You will never make ham another way after making this Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham! Spiral sliced ham is steamed to perfection with a sweet honey sauce, keeping this ham full of flavor and moisture.
Serve this Instant Pot Ham with Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots and an Instant Pot Cheesecake for a show-stopping meal.
If you have lived long, you have probably experienced dried out ham.
My sweet mother in law cooks her ham every year for 6-10 hours, and the delicious honey baked ham she pays a small fortune for, ends up dry, tough, and chewy. Not exactly the ham you want for a Holiday centerpiece.
If you want to avoid dried out ham and instead have a Honey Baked Ham that is full of flavor and moisture, this Instant Pot Ham recipe is for you!
Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham
Because the Instant Pot cooks by trapping all the steam and moisture inside the pressure cooker, it creates a perfect steamy environment to just warm the ham through without drying out the meat.
And this Honey Baked Ham is ready in less than an hour!!
That means you don’t have to wake up early to prepare your holiday meal, or rush home from church to get the ham in the oven. It also keeps the heat out of the kitchen–which in the south, I can attest to that is never a bad thing!
Ingredients for Honey Baked Ham
- Spiral cut ham
- as small as you like or as large as your Instant Pot will hold
- 6 quart Instant Pot will hold approximately a 5 to 6 pound ham.
- 8 quart Instant Pot will hold approximately a 7-8 pound ham.
- Pineapple Juice
- Pineapple juice will work to not only flavor the ham, but keep the ham extra juicy.
- Honey
- Honey is essential for a honey baked ham.
- Brown Sugar
- Just a tiny bit of brown sugar helps to add depth to the ham.
- Feel free to omit if staying away from refined sugar.
- Optional Spices
- Honey Baked Ham typically have cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, I personally leave these out as I feel the overpower the ham, but feel free to add in if desired.
How to Cook Ham in the Instant Pot
The process for cooking a Honey Baked Ham in the Pressure Cooker is INCREDIBLY easy and FAST!!!!
Step One: Prepare Instant Pot
- Place trivet inside inner pot of pressure cooker.
- Pour in 1 cup water.
- Place foil sling on trivet–this will help you remove ham after it has finished cooking.
Step Two: Prepare Ham Glaze
- Whisk together pineapple juice, honey and brown sugar.
Step Three: Prepare Ham
- Place ham on large sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil.
- Fold up sides of foil, to make a bowl like shape around the ham.
- Gently separate slices of spiral ham, so glaze can penetrate the ham slices.
- Pour glaze over ham and securely wrap foil around ham.
Step Four: Pressure Cook Ham
- Place ham on trivet.
- Secure foil sling around ham, if using.
- Pressure Cook on High for 2 minutes per pound. ADD 10 Minutes to the total time if the ham is wrapped in foil.
- Once cook time has elapsed, let pressure release naturally for at least 15 minutes then do a quick release.
- Check internal temperature. You want your ham to be at 145 degrees for serving. Remember the ham has already been fully cooked, we are just warming!
Step Five: Reduce Glaze (optional)
I find that this ham is perfectly flavored and sweet enough to serve immediately. The ham is full of pineapple and honey flavor and is super delicious. If you would like that sticky glaze that Honey Baked Ham is known for, you can reduce the juices rendered from cooking right in the pressure cooker.
- After pressure is released, remove your ham from the Instant Pot and place on a large platter or bowl, still sealed in the foil.
- Remove trivet from inside pressure cooker and pour out the water used to cook the honey baked ham.
- Place the inner pot back inside the pressure cooker and turn the pressure cooker to Saute.
- Gently peel back the foil slightly from the cooked Ham.
- Remove the Ham from the foil, leaving the liquid inside the foil packet.
- Pour the rendered cooking liquid into the pressure cooker.
- Mix together 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and whisk into cooking liquid.
- Whisk well, and cook until the glaze is reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the thickened glaze over the ham.
How long do you cook ham in the Instant Pot?
- Spiral Sliced ham is already precooked so you only need to warm the ham through.
- Cook your ham for 2 minutes per pound on high pressure plus 10 Minutes to the total time to account for foil. This will warm the ham through perfectly and keep the ham from drying out.
- Hit manual button and use +/- buttons to adjust time. Be sure your pressure cooker is set to HIGH pressure.
- 3 pound ham: use 1 recipe for glaze and cook for 6 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 16 total minutes)
- 4 pound ham: use 1 recipe for glaze and cook for 8 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 18 minutes)
- 5 pound ham: use 1 recipe for glaze and cook for 10 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 20 minutes)
- 6 pound ham: double the recipe for the glaze and cook for 12 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 22 minutes)
- 7 pound ham: double the recipe for the glaze and cook for 14 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 24 minutes)
- 8 pound ham: double the recipe for the glaze and cook for 16 minutes+ 10 minutes to account for foil (or 26 minutes )
A Few Important Tips for Pressure Cooker Ham
- This Honey Glaze recipe is for a 3-5 pound ham. If making a larger ham, just double the recipe–extra glaze is NEVER a bad thing!
- If you would like to add spices to your Honey Ham Glaze, use 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves.
- Feel free to omit brown sugar for a refined sugar free Honey Ham–and trust me, I have done this many times with great results in flavor.
- If you don’t like Honey, use Maple Syrup–a Maple Glazed Ham is always delicious.
- It is important to seal the ham well in foil, parchment paper, or in a bowl to keep the ham flavored well and to prevent a burn warning.
- You can use bone in or boneless spiral sliced ham for this recipe. I prefer boneless for easier serving, but either is fine!
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham
You will never make ham another way after making this Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham! Spiral sliced ham is steamed to perfection with a sweet honey sauce, keeping this ham full of flavor and moisture.
Print Pin RatePrep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Pressure Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 46 minutes
Servings: 15
Calories: 267kcal
Ingredients
- 3-5 pound spiral sliced ham
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
Instructions
Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham
- Place trivet inside inner pot of pressure cooker. Pour in 1 and 1/2 cups cold water. Place foil sling on trivet–this will help you remove ham after it has finished cooking.
- Prepare glaze by whisking together pineapple juice, honey and brown sugar.
- Place ham on large sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil. Fold up sides of foil, to make a bowl like shape around the ham. Gently separate slices of spiral ham, so glaze can penetrate the ham slices. Pour glaze over ham and securely wrap foil around ham. Place ham on trivet inside pressure cooker. Secure foil sling around ham, if using.
- Pressure Cook on High for 2 minutes per pound plus 10 minutes to account for the foil. (Only add 5 minutes if using thin foil.) Once cook time has elapsed, let rest for at least 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature to be sure the ham is warmed to 135-150 degrees. If not, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on high pressure.
Honey Ham Glaze Reduction (optional)
- After pressure is released, remove your ham from the Instant Pot and place on a large platter or bowl, still sealed in the foil. Remove trivet from inside pressure cooker and pour out the water used to cook the honey baked ham. Place the inner pot back inside the pressure cooker and turn the pressure cooker to Saute.
- Gently peel back the foil slightly from the cooked Ham. Remove the Ham from the foil, leaving the liquid inside the foil packet. Pour the rendered cooking liquid into the pressure cooker.
- Mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/4 cup water and whisk into cooking liquid. Whisk liquid constantly until thickened and reduced--about 3-5 minutes. Pour over sliced ham.
Notes
- This recipe has been updated to account for using heavy duty foil to cook the ham. To reach 145 degrees for serving, if your foil is not thin, you will need an additional 10 minutes added to the total cook time to account for the foil.
- This Honey Glaze recipe is for a 4-5 pound ham. If making a larger ham, just double the recipe.
- If you would like to add spices to your Honey Ham Glaze, use 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves.
- Feel free to omit brown sugar for a refined sugar free Honey Ham or to use maple syrup in place of the honey.
- It is important to seal the ham well in foil, parchment paper, or in a bowl to keep the ham flavored well and to prevent a burn warning.
- This recipe is for a pre-sliced, pre-cooked ham that you purchase at your grocery store.
- Cooking Directions:
- 3 pound ham: use 1 recipe for glaze and cook for 6 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 16 total minutes)
- 4 pound ham: use 1 recipe for glaze and cook for 8 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 18 minutes)
- 5 pound ham: use 1 recipe for glaze and cook for 10 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 20 minutes)
- 6 pound ham: double the recipe for the glaze and cook for 12 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 22 minutes)
- 7 pound ham: double the recipe for the glaze and cook for 14 minutes + 10 minutes to account for foil (or 24 minutes)
- 8 pound ham: double the recipe for the glaze and cook for 16 minutes+ 10 minutes to account for foil (or 26 minutes)
Nutrition Facts
Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham
Amount Per Serving
Calories 267 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 93mg31%
Sodium 1795mg78%
Potassium 446mg13%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 32g64%
Vitamin C 0.8mg1%
Calcium 13mg1%
Iron 1.4mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
I would love to know how you enjoy this recipe!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram or Facebook - I would love to see!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.
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What flavor of spiral ham should be used for this recipe?
Hi Karen! Because you are throwing away the flavoring pack and seasoning yourself, any flavor works.
I don’t know why, but every time I cook a ham in my instant pot, it takes forever to cook! It’s just a small ham (a little over 2 lbs). I let it defrost for 2 days so it was thoroughly defrosted. Cooked it for 6 minutes and was nowhere near 145 degrees. Cooked for another 4mins. Still not done. On round three now…
Hi Lindsay–is it sliced or wrapped in foil? That will change the cook time. Let me know and I will happily troubleshoot for you so you can get it perfected!
what if i dont have any pinapple juice and i want to use my own glaze can i use water my ham is to big for the trivet
Hi Eva! You certainly can cook your ham in your instant pot with water. As for using your own glaze, without knowing the ingredients, I can not advise if any changes would need to be made or if it could burn easily.
Hi Mindfull Mom! I use your recipes a lot. HELP how would I do a Spiral Cut ham that has already been glazed. I bought the (ALDI) Appleton Farms. Traditional oven it wants you to cook it at 10-12 minutes per pound, then when you have 30 minutes left, add the extra glaze and cook 25-30 minutes uncovered. Would I cook it the same as in your recipe here in terms of time? Also using 8 qt IP still just 1/2 cup liquid? And then just finish it in an oven with the additional glaze? It is a 10 pound ham . Thanks in advance.
Will this work with a ham that isn’t spiral cut? I have a bone in ham portion. Would it be better to slice it before adding it to the instant pot? Thanks!
Hi Mary! This will work. You may need to add 5 minutes cook time. Just be sure your ham reaches 140 degrees before serving.
Followed your recipe for our Christmas Dinner this past weekend + it was a HUGE hit. Most people said it was the best ham they’ve ever had! Definitely going to be making this again next time! Thanks for the recipe!
I am so glad you and your family enjoyed so much Chantelle! Thank you so much for leaving a review. And have a very Merry Christmas!
Hi Kristen:
Since my ham won’t fit in my Instant Pot using the trivet, (to big) I’m going to add it directly to the I.P like you have mention in the previous comments using 1-1/2 cups of Pineapple juice. Can I still use foil around it or does the foil need to be on the trivet off the bottom.
Thanks!
Hi Teena! Only use foil if you are using the trivet–so in your case, skip the foil 🙂 And be sure to remove any plastic cap on the ham before cooking.
Thank you.🎄
Hi Kristen – I have looked at your IP Ham video. I really love the idea of using my Instant pot to cook my Christmas ham. I have an 8 qt & followed your instructions to first fit the wrapped ham in the instant pot to test if it would fit. I have a bone-in spiral ham that weighs over 9 lbs, but believe it or not it DOES fit in the pot with the lid properly sealed WITHOUT the trivet. But of course the ham does come up past the ‘Fill line’, so would this still work?? Any extra tips appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Joyce! No worries on filling past the max fill line for this recipe (since it is not liquid). Just be sure to use a full 1.5 cups liquid in bottom of your ham and discard the plastic cap if there is one. Also let the pressure release naturally. I hope you enjoy and Merry Christmas.
I am allergic to pineapple is there an alternative to the pineapple juice I could use? I want to make this since my son is begging for his ham lol
Hi Gwyn! I have not tried to use anything but pineapple juice. However, I would suggest apple cider as I have baked ham with cider before. I hope you enjoy and let us know how it turns out.
Easy recipe! Delicious results!
I am so glad to hear that! Happy Thanksgiving.
I am so glad to hear that Heidi! Happy Thanksgiving!
Hard to improve my father’s recipe but you have done it! Thanks! This takes some much less time and the flavor is amazing!
Oh wow! I am honored you enjoyed this recipe so much! Thank you for taking the time to share Smiling in Ohio 🙂
I’m so excited to try this recipe tomorrow! In the recipe you said to wrap in foil. Is that the foil you mean when adding 10 min, or are you speaking of a different foil? I am just using a spiral cut 4H ham. Thank you!
Yes, Jessica the adding the 10 minutes is to account for wrapped in heavy duty foil. If thin foil, only add 5 minutes. Enjoy!!
What size ham do you think a 3 quart instant pot (instant pot mini) would hold? Thanks!
Hi Josh! I would say a boneless ham that weighs about 2.5-3 pounds max.
Would you suggest a boneless or bone-in ham?
Hi Missy! I use a boneless, but this will work with a bone-in ham as well. Just be sure to check to see that the ham reaches 140 degrees before serving.
I bought a honey glazed ham that also already has the glaze included. Is there anything I should do differently?
Hi Deidre! I would just discard the pre-made glaze.
“Once cook time has elapsed, let rest for at least 15 minutes.” Does this mean not to quick release?
That is a correct Brooke 🙂
Great flavor! Perfect for the holidays.
So glad you enjoyed Taryn!
I dont think I will ever bake a ham again! This turned out so juicy and delicious and it’s almost effortless. I am super excited to have leftovers for other dishes too!
Oh that is awesome Wilhelmina! I am so glad you enjoyed so much!
We made this honey baked ham for dinner and everyone loved it. We will definitely make it again!
YAY!! So glad your family enjoyed Ashley!
I used your recipe because it sounded so wonderful.. However, I had a frozen bone in precooked ham 6 lb. I followed all your directions and it turned out really great. Husband and son loved it. I took your suggestion and cooked it 7 minutes per lb. So I cooked the 1st time for 40 min and let pressure come down 15 minutes. Checked the ham was still pretty cold so I cooked again for 35 min and let pressure come down 15 minutes. I took the ham out and placed in oven proof dish, made the glaze and poured over ham, placed in oven under broil and waited till it started to bubble all over. Turned out great. Thank you for a delicious recipe.
I am so glad you enjoyed! Sorry the timing was off for your frozen ham. If it was not pre-sliced, that could be why the extra time was needed. Regardless, I am glad you were able to enjoy it once cooked.
Did this with a regular ham that I sliced 3/4 of the way through as the only spiral hams I could find were MASSIVE. According to the hubby it “just tastes like ham”. He wasn’t wowed. I was hoping for a reactions people give after you bring them a ham from the Honey Ham store but alas, no such luck. Probably won’t bother again.
I am sorry that this did not WOW you. It can be really hard to slice a ham thin enough to replicate the honey baked ham experience–that is why I love the pre-sliced hams. However, this still should impart great flavor to unsliced or hand-sliced hams.
This was by far the best ham I’ve ever had. My family couldn’t get over how good it was.
Vanessa, I am so happy hear that your family enjoyed so much.thank you for taking the time to comment.
Hi. I’m new at this. You said above that this is a “steam” ham, but then you said to “pressure cook” on high. Are they the same thing ?? 😕
Hi Judy, pressure cookers cook on a moist environment, hence me saying steam. You will use your pressure cooker button.
If I don’t use the glaze will my ham be dry? My family don’t like the glaze.
Hi Sandra, I would just use the pineapple juice instead.
I have two 4 pound boneless hams. I have an 8 quart IP. Should I fit them both into the IP at the same for 8 minutes on manual pressure? Or should I put them in separately for 8 minutes? Would you suggest cutting the ham to create the slits in the ham for the glaze before placing it in the IP? Thanks for your help!
Hi Destiny! I would cut slits in both hams to let the glaze penetrate personally. And if you can fit both in your IP, I would cook together…and 18 minutes total time is perfect!! You just calculate time based on largest cut of meat. I hope you enjoy and Happy Easter.
My Ham is too big for my Instapot. Can I cut it off the bone before putting it in the Instapot?
Hi Christi,
I have not tried cutting the ham off the bone before, I assume that would work, but could be tedious and if your ham then is in more than one piece after being cut off bone, it may change the cook time. This may be a time I say the oven is best, as I can’t attest to how this will turn out. Sorry.
I have 12 lb. Ham how much total time to get to pressure and actually cook?
Hi Pam, I am not sure a 12 pound ham will fit, I have an 8 quart and that is too large for my pressure cooker. If it will you would need 2 minutes per pound…so that would be 24 minutes. Plus I would think 15 minutes to come to pressure.
I have the 10 qt so I will plan on 15 for pressure and 24 cooking time and do I need to let rest before release pressure. 1st time can u tell…LOL
Oh good Pam!! I would let pressure release for at least 10 minutes, 20 is best. Hope you enjoy!!
Hi there. I’m very excited to try this recipe for Easter this weekend, however I have a 9 lb ham that won’t fit in my instant pot. Can I cut 1/3 of the ham off prior to putting it into the instant pot? Thank you!
Hi Casey! You absolutely can cut part of your ham off. However, you MAY be able to fit your ham in and use this method. If using a ham that won’t fit on the trivet, add ham directly to pressure cooker. Then add in 1.5 cups of pineapple juice. Cook for 2 minutes per pound if sliced, 3 minutes per pound if unsliced. Let pressure release naturally. Remove ham from Instant Pot. Turn to saute. Add in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup maple syrup and whisk well. Mix together 1/4 cup water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and then add to Instant Pot. Let saute for 3-5 minutes or until thick and bubbly. Serve over the ham.
I’m made this past weekend, and everyone devoured it!
I am so glad you enjoyed Shadi!
Honey baked ham is SO good. Thank you for the recipe!
WAHOO!!! I am so glad you enjoyed Tayrn!
First: Besides the great Instant Pot recipes, I love that at the top I can choose to go straight to the recipe for when I’m in a hurry.
Second: Where do you find a 3-5 lb spiral cut ham? Smallest I could find was an 9 lb. Will that fit into the Instant Pot?
Hi Molly! I am so glad you like the layout of the site. If you have a hard time finding a smaller ham, a 7-9 pound ham will work. You will need to forgo the rack to make it fit though. If using a ham that won’t fit on the trivet, add ham directly to pressure cooker. Then add in 1.5 cups of pineapple juice. Cook for 2 minutes per pound if sliced, 3 minutes per pound if unsliced. Let pressure release naturally. Remove ham from Instant Pot. Turn to saute. Add in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup maple syrup and whisk well. Mix together 1/4 cup water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and then add to Instant Pot. Let saute for 3-5 minutes or until thick and bubbly. Serve over the ham.
Thanks
My instant pot did not come with a trivet, is there something I can do to make the recipe work?
Hi Elizabeth! If you have a metal steamer basket and I have even heard some people use stainless steel cookie cutters to “lift” up their food. Another idea is to use 1-2 cups pineapple juice (1 cup for 6 quart IP, 2 cups for 8 quart Ip) and place your ham directly in the pressure cooker (not wrapped with foil). Cook for 2 minutes per pound if sliced, 3 minutes per pound if unsliced. Let pressure release naturally. Remove ham from Instant Pot. Turn to saute. Add in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup maple syrup and whisk well. Mix together 1/4 cup water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and then add to Instant Pot. Let saute for 3-5 minutes or until thick and bubbly. Serve over the ham.
I put in a seven pound ham for 20 minutes on high and was cold in the middle
Hi Morgan. A few things to help me trouble shoot for you–did you use a bone-in or boneless ham? And was it spiral sliced or a picnic ham? This recipe is for a spiral ham, so a different cut of meat would make a huge difference. Also be sure to use cold water in the bottom of your Instant Pot.
Amazing! Definite hit with the family- will be making this again very soon!
Thank you for sharing
YAY!!! I hope you enjoy again and again.
Question?
Will cooking method still apply if I have a whole ham and NOT a spiral cut ham?
As long as it is pre-cooked (99% of all hams bought in US are) and will fit, you can follow same directions. However, if your ham is unsliced, I would cook for 3 minutes per pound.
I have a whole ham not a spirial. Does the same recipe apply????
Hi Paul, I find unsliced hams do better cooking for 3 minutes per pound.
Is this for a precooked ham or raw? I have a raw bone in ham from butcher… anything I would do different?
Hi Ashley, this is for a precooked spiral ham. Raw ham is not something I have worked with in the past. Sorry I can not help more. I can tell you that I cook raw pork loins for 20 minutes per pound and pork butts for 18 minutes per pound.
Just came across this recipe and it sounds delicious, however, my
Son is allergic to pineapple… is there an alternate you would recommend?
Hi Ashley! You can certainly use another ingredient in place of the pineapple. For this Honey Baked Ham, apple juice or apple cider would make great substitutes.
What a fun dinner idea. I know my family will love this.
This seriously might be the best ham recipe I’ve ever tried. SO JUICY and soooo good.
That is EXACTLY what my family says!
Is the ham cooked form frozen or thawed?
This is for a thawed ham. I have not tried this recipe from frozen yet. My best estimate would be to add 5 minutes per pound. Normally for full cuts of meats like roasts, I add 10 minutes per pound when frozen, but since ham is already pre-cooked I would think 5 minutes would be sufficient without drying it out. If you try it let us know how it works out.