a ham covered or uncovered?

When baking a ham in a conventional oven, it is generally better to bake it covered for the majority of the cooking time. Covering the ham with foil helps to lock in moisture, preventing it from drying out and ensuring a tender, juicy result. You can remove the foil for the last 15-30 minutes of baking, especially if you want to allow a glaze to caramelize and crisp up, or if you prefer a slightly drier exterior. However, for sheer moisture retention, covered is the way to go.

How long does it take to cook a ham in the oven?

The cooking time for a ham in the oven depends largely on whether it’s fully cooked or uncooked, and its size. For a fully cooked ham, which is what we use in this recipe, you are essentially reheating it. At 325°F (160°C), it typically takes about 10 minutes per pound to reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). For an uncooked ham, the cooking time will be significantly longer, roughly 20-25 minutes per pound, to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

How to Make Pressure Cooker Brown Sugar Ham: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Pressure Cooker Brown Sugar Ham is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect, juicy ham every time:

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended to form your luscious glaze. Set this mixture aside.
2. Prepare your ham: Place the boneless, fully cooked ham on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. If your ham isn’t already spiral-sliced, make slices about halfway through the ham to allow the glaze to penetrate deeply.
3. Generously spread the prepared brown sugar mixture all over the ham, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated.
4. Carefully close the foil around the ham, sealing it completely to trap all the moisture and flavor during cooking.
5. Place the foil-wrapped ham onto the trivet (steamer rack) inside your electric pressure cooker pot.
6. Pour 1-1/2 cups of water into the bottom of the pot, around the trivet. This water is essential for creating the pressure.
7. Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and make sure the sealing valve is set to the “sealing” position. Cook on Manual (or High Pressure) for 18 minutes.
8. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a Natural Release (NPR) for 10 minutes. This means you do nothing and let the pressure decrease naturally. After 10 minutes, carefully perform a Quick Release (QR) by turning the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure.
9. Carefully remove the ham from the pot. Let it rest, still wrapped in its foil, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender ham.
10. Transfer the ham from the foil to your desired serving platter.
11. Now, for the exquisite gravy: Pour out the water from the bottom of the pressure cooker pot. Then, carefully pour the flavorful liquid that collected in the foil wrapper into the pot.
12. To this liquid in the pot, add pineapple juice, the remaining water (from the recipe card), and cornstarch.
13. Turn on the Sauté function on your pressure cooker. Whisk the mixture frequently, allowing it to simmer and thicken to your preferred gravy consistency.
14. Before serving, generously drizzle this warm, flavorful gravy over the top of your beautifully cooked ham. Enjoy!

Is it necessary to use a specific type of pressure cooker?

Not at all! While I personally use an Instant Pot, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Electric pressure cookers have become incredibly popular in recent years, with many appliance companies, both large and small, manufacturing their own versions. This recipe is designed to work seamlessly with any brand of electric pressure cooker. Whether you have a Crock-Pot Express, a Ninja Foodi, a Cuisinart, or any other model, you can confidently follow these instructions and achieve the same fantastic results. The key is the pressure cooking method itself, which is consistent across various models.

Serving Suggestions: Recipes to Complement Your Ham

While this Pressure Cooker Brown Sugar Ham can certainly stand alone as a magnificent meal, it truly shines when paired with complementary side dishes. From comforting classics to fresh, vibrant salads, here are some excellent recipes that will round out your feast and make your holiday table complete. And don’t miss out on other fantastic ham-centric recipes for using up those delicious leftovers!

• Traeger Applewood Smoked Ham: For those who love a smoky flavor profile, this recipe offers a different approach to ham.
• Air Fryer Honey Baked Ham: Another quick method for a delightful ham, perfect for smaller gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
• Ham & Bean Soup: An ultimate comfort food, perfect for using up leftover ham bone and meat.
• Air Fryer Ham & Cheese Sliders: Quick, cheesy, and irresistible sliders for a party or a casual meal.
• Poppy Seed Ham & Cheese Sliders: A classic appetizer that’s always a hit, featuring a savory and sweet poppy seed dressing.
• Ham & Cheese Hot Spinach Dip: A decadent and creamy dip, great for entertaining.
• Senate Bean Soup: A hearty and historic soup, ideal for a chilly evening.
• Chef Salad: A fresh and filling option, especially when topped with slices of your delicious ham.

Instant Pot Ham Ingredients: The Sweet and Savory Essentials

To create this incredibly flavorful and moist Pressure Cooker Brown Sugar Ham, you’ll need a selection of simple yet powerful ingredients that blend together to form the perfect sweet and savory profile:

• Quartered, Fully Cooked Boneless Ham: This is the star of our dish, chosen for its convenience and delicious foundation.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds a sweet and tangy brightness, complementing the ham beautifully.
• Brown Sugar: The core of our sweet, sticky glaze, providing rich molasses notes.
• Mustard: Balances the sweetness with a touch of piquant tanginess, enhancing the savory ham flavor.
• White Balsamic Vinegar: Offers a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness and adds complexity to the glaze.
• Honey: Contributes another layer of natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful sheen on the ham.
• Cornstarch: Used at the end to thicken the flavorful cooking liquid into a luxurious gravy.
• Water: Essential for the pressure cooking process and for adjusting the consistency of the final glaze.

The combination of these ingredients, cooked under pressure, produces the most tender, moist, and utterly delicious ham you have ever savored. It’s truly exceptional!

Can this be made in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! If you prefer the set-it-and-forget-it convenience of a slow cooker, this brown sugar ham recipe can easily be adapted. Simply prepare the brown sugar glaze as instructed and spread it over your ham. Place the glazed ham into your slow cooker, pour in the liquid (pineapple juice and water), cover, and cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, or until the ham is thoroughly heated through and tender. You can then transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and thicken it with cornstarch over medium heat for the delicious gravy.

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Pressure Cooker Brown Sugar Ham

Course: Dinner

Servings: 16 servings

Pressure Cooker Brown Sugar Ham made in about 30 minutes. Break out that Instant Pot & make the best holiday ham, no oven required. So easy!

Print Recipe

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Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 18 mins

Natural Release: 10 mins

Total Time: 33 mins

Ingredients

• 10 pounds boneless ham fully cooked (1/4 of a whole ham)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp mustard
• 2 tsp white balsamic vinegar
• 3 tsp honey
• 1 ½ cups water for pressurizing
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 3 tsp water
• 3 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Place the ham on a large piece of foil. Make slices halfway through the ham if not already spiral-sliced.
2. Combine the brown sugar, mustard, balsamic vinegar & honey in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Spread this brown sugar mixture over the ham to coat thoroughly.
3. Close the foil around the ham to cover it completely and securely.
4. Place the wrapped ham on a trivet inside the pressure cooker pot insert.
5. Add 1 ½ cups of water to the pot for pressurizing.
6. Secure the lid, ensure the valve is sealed, and cook on manual high pressure for 18 minutes.
7. Allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Carefully remove the ham from the pot. Let it rest in the foil for 5 minutes.
9. Remove the ham from the foil and transfer it to your serving platter.
10. Pour out the water from the bottom of the pot. Then, transfer the flavorful liquid trapped in the ham’s foil wrapper into the pot.
11. Add the pineapple juice, the remaining 3 tsp water, and cornstarch to the pot with the ham juices.
12. Cook on Sauté mode, whisking frequently until the mixture has thickened to your desired gravy consistency.
13. Drizzle this delectable sauce generously over the top of the ham before serving.

Notes

*This recipe was primarily developed using a 6-quart Instant Pot. If you are using a different size pressure cooker or a different brand, please note that cooking times may vary by a couple of minutes. Always consult your appliance’s manual if unsure.

**For High Altitude Cooking: At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, which affects pressure cooking. To ensure proper cooking, you may need to adjust your cooking time. A good rule of thumb is to add approximately 5% to your cooking time for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet elevation. For instance, if you reside at 4,000 feet, you would add about 10% to the recommended cook time. For a recipe suggesting 20 minutes of cooking time, you would increase it to 22 minutes. In pressure cooking, even 1-2 minutes can significantly impact the outcome, unlike traditional cooking methods, so precision is helpful.

Equipment

• Electric Pressure Cooker (e.g., Instant Pot)

Nutrition

Per Serving (approx. 1/16th of recipe):

• Calories: 440kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 65g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 0.003g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Sodium: 2160mg
• Potassium: 31mg
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugar: 19g
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 9mg
• Iron: 0.1mg
• Net Carbohydrates: 10g

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

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