Mouthwatering Instant Pot Ham with Honey Glaze Magic
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by juliarecipez
As the holiday season approaches, I can t help but think of the joyous gatherings filled with laughter, love, and of course, delicious food. One dish that never fails to captivate my family and friends is my Instant Pot Honey Glazed Spiral Ham. The moment you pop open that Instant Pot lid, the sweet and tangy aroma of the honey-mustard glaze envelops the kitchen, creating a warmth that feels like a favorite hug from a loved one.
This recipe was born out of a desire to create a stunning centerpiece dish that cooks quickly and easily, leaving more time for what truly matters spending hours around the table with those we cherish. The beautifully glazed ham not only looks impressive but offers a delightful balance of flavors that make every bite a celebration. Give your holiday feast a delicious upgrade with this one-pot wonder, and watch as everyone – including yourself – goes back for seconds!
Why is Instant Pot Ham a Holiday Essential?
Flavorful Fusion: The marriage of honey, mustard, and orange juice creates a uniquely delightful flavor that pairs beautifully with the succulent ham.
Quick and Easy: This recipe shines in its simplicity, allowing you to create a show-stopping dish without fussing over complicated steps.
Centerpiece Perfection: The glossy, honey-glazed ham is not just delicious; it also serves as a captivating centerpiece for your holiday table, charming your guests.
Versatile Leftovers: Transform any leftover ham into mouthwatering sandwiches or casseroles, making the magic of your holiday feast last even longer.
Time-Saving Wonder: The Instant Pot maximizes efficiency, freeing up your oven space for other holiday delicacies perfect for a harmonious meal prep.
Instant Pot Ham Ingredients
For the Glaze
Orange Juice Adds sweetness and acidity; fresh grapefruit juice can be used for a similar flavor.
Honey Provides a natural sweetness that balances the glaze; maple syrup can create a different sweetness profile.
Spicy Brown Mustard Offers a hint of heat to the glaze; try Dijon mustard for a milder flavor or hot honey for an extra kick.
For the Ham
Cooked Bone-In Spiral Ham (6-8 lb) The main protein, which is easily sourced and already cooked, making it perfect for quick preparation. Trim if necessary to fit the Instant Pot.
This collection of ingredients for the Instant Pot Ham ensures a deliciously easy holiday dish that will impress everyone at the table!
How to Make Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham
Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of orange juice, 3 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of spicy brown mustard until well combined. This flavorful blend will be the icing on the cake or should I say, the glaze on the ham!
Prep the Ham: Gently place the spiral ham into the Instant Pot. If it doesn’t fit snugly, don’t worry just trim the edges slightly to make it fit perfectly.
Add Sauce: Pour the sweet and tangy glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps deep into all the luscious spirals. Don’t be shy; every inch deserves that delicious flavor!
Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. You ll hear the magic begin as the ham cooks to perfection.
Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to finish. This ensures the ham stays juicy and tender.
Serve: Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter and pour any remaining glaze over the top. Slice it up and watch everyone s eyes light up with delight!
Optional: For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a vibrant pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham in advance not only saves you time but also allows those delicious flavors to deepen. You can mix the glaze (1/4 cup of orange juice, 3 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of spicy brown mustard) up to 24 hours before cooking and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For the ham, you can trim it as needed and place it in the Instant Pot, covered, up to 3 days ahead. When you re ready to cook, simply pour the prepared glaze over the ham, seal the Instant Pot, and cook as directed. This method keeps your ham wonderfully moist and flavorful, ensuring it turns out just as delicious as if cooked fresh!
Instant Pot Ham Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these creative twists on your delicious ham dish that enhance flavor and cater to your taste!
Citrus Burst: Replace orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical flavor that will brighten your glaze. This swap adds a delightful zing to the sweetness!
Maple Magic: Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer, woodsy sweetness. This change can bring a warm, inviting flavor that pairs beautifully with ham.
Mild Mustard: Use Dijon mustard instead of spicy brown for a smoother, less spicy glaze. This will maintain the flavor profile while catering to those with milder tastes.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze for an unexpected heat. It complements the sweet and tangy notes perfectly, creating a well-rounded flavor bomb!
Herbal Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze for earthiness. The aromatic addition transforms your ham into a gourmet delight with every bite.
Smoky Undertone: Mix in a dash of smoked paprika to elevate the glaze’s depth with a smoky hint. It adds a warm, inviting flavor that will set your ham apart.
Ginger Zing: Include grated ginger for a refreshing twist the warmth of ginger pairs excellently with the tangy and sweet elements of the glaze.
Sweet and Tart: Substitute half the honey with brown sugar for a more caramel-like sweetness with a hint of molasses. This twist not only sweetens the ham but also adds an inviting depth of flavor to the entire dish.
How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Ham
Fridge: Store leftover Instant Pot ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and tasty.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then place in a covered dish in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of orange juice to keep it moist!
Portioning: Consider slicing or cubing any portions you won t eat right away to make it easy to use in future meals or sandwiches.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham?
Elevate your holiday feast with delightful sides that enhance the flavors of your beautifully glazed ham.
Blistered Sugar Snap Peas: These bright, crunchy peas bring a refreshing contrast and add a pop of color to your plate.
Fluffy Potato Rolls: Soft and pillowy rolls for soaking up the honey-mustard glaze, making each bite a comforting delight.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes: These crispy, golden bites create a satisfying texture that perfectly complements the tenderness of the ham.
Creamy Parmesan Risotto: The rich, creamy texture envelops your palate, harmoniously balancing the sweet and savory notes of the ham.
Apple Walnut Salad: A fresh mix of apples, walnuts, and greens adds a crisp, zesty flavor, providing a refreshing palate cleanse.
Warm Spiced Cider: Infuse your gathering with seasonal warmth by serving a fragrant, spiced cider that complements the ham’s flavors beautifully.
Caramelized Roasted Carrots: Sweet and slightly charred carrots enhance the meal’s aesthetics and add a delightful splash of sweetness.
Pairing these sides with your Instant Pot Ham will create a memorable meal that resonates with warmth and togetherness, leaving both you and your guests yearning for more!
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Ham
Seal It Tight: Ensure the Instant Pot lid is securely closed to maintain pressure; this is vital for cooking the ham evenly.
Trim Carefully: If your ham doesn t fit, trim it just enough to fit snugly without losing any of that delicious meat.
Glaze Generously: Don’t skimp on the glaze; let it seep into the ham spirals for maximum flavor. Every bite should be a sweet and tangy delight.
Monitor Pressure Release: Natural pressure release gives juiciness; avoid quick releases too soon, as this can dry out your Instant Pot ham.
Revamp Leftovers: Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles making your festive feast last even longer and reducing waste.
Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs
What kind of orange juice should I use for the glaze?
For the best flavor, I recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice, but store-bought 100% pure orange juice works just fine too. If you want to mix things up, fresh grapefruit juice can provide a great alternative with similar levels of sweetness and acidity!
How long can I store leftover ham in the fridge?
Leftover Instant Pot ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it to maintain its freshness.
Can I freeze leftover ham? What s the best way?
Absolutely! To freeze your leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This will help protect it from freezer burn! It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
I noticed my ham came out a bit dry. What might have happened?
If your ham turned out dry, it could be due to overcooking or improper pressure release. Always ensure you allow for natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes before performing a quick release to maintain the ham’s moisture. If you need to adjust cooking time in the future, try cooking it for a minute or two less, especially if your ham is on the smaller side.
Is there a way to adjust the sweet levels in the glaze?
Very easily! If you find the glaze too sweet, you can balance it out by adding a bit more mustard or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity. Alternatively, you might consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, creating a beautiful flavor harmony.
Can I serve Instant Pot ham to my pet?
Generally, it s not recommended to give ham to pets, as it can be high in salt and fat, which isn t good for their diet. If you want to share something with them, try offering lean meats or vegetables without added seasoning!