Ultimate Pressure Cooker Ham: Your Fastest Route to a Tender, Juicy Masterpiece! This incredibly simple and lightning-fast method consistently delivers succulent, ultra-juicy, and fall-apart-tender ham, making it perfect for any holiday feast or family dinner. As a food scientist, I’m thrilled to share all the secrets to achieving perfect ham every single time, right in your pressure cooker.
Pressure Cooker Ham: The Easiest Way to Perfect Ham
Cooking ham in a pressure cooker is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to prepare this classic dish. The results are consistently phenomenal: an unbelievably moist, tender ham that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you have a small boneless toupie ham, a large bone-in cut, or even a spiral ham, this method can accommodate it. With a few simple adjustments like cutting larger options to fit, you can nestle the pieces into your pressure cooker and achieve deliciousness with minimal effort. Forget hours spent fussing with an oven; this technique simplifies your meal preparation significantly.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pressure Cooker Ham
There are countless reasons to make your holiday ham – for Easter, Christmas, or any special occasion – in a pressure cooker. Here’s why this method will become your new favorite:
- Unbeatable Speed: The pressure cooker drastically cuts down on cooking time. What would take hours in a conventional oven can be ready in a fraction of that, freeing up your oven for other side dishes and giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
- Incredibly Tender and Juicy: This is where the pressure cooker truly shines. Unlike dry oven heat, the sealed environment of a pressure cooker traps all the moisture, infusing the ham with steam and ensuring it remains incredibly juicy and tender. You’ll achieve a texture so moist it literally falls apart with ease, every single time.
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to basting, wrapping in foil, or constantly checking for dryness. The pressure cooker handles the heavy lifting, allowing for a hands-off cooking experience once it’s sealed. This convenience is unmatched for busy hosts.
- Perfect for Glazing: Don’t think for a second that pressure cooking means sacrificing that irresistible caramelized glaze! You can easily transfer your perfectly cooked ham to the oven, preheat the broiler for a few minutes, and achieve those sweet, crispy, glazed bits you adore in just a matter of minutes. It’s the best of both worlds!
If you appreciate pork that melts in your mouth, be sure to also try my Crockpot Pork Loin for a slow-cooked delight and my Instant Pot Pulled Pork Recipe for another quick and tender option.
The Incredibly Simple Pressure Cooker Ham Recipe
The sheer simplicity of this method is precisely why it’s so highly recommended. You won’t find yourself grappling with messy aluminum foil, constantly worrying about your ham drying out, or needing to stay tethered to your kitchen for hours while it slowly bakes in the oven. This recipe is so straightforward, it almost feels like cheating. You’ll be amazed at how short the ingredient list is, yet how profound the results are!
Essential Ingredients for Your Pressure Cooker Ham
Here’s everything you’ll need for your incredibly moist and flavorful pressure cooker ham:
- Ham: The star of the show! You can use virtually any type of ham for this recipe. Options include a small boneless Toupie ham, a larger bone-in cut (like a shank or butt portion), or even a spiral-sliced ham. For larger cuts, you’ll simply need to prepare it by trimming or cutting it to fit comfortably within your pressure cooker. Most hams sold in North America are already fully cooked, meaning we are simply reheating it to perfection.
- Liquid: A pressure cooker always requires liquid to generate the necessary steam. While the ham itself is usually pre-seasoned and boasts a lovely smoky flavor, the choice of liquid can subtly enhance its taste. Plain water yields perfectly delicious results, allowing the natural ham flavor to shine. However, for an added layer of complexity, consider swapping water for apple juice, pineapple juice, cider, or an unsalted chicken or vegetable broth. These liquids can impart a subtle sweetness or savory depth that complements the ham beautifully.
OPTIONAL Flavor Enhancers: If you love a classic spiced ham, feel free to stud the ham all over with whole cloves before cooking. Other additions could include a bay leaf, a few peppercorns, or even a cinnamon stick in the liquid for a warm, aromatic touch.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Ham in Your Pressure Cooker
It’s important to note that nearly all hams purchased from grocery stores in North America are “fully cooked” unless explicitly labeled otherwise or bought directly from a butcher and specified as uncooked. So, while we often refer to “cooking” the ham, what we are actually doing in the pressure cooker is gently and efficiently reheating it to an optimal, incredibly tender and juicy state. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare Your Pressure Cooker: Begin by placing the rack or trivet insert that came with your appliance into the bottom of the pressure cooker bowl. This crucial step elevates the ham, preventing it from sitting directly in the liquid and ensuring even steaming. If you don’t have a trivet, you can ingeniously coil up some aluminum foil into three small balls or a ring to create a makeshift lift for the ham.
- Fit the Ham: Next, assess your ham and, if necessary, cut it to ensure it fits comfortably within your appliance. Hams often have an oblong shape, and larger cuts, especially, may need a chunk trimmed off the longer end or even cut into two or three more manageable pieces. For instance, in an 8-Quart Instant Pot, an 8 1/2-lb ham typically fits well after trimming the sides and nestling the pieces in. Don’t worry, any trimmed pieces can be cooked alongside the main ham or reserved for flavorful additions to soups and other dishes later.
- Add Liquid and Cook: Pour in your chosen liquid (water, apple juice, etc.) into the bottom of the pressure cooker, ensuring it stays below the trivet level. Generally, 1 to 2 cups of liquid are sufficient, depending on the size of your pressure cooker and ham. Once the ham is positioned on the rack, securely seal the lid of your pressure cooker. Set the pressure to high, and let your appliance work its magic!
Looking for a different approach? My easy Crockpot Ham recipe offers a delicious low and slow alternative for incredibly tender results.
Perfect Timing: How Long to Pressure Cook Your Ham
Getting the timing right is key to a perfectly cooked, juicy ham. Here’s what you need to know to plan your meal:
- Calculating Active Cook Time: As a general rule of thumb, you should plan for 6 minutes of high pressure cooking time per pound of ham. For example, an 8 1/2-lb ham would require approximately 51 minutes of active cooking under high pressure. Always round up to the nearest minute or two for precision.
- Account for Pressure Build-Up: It’s crucial to remember that your pressure cooker needs time to come up to high pressure before the active cooking countdown begins. If you’re cooking a large ham straight from the refrigerator, factor in an additional 20-30 minutes for the appliance to reach its target pressure. This is not included in the “6 minutes per pound” calculation, so be sure to add this buffer to your total meal preparation time.
- The Importance of Rest Time (Natural Release): Just like any cut of meat, ham greatly benefits from a resting period after cooking. This allows the internal juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and juiciness. You can easily incorporate this by using the natural steam release method. Allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes (or even longer for larger hams) before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This resting phase is vital for the ham’s texture.
- Confirm Doneness with a Meat Thermometer: Even though most hams are pre-cooked, using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure it’s perfectly heated through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any bone. The internal temperature of a fully-cooked ham should reach 145ºF (approximately 63ºC) for safe and delicious consumption.
The Art of Glazing Your Pressure Cooker Ham
While the pressure cooker delivers unparalleled juiciness, nothing quite completes a holiday ham like a beautiful, caramelized glaze. The good news is, you absolutely can still achieve that perfect sweet and sticky crust!
To glaze your ham, begin preheating your oven broiler during the final few minutes of the pressure cooking process or while the ham is naturally releasing pressure. Carefully transfer the perfectly cooked ham to a foil-lined baking sheet – the foil will make for a much easier cleanup later. Generously brush the entire outside of the ham with your favorite ham glaze recipe. My personal favorite glaze for ham is simple to make and incredibly flavorful. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for just a few minutes, keeping a very close eye on it, until the glaze becomes bubbly, beautifully caramelized, and slightly browned. This quick broiling step adds a fantastic depth of flavor and an appealing visual finish, transforming your humble ham into a showstopping centerpiece.
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve With Your Instant Pot Ham
A perfectly cooked pressure cooker ham deserves equally delicious accompaniments. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a grand holiday feast, here are some favorite side dish ideas:
- Hearty Potato Dishes: As a main course, ham pairs wonderfully with rich potato sides. My favorite scalloped potatoes, with their creamy layers, or my best mashed potato recipe, smooth and buttery, are ideal choices. Roasted potatoes with herbs are another excellent option.
- Fresh and Simple Vegetables: To balance the richness of the ham, offer a simple steamed vegetable. Asparagus, snap peas, green beans, or carrots provide a vibrant, fresh accompaniment. A light drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate these classic sides.
- Holiday Feast Favorites: For a truly memorable holiday dinner, you absolutely don’t want to miss these Life-Changing Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Syrup. Their sweet and savory crunch is an unbeatable complement to ham. Other festive options include creamy corn pudding, sweet potato casserole, or a fresh cranberry relish.
- Warm Bread: Don’t forget a basket of warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up any delicious ham juices or serve alongside.
Storage & Creative Leftovers
One of the many joys of cooking a large ham is the bounty of leftovers! Properly stored, leftover ham can provide delicious meals for days to come.
For storage, allow any leftover ham to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice or cube the ham, pack it into freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or using in recipes.
Frankly, for me, the best part of making ham is savoring the incredible leftovers. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:
- Hearty Soups: Ham bone soup is an all-time classic, and its rich, smoky flavor is phenomenal even if there isn’t much meat left on the bone. Try my insanely-delicious Ham and Lentil Soup, where the smoky, rich umami flavor infuses the entire pot. Another fantastic option is this ham and bean soup, which is next-level hearty and deeply satisfying.
- Breakfast & Brunch: Elevate your morning meal by whipping up some savory Ham and Cheese Waffles. Alternatively, stir some finely cubed ham into this comforting Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, or add it to kid-friendly mini quiches for a delightful savory bite.
- Sandwiches & Salads: Sliced ham makes for incredible sandwiches, whether hot or cold. Combine it with cheese for a classic grilled ham and cheese, or layer it into a fresh salad for added protein and flavor.
- Pasta & Rice Dishes: Fold chopped ham into creamy pasta dishes, stir-fries, or even a flavorful fried rice for a quick and satisfying dinner. Its savory notes blend beautifully with various cuisines.
Explore More Favorite Pressure Cooker Recipes
Once you discover the convenience and amazing results of pressure cooking, you’ll want to use it for everything! Here are some other highly recommended pressure cooker recipes that consistently deliver fantastic meals:
- Instant Pot Roast Beef (melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfect for a quick Sunday dinner!)
- My BEST Instant Pot Chicken Soup (a comforting classic made incredibly fast)
- Instant Pot Mexican Rice (fluffy, flavorful rice in no time)
- Juicy Frozen Chicken Instant Pot Recipe (perfect for when you forget to thaw dinner)
- Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup (a hearty and wholesome meal)
- Pressure Cooker Chicken Chili (quick and bursting with flavor)
- Instant Pot Steak Recipe (surprisingly tender and flavorful steak)
Pin Recipe
Print Recipe
Moist and Juicy Pressure Cooker Ham (Perfect Every Time!)
By: Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD
Pressure Cooker Ham is simple and fast, delivering succulent, ultra-juicy, fall-apart-tender ham. This game-changing recipe is so easy and delicious.
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
- Meat Thermometer (optional, but highly recommended)
Ingredients
- ▢ 8 ½ lb ham (any kind: boneless, bone-in or spiral)
- ▢ 2 cups water (or apple juice, pineapple juice, unsalted broth)
- ▢ Optional: Whole cloves for spiced ham
Instructions
- Fit the rack/trivet insert into the bottom of the pressure cooker bowl. If you don’t have one, coil up some aluminum foil to lift the ham off the bottom.
- Cut your ham as needed to fit it into your pressure cooker. Place the ham on the rack inside the pressure cooker.
- Pour in the water (or chosen liquid). Securely seal the lid and set the pressure cooker to cook on high for 6 minutes per pound (e.g., 51 minutes for an 8 1/2-lb ham).
- Release the pressure. Use the natural release method for 10-15 minutes (this crucial step allows the ham to rest and redistribute its juices for maximum tenderness). After this period, you can manually quick release any remaining pressure.
- Check internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches 145ºF (63ºC) for optimal warmth and juiciness.
Notes
- Expect an additional 20-30 minutes for the Instant Pot or other pressure cooker to come to high pressure if the ham is fridge cold. Factor this time into your total meal planning.
- To GLAZE: Transfer the ham to a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with your favorite glaze (like my ham glaze recipe) and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider studding the ham with whole cloves before cooking.
Nutrition
Calories: 586 kcal |
Protein: 52 g |
Fat: 40 g |
Saturated Fat: 14 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 19 g |
Cholesterol: 149 mg |
Sodium: 2860 mg |
Potassium: 689 mg |
Calcium: 17 mg |
Iron: 2 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment!
Share your experience and let us know how your Pressure Cooker Ham turned out!