Transform your holiday dinner with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious Instant Pot Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham. Say goodbye to dry, flavorless hams and endless oven time. In less than 30 minutes of active cooking, your Instant Pot delivers a juicy, succulent ham coated in a sweet, tangy pineapple brown sugar glaze that will become a staple on your festive table.
Planning a holiday meal can be overwhelming, especially when oven space is at a premium and time is short. This Instant Pot ham recipe is a game-changer, offering a quick and hands-off solution to achieve a perfectly cooked ham every single time. Imagine a ham so tender it practically melts in your mouth, infused with the vibrant flavors of pineapple and the comforting sweetness of brown sugar – all without tying up your oven for hours. It’s the ideal centerpiece for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion where a show-stopping meal is desired.
Not only is this recipe incredibly simple, but it also frees up valuable oven real estate for other festive dishes and delectable desserts. With the Instant Pot taking care of your ham, you can focus on perfecting your Sweet Corn Casserole or prepping ingredients for your famous Ham Casserole, knowing your main course is handled with precision and speed. The result? A stress-free holiday and a truly unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why the Instant Pot is Your Holiday Ham Hero
Cooking a ham in the oven traditionally requires a significant time commitment, often 1.5 hours or more, plus constant monitoring to prevent it from drying out. The beauty of the Instant Pot lies in its pressure cooking capabilities, which drastically reduce cooking time and lock in moisture, ensuring an ultra-juicy ham. While an oven-baked ham can sometimes turn out dry, the Instant Pot consistently delivers tender, moist results, making it the superior choice for a perfect holiday ham.
Furthermore, using your Instant Pot for ham liberates your oven, a precious resource during holiday meal prep. This means you can bake rolls, roast vegetables, or keep side dishes warm without juggling multiple cooking times and temperatures. The total Instant Pot process, including the time it takes to come to pressure and naturally release, is approximately 38 minutes, compared to the much longer conventional method. This efficiency is invaluable when preparing a large family feast, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Choosing the Perfect Ham for Your Instant Pot
For this recipe, I used a 6 lbs semi-boneless ham. A semi-boneless ham is a fantastic choice as it contains only the thigh bone, making it easier to carve compared to a fully bone-in ham. If you opt for a spiral-cut, bone-in ham, the cooking time typically remains consistent with a semi-boneless ham of similar weight (6-8 lbs). However, you may need to trim the ham slightly to ensure it fits comfortably within your Instant Pot’s insert. It’s important to remember that most hams available in stores are already pre-cooked, so the goal of this recipe is to heat the ham through, infuse it with flavor, and create an incredible glaze.
Essential Ingredients for Your Shopping List:
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a flawless ham. This recipe calls for a simple yet powerful combination of flavors that work harmoniously to create an unforgettable dish:
- Whole Ham: A 6-8 lb semi-boneless or spiral-cut ham works best.
- Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar is key for that deep, caramelized sweetness.
- Pineapple Tidbits with Juice: The juice is crucial for the glaze, adding moisture and a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Ground Cloves: A small amount adds a warm, aromatic spice that beautifully complements ham and pineapple.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the glaze to a perfect, glossy consistency.
- Water: For the Instant Pot and to create the cornstarch slurry.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Instant Pot Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham
Follow these simple steps to prepare your juicy and flavorful ham in the Instant Pot:
- Prepare the Glaze Base: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the packed light brown sugar, canned pineapple tidbits (including their juice), and ground cloves. This creates the sweet and tangy foundation for your ham and its accompanying glaze.
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. Place the metal trivet inside the pot. Carefully position the ham on the trivet, with the cut side facing down if applicable. Pour the prepared pineapple brown sugar mixture evenly over the entire ham.
- Pressure Cook the Ham: Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 15 minutes. Allow approximately 13 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to full pressure before the cooking cycle begins.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release its pressure for about 10 minutes (it typically takes 9.5-10 minutes). This gradual release helps keep the ham tender and juicy. After 10 minutes, carefully move the sealing valve to “Venting” to quick release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid.
- Rest the Ham: Carefully remove the cooked ham from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Thicken the Glaze: While the ham rests, prepare the pineapple brown sugar mixture into a thick glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water to create a smooth slurry. Return the Instant Pot insert to the base and select the “Sauté” setting. Bring the remaining pineapple brown sugar liquid in the pot to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to your desired glaze consistency. Using cornstarch will result in a clear, glossy glaze, whereas flour would make it cloudy. Turn off the Instant Pot and let the glaze cool slightly.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the rested ham to your desired thickness and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the warm pineapple brown sugar glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy the succulent flavors!
Perfecting the Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze
The pineapple brown sugar mixture isn’t just for cooking the ham; it’s also the base for an exquisite glaze that elevates the entire dish. After removing the ham, the flavorful liquid left in the Instant Pot is gold. By whisking in a cornstarch slurry and bringing it to a boil on the “Sauté” setting, you can transform this liquid into a rich, clear, and perfectly thick glaze. Cornstarch is the secret to its glossy appearance; using flour would result in a cloudier finish, though it would still thicken the sauce effectively.
This glaze is irresistible drizzled over each slice of ham. If you prefer a slightly caramelized exterior on your ham, you can broil it for a few minutes. Simply place the sliced or whole ham on a baking sheet, pour a few tablespoons of the prepared glaze over it, and place it under a preheated broiler for 3 to 4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as the sugar in the glaze can burn quickly.
Tips for Success & Variations
- Ham Fit: Ensure your ham fits comfortably in your Instant Pot. For larger hams, you might need to trim a bit off the ends or choose a smaller cut. I used a 6-quart Instant Pot DUO for a 6 lbs ham.
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: Both work. If using a ham that hasn’t been pre-sliced (like a semi-boneless), the pressure cooking process will naturally cause the meat to separate slightly around the bone, making carving much easier. You can save the ham bone to make a delicious soup later!
- For a Decorative Touch: Before cooking, you can stud the ham with whole cloves and pineapple rings (secured with toothpicks) for a classic presentation.
- Spice It Up: For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of ginger or a dash of cinnamon to your glaze mixture.
Delicious Sides to Complete Your Ham Dinner
A beautifully cooked ham deserves equally delightful side dishes. Here are some fantastic pairings that complement the sweet and savory notes of this Instant Pot Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham:
- Creamy Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
- Decadent Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon
- Flavorful Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Light and Refreshing Easy Broccoli Salad
- Crispy Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes
Maximizing Your Leftover Ham: Storage & Creative Uses
One of the best parts about cooking a large ham is the delicious leftovers! Properly storing your ham ensures you can enjoy it for days to come. Cooked ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option.
To freeze leftover ham, first decide how you plan to use it. If it’s for soups, stews, or casseroles, dice the ham into desired sizes. Place the diced ham in freezer bags, pressing out as much air as possible, or use a vacuum sealer to prevent ice crystals from forming and preserve its quality. Frozen ham can be safely stored for up to 2 months.
Don’t let leftover ham go to waste! It’s incredibly versatile. Use it to make hearty sandwiches, add it to omelets, quiches, or frittatas for a quick breakfast or brunch. It’s also perfect for stir-fries, pasta dishes, or as a flavorful addition to split pea soup. For a fantastic breakfast idea, consider my Instant Pot Breakfast Egg Casserole, which is truly loaded with deliciousness and perfect for utilizing leftover ham!
More Instant Pot Holiday Inspiration
The Instant Pot is a phenomenal tool for holiday cooking, simplifying complex dishes and saving time. If you’re looking for more ways to harness its power during festive seasons, explore these other fantastic recipes:
- 15 Best Instant Pot Holiday Recipes
- Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Tender Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy
- Hearty Instant Pot Pot Roast
New to Instant Pot cooking? Don’t worry! Check out my comprehensive Instant Pot Guide for Beginners, packed with all the essential information you need to confidently start using your new appliance.
If you recreate this delightful recipe, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check out your culinary masterpiece and leave a comment! Happy cooking! 😀
Instant Pot Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham
Author: Anna
Ultra juicy, sweet and delicious ham with pineapple brown sugar glaze, cooked in the Instant Pot under 30 minutes.
5 mins
15 mins
13 mins
20 mins
Dinner
American
8 people
983 kcal
Ingredients
- 6 lb ham (see note)
- 20 oz. can pineapple tidbits in juice
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar, pineapple tidbits with juice, and ground cloves in a medium bowl.
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert, and place the trivet inside. Set the ham, cut side down, on the trivet. Pour the pineapple brown sugar mixture over the ham.
- Close the lid, press “manual” or “pressure cook” setting, and set the timer to 15 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 13 minutes to come to pressure.
- Once done, let the Instant Pot release the pressure naturally. This will take about 10 minutes (it was 9.5 minutes for me). Carefully open the lid and remove the ham onto a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Make the pineapple brown sugar glaze: Whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Press the “Sauté” setting on your Instant Pot, and bring the liquid in the pot to a boil. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook for about 2 minutes, or until it thickens. Cornstarch makes the glaze clear. If you use flour, it will be cloudy.
- Slice ham and serve with glaze.
Video
Notes
- The amount of sodium comes from the ham itself, not the ingredients used in this recipe. The high number is due to the salt used in the curing process. Check the label before purchasing ham if you are on a low-sodium diet.
- I used a 6.4 lbs semi-boneless ham. It was not precut. The semi-boneless ham has the leg bone, but the shank bone is removed, which makes carving easier. You can use spiral-cut bone-in ham; just make sure to trim it to fit in your Instant Pot.
- You can broil the ham for 3 to 4 minutes if desired. Place ham on a baking sheet, pour 3 to 5 tablespoons of the pineapple brown sugar glaze over it, and place it under the broiler. Watch it closely so it won’t burn.
- Count about ½ lb to ¾ lb of ham per person for serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 983kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 73g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 210mg | Sodium: 4047mg | Potassium: 1101mg | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 3.4mg