Instant Pot Honey-Orange Glazed Ham: Your Ultimate Guide to a Flavorful Holiday Feast
Preparing a show-stopping holiday ham has never been simpler or more delicious, thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot! Forget the hours of oven roasting; this Instant Pot Honey-Orange Glazed Ham delivers a perfectly cooked, succulent spiral-cut ham in just 10 minutes of active cooking time. Each delicate slice is infused with a vibrant, sweet, and spiced glaze crafted from golden honey, bright orange juice, rich brown sugar, warming cinnamon, and aromatic cloves. The result? A truly gorgeous and utterly irresistible centerpiece for any festive gathering, ready to impress with minimal effort.
This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about flavor and convenience. The Instant Pot ensures your ham remains incredibly moist and tender, while the sweet citrus glaze permeates every layer of the spiral-cut ham, creating an explosion of taste in every bite. It’s the ultimate solution for busy holiday hosts who want to serve a memorable meal without being tethered to the kitchen. Free up your oven for those essential side dishes or a decadent dessert, and let your Instant Pot handle the star of the show. This sweet, citrusy, and perfectly spiced ham is guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday dinner.
Why Choose Your Instant Pot for Holiday Ham?
The Instant Pot has revolutionized holiday cooking, and preparing ham is no exception. Here’s why it’s the superior method for your festive feast:
- Unbeatable Speed: Traditional oven-baked ham can take several hours, tying up your oven for much of the day. The Instant Pot drastically cuts down cooking time, allowing you to have a perfectly heated and glazed spiral-cut ham on the table in a fraction of the time.
- Moisture and Tenderness: Pressure cooking creates a steamy, enclosed environment that locks in moisture, resulting in a ham that is exceptionally juicy and tender. No more dry, overcooked ham – just succulent, flavorful perfection every time.
- Oven Freedom: Holidays mean multiple dishes competing for oven space. By cooking your ham in the Instant Pot, you free up your oven for other critical components of your meal, such as roasted vegetables, casseroles, or baked goods. This streamlines your cooking process and reduces stress.
- Consistent Results: The Instant Pot provides precise temperature and pressure control, leading to consistently excellent results. You can trust that your ham will be cooked evenly and thoroughly, taking the guesswork out of holiday meal preparation.
- Less Heat in the Kitchen: On busy cooking days, your kitchen can get incredibly hot. Using an Instant Pot helps keep the ambient temperature down, making for a more comfortable cooking experience.
Selecting the Perfect Ham for Your Instant Pot
Choosing the right ham is crucial for the best results. For this recipe, we specifically recommend a pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham, typically around 4 pounds. Here’s a brief guide to help you make your selection:
- Pre-cooked: Most hams sold in stores are already fully cooked, meaning they only need to be reheated to a safe internal temperature (140°F or 60°C). This is ideal for Instant Pot cooking, as we are primarily heating and glazing.
- Spiral-Cut vs. Uncut: A spiral-cut ham is pre-sliced around the bone, making it incredibly convenient for both glaze application and serving. The slices allow the honey-orange mixture to penetrate deeply, infusing every piece with flavor. While an uncut ham can also be cooked in the Instant Pot, the spiral-cut variety significantly enhances the glaze’s reach.
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: A bone-in ham often offers more flavor and a slightly juicier texture. However, a boneless ham is easier to carve. For this recipe, either can work, but a bone-in spiral cut is often preferred for its robust flavor.
- Size Matters: Ensure your ham fits comfortably within your Instant Pot’s insert. A 4-pound ham is generally perfect for a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot. If you have a larger ham, you might need to adjust cooking times or consider cutting it to fit.
Crafting the Irresistible Honey-Orange Glaze
The star of this ham recipe, besides the ham itself, is undoubtedly the luscious honey-orange glaze. This sweet and tangy mixture with aromatic spices transforms an ordinary ham into an extraordinary culinary experience. Here’s how to prepare it perfectly:
- Gather Your Ingredients: You’ll need honey, packed brown sugar, fresh orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and a touch of ground nutmeg. These ingredients work in harmony to create a balanced flavor profile that is both festive and comforting.
- Mixing for Perfection: In a glass measuring cup or a small bowl, combine all the glaze ingredients. Whisk them thoroughly until the brown sugar has dissolved as much as possible, ensuring a smooth and consistent mixture.
- Initial Application: Once your spiral-cut ham is ready on a cutting board, carefully pour about half of the prepared glaze mixture between the slices. The pre-cut nature of the ham allows the glaze to seep into every crevice, infusing deep flavor. There’s no need to pour it over the top at this stage; focus on getting it between the slices for maximum absorption.
- Preparing the Finishing Glaze: Reserve the remaining half of the honey-orange mixture. While your ham is pressure cooking, transfer this reserved portion to a small saucepan on the stove or a heat-proof bowl for the microwave. Heat it gently, stirring occasionally, until it starts to bubble. This process helps to thicken the glaze, giving it that beautiful, syrupy consistency perfect for drizzling. Once it bubbles, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
This two-step glazing process ensures that your ham is flavored from within and beautifully coated on the outside, delivering a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Cooking Instructions
Cooking ham in the Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these detailed steps for a perfectly cooked and tender ham:
- Prepare the Glaze and Ham: Begin by preparing your honey-orange glaze as described above. Mix honey, brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a glass measuring cup until well combined and the sugar begins to dissolve. Place your spiral-cut ham on a cutting board and carefully pour 1 to 2 teaspoons of this mixture between the slices. This ensures every part of the ham gets flavored. Remember to reserve about half of the glaze for basting after cooking.
- Set Up Your Instant Pot: Ensure the stainless steel inner pot is correctly seated in your Instant Pot base. Add 1 cup of water to the inner pot. This water creates the steam necessary for pressure cooking. Place the metal trivet (or a steamer rack) inside the pot, resting it on the bottom.
- Position the Ham: Carefully place your prepared spiral-cut ham on top of the trivet. Ensure it sits securely and doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot, allowing the steam to circulate evenly.
- Secure and Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the sealing ring is properly in place. Rotate the steam release valve to the “sealing” position. (Note: many newer Instant Pot models automatically set to “sealing” when the lid is closed). Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on High Pressure and set the cooking time to 10 minutes for a 4-pound ham. The Instant Pot will beep after a few seconds and then begin to build pressure, which can take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the model and the starting temperature of the ham.
- Prepare the Finishing Glaze (During Cooking): While the ham is cooking, take the remaining honey-orange mixture and place it in a small saucepan on the stove over medium heat, or in a heat-proof bowl in the microwave. Heat until it comes to a gentle simmer and forms small bubbles. This will help it thicken into a perfect glaze. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly; it will continue to thicken further.
- Release Pressure and Rest: Once the 10-minute cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes (Natural Pressure Release or NPR). This allows the ham to continue cooking gently and reabsorb juices. After 5 minutes, carefully switch the steam release valve to the “venting” position for a Quick Release (QR) to release any remaining pressure. Once the floating valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid.
- Glaze and Serve: Carefully remove the ham from the Instant Pot using the trivet handles. Transfer it to a large serving platter. Pour the thickened, warm honey-orange glaze generously over the slices of ham, ensuring every piece is coated with the glistening, flavorful sauce. Garnish with additional orange slices or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Spiral-Cut Ham vs. Uncut Ham: A Deeper Dive into Juiciness
When it comes to cooking ham, the choice between a spiral-cut and an uncut ham can significantly impact the final texture, especially juiciness. While a spiral-cut ham offers unparalleled convenience for flavor infusion, an uncut ham tends to retain more moisture during cooking.
- Spiral-Cut Ham: The primary advantage of a spiral-cut ham is its pre-sliced nature, which allows the delicious honey-orange spiced mixture to penetrate deeply between each slice. This ensures a rich, even flavor distribution throughout the entire ham. You simply pour a couple of teaspoons of the glaze mixture directly between the slices, and the ham does the rest. However, this same slicing can sometimes lead to juices escaping more readily during cooking, whether in the Instant Pot or the oven. This means a spiral-cut ham might not be as inherently juicy as an uncut one, as the juices can collect at the bottom of the Instant Pot insert or baking dish. Despite this, the intensive flavor from the glaze often compensates, resulting in a very palatable and deeply flavored ham.
- Uncut Ham: Both my husband and I agree that uncut ham, when cooked in the Instant Pot (or even the oven), tends to be significantly juicier. Without the pre-cut slices, the ham forms a more solid barrier, allowing it to retain its natural moisture and juices far more effectively during the cooking process. If you prefer a ham that is exceptionally moist, using an uncut ham for this recipe is an excellent choice. If you opt for an uncut ham, for a piece around 4 pounds, you can still cook it for 10 minutes on the “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) setting on high pressure, similar to the spiral-cut. The internal temperature will still reach the desired level, and the ham will be incredibly tender and juicy. You can then score the ham and pour the glaze over the top for a beautiful presentation.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference: maximum flavor penetration with spiral-cut or maximum juiciness with uncut. Both yield delicious results with this honey-orange glaze in the Instant Pot.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Glazed Ham
A magnificent glazed ham deserves an equally impressive supporting cast of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your Instant Pot Honey-Orange Glazed Ham:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that provides a comforting contrast to the ham’s sweetness.
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans: Simple, crisp vegetables add freshness and a touch of color.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A holiday favorite that harmonizes beautifully with the ham’s flavors.
- Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or ham juices.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, vibrant salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness.
- Cranberry Sauce: Offers a tart counterpoint to the sweet glaze.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Planning ahead for your holiday meal can save you a lot of stress. Here are some tips for preparing and storing your Instant Pot Honey-Orange Glazed Ham:
- Make-Ahead Glaze: You can prepare the honey-orange glaze up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm and pourable.
- Cooking in Advance: While best served fresh, you can cook the ham a day in advance. After cooking in the Instant Pot, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C), covered, until warmed through, then apply the fresh, warm glaze before serving.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for delicious sandwiches or next-day meals.
- Freezing Leftovers: If you have a significant amount of leftover ham, it freezes wonderfully. Cut the ham into smaller portions or shred it. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about making Instant Pot Honey-Orange Glazed Ham:
- Can I use a larger or smaller ham? Yes, you can adjust the size, but ensure it fits your Instant Pot. For a larger ham (e.g., 6-7 lbs), you might need to increase the pressure cooking time to 15-20 minutes. Always check the internal temperature (140°F/60°C for pre-cooked ham). For smaller hams (e.g., 2-3 lbs), 5-8 minutes might suffice.
- What if I don’t have all the spices? While cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create a classic festive flavor, you can adapt. Allspice or a pinch of ginger could be alternatives, or simply stick to cinnamon and cloves if that’s what you have.
- Can I make the glaze less sweet? Absolutely. Reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey to your preference. You can also add a splash more orange juice for a tangier glaze.
- Is natural pressure release (NPR) or quick release (QR) better? For ham, a short natural release (5 minutes in this recipe) followed by a quick release is ideal. The NPR helps the ham retain moisture, while the QR prevents overcooking.
- Can I add pineapple to the glaze? Yes! Pineapple and ham are a classic combination. You can add a couple of tablespoons of crushed pineapple or a splash of pineapple juice to the glaze for an extra tropical twist.
More Instant Pot Holiday Recipes:
- Instant Pot Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham (semi-boneless, uncut ham for a different flavor profile)
- Tender Instant Pot Turkey Breast (complete with a flavorful gravy)
- Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes (a perfect, easy side dish)
- Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (a savory and quick vegetable side)
This Instant Pot Honey-Orange Glazed Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for a stress-free and delicious holiday meal. With its incredible flavor and simple preparation, it’s destined to become a staple in your festive cooking repertoire. Don’t wait for a special occasion—any meal can be made extraordinary with this ham!
If you love this recipe and decide to make it, please take a moment to snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can see your beautiful creations and leave a comment! We love to see your culinary triumphs!
New to Instant Pot cooking? Be sure to check out my Instant Pot Guide for Beginners. It’s packed with all the essential information, tips, and tricks you need to confidently get started with your new appliance and unlock its full potential!
Instant Pot Honey-Orange Glazed Ham Recipe
More easy Instant Pot recipes: www.crunchycreamysweet.com
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Ingredients
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- 4 lb spiral-cut ham
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix honey, brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a glass measuring cup. Mix well, allowing the sugar to dissolve as much as possible. Set your spiral-cut ham on a cutting board. Pour 1 to 2 teaspoons of the honey mixture between slices (no need to pour over the top, since this is sliced ham), but make sure to leave ½ of the mixture for glazing after cooking.
- Make sure the stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water to the insert. Set the trivet inside. Place your ham on the trivet. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing” position (newer IP models do this automatically). Press “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will beep and begin to build pressure, which can take about 15 minutes.
- While the ham is cooking, place the remaining honey-orange mixture in a small saucepan and heat on the stove, or in a heat-proof bowl in the microwave. Cook until it bubbles gently. Remove from heat and let cool; it will thicken as it cools.
- When the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 5 minutes (NPR), then carefully switch the valve to “venting” position (Quick Release or QR) to release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, the lid can be opened.
- Once the ham is done, carefully remove it from the Instant Pot. Transfer it to a serving platter and generously pour the thickened honey-orange glaze over the slices. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 30g |
Protein: 57g |
Fat: 23g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 220mg |
Sodium: 3498mg |
Potassium: 902mg |
Sugar: 30g |
Vitamin A: 20IU |
Vitamin C: 75.7mg |
Calcium: 33mg |
Iron: 2.8mg
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