Instant Pot Sweet Baked Ham: Achieve Unrivaled Tenderness and Flavor in Record Time

Instant Pot sweet baked ham is quite simply the best ham in the world! Super fast cooking time for the most delicious, tender, juicy ham. Elevate your holiday spread or weeknight dinner with this game-changing recipe.

For anyone who owns an Instant Pot, you understand the pervasive thought process that takes over your kitchen: “Can this be made in the Instant Pot?” This versatile appliance has revolutionized how many of us approach cooking, transforming lengthy recipes into quick, effortless masterpieces. My culinary journey has been filled with countless experiments, some leading to delightful surprises, others to comical failures. Yet, few triumphs have been as satisfying as adapting my beloved Sweet Baked Ham recipe for the pressure cooker.

Originally, this cherished recipe, celebrated for its unique flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, required an unconventional but crucial step: boiling the ham in a large pot of vinegar and water for several hours. This method, while incredibly effective, often deterred home cooks due to its perceived complexity and the sheer time commitment. But with the power of the Instant Pot, this magnificent ham is now more accessible and quicker to prepare than ever before, making it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion, not just holidays.

The Undeniable Magic of Vinegar: Why It’s Key to the Best Ham

Many home cooks might balk at the idea of boiling ham in a vinegar solution, fearing it will result in a pickle-flavored main course. Let me assure you, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The vinegar bath is the secret weapon behind this ham’s unparalleled tenderness and exquisite flavor profile. While it may seem unusual, the acidity in the vinegar acts as a powerful tenderizer, breaking down the tough muscle fibers in the ham without imparting a sour taste. Instead, it creates a subtle tanginess that perfectly complements the rich, savory ham, setting it apart from any other ham you’ve ever tasted.

In the original recipe, this initial boiling step on the stovetop could take anywhere from two to three hours. While relatively hands-off, it still required a large pot and a significant block of time. This is where the Instant Pot truly shines, transforming this essential tenderizing process into a streamlined, high-efficiency task. The pressure cooker accelerates the breakdown of muscle fibers, drastically cutting down the cooking time while achieving the same (if not superior) level of tenderness and juiciness.

Why the Instant Pot is Your New Best Friend for Ham

If you’ve been on the fence about trying pressure cooking, or if you already own an Instant Pot and are looking for a reason to use it beyond weeknight dinners, this Sweet Baked Ham recipe is it. The benefits are numerous and compelling:

• Dramatic Time Savings: The multi-hour vinegar boil is reduced to a mere 30-45 minutes of active pressure cooking time. This means you can achieve that deeply tender ham in a fraction of the time, freeing you up for other tasks or simply enjoying your day.
• Unmatched Convenience: Once the ham is in the Instant Pot with the vinegar solution, you simply set it and forget it. No need for constant monitoring, stirring, or worrying about boilovers. The natural pressure release feature ensures the ham finishes cooking perfectly without your intervention.
• Minimal Vinegar Odor: One common concern with the stovetop method is the pervasive vinegar smell that can fill your kitchen. With the Instant Pot’s sealed environment, this aroma is significantly contained and minimized, making for a much more pleasant cooking experience.
• Accidental Deodorization: As a delightful bonus, some cooks have noted that the vinegar-infused steam during pressure cooking can actually help to deodorize the Instant Pot’s sealing ring, tackling lingering smells from previous pungent dishes like chili or curry. It’s a win-win!

This Instant Pot adaptation takes an already incredible recipe and makes it even more approachable, especially for those busy holiday seasons or when you simply crave an exceptional ham with less fuss. If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, this recipe serves as a fantastic introduction to the power and efficiency of this kitchen marvel. For a comprehensive guide to getting started, you might find this primer on pressure cookers incredibly helpful.

Mastering Instant Pot Sweet Baked Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide

Converting this classic recipe to the Instant Pot requires a few key adjustments, primarily in ham selection and the pressure cooking duration. Follow these steps for perfect results:

1. Choosing Your Ham Wisely

The original recipe called for a large shank ham, but for pressure cooking, you’ll need to opt for a smaller cut that comfortably fits within your Instant Pot (typically a 6-quart model). A boneless ham is highly recommended, as it allows for easier cutting and ensures even cooking. Look for a ham that has NOT been spiral-sliced. Spiral-sliced hams tend to dry out and become tough during the extended pressure cooking required for tenderizing, due to their pre-cut nature. Many stores, like Costco, often sell unsliced, boneless half hams (around 3-5 pounds) that are ideal for this recipe.

2. Prepare the Ham for Pressure Cooking

Once you have your chosen ham, cut it into large, manageable chunks. These shouldn’t be tiny pieces, but rather substantial portions that can nestle snugly at the bottom of your pressure cooker. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents them from overcooking into mush. If your ham has significant layers of fat, trim those away. While some fat adds flavor, excessive amounts can make the cooking liquid greasy and might affect the final texture. You can always trim more after cooking if necessary.

3. The Essential Vinegar Bath

Place the ham chunks into your Instant Pot. Then, fill the pot with a mixture of water and white distilled vinegar, maintaining a 2:1 ratio of water to vinegar. The liquid should cover the ham completely, but it is absolutely crucial not to exceed the “Max Fill” line marked inside your pressure cooker. Overfilling can lead to safety hazards and improper pressure buildup.

4. Pressure Cooking for Optimal Tenderness

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting (depending on your model) and set the cooking time for 32 to 45 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and density of your ham chunks. For smaller, more uniform pieces, start with 32-35 minutes; for larger, denser chunks (around 3 inches or more), aim for 40-45 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR). This means letting the pressure dissipate on its own without manually opening the vent. This step is vital for ensuring the ham remains moist and continues to tenderize gently.

Troubleshooting Tip: After the natural pressure release, if you find the ham isn’t as tender as you’d like (it should be easily shreddable with a fork), simply close the lid again, ensure the vent is sealed, and pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. The Instant Pot will come back to pressure much faster the second time, and this short burst of extra cooking often makes all the difference.

5. The Sweet and Tangy Finish: Baking

Once the ham is perfectly tender, carefully remove the pieces from the Instant Pot to a baking dish, discarding the cooking liquid. Allow the ham to cool slightly until it’s comfortable enough to handle, then slice or pull it into shredded pieces. This pressure cooking step can be completed several days in advance, allowing for convenient meal prep. While the ham is cooling, prepare your signature sweet and tangy glaze: in a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of dry mustard.

Layer half of the shredded ham in a 9×9-inch baking dish (or a similar size). Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture evenly over this layer. Add the remaining ham on top and finish by sprinkling the rest of the brown sugar mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour. This baking time allows the brown sugar and mustard to caramelize into a delectable glaze, infusing the tender ham with irresistible sweetness and a hint of tang. Serve warm or at room temperature, and prepare for rave reviews.

Instant Pot Sweet Baked Ham Recipe

Sweet Baked Ham {Instant Pot}

Yield:
10 servings

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
1 hr 45 mins

Total Time:
1 hr 55 mins

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Ingredients

• 5 pounds boneless ham (NOT spiral sliced)
• White distilled vinegar
• Water
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard

Instructions

1. Cut the ham into large chunks so they nestle together in the bottom of the pressure cooker. Trim off any large pockets or pieces of fat and discard to avoid a greasy final product.
2. Fill the pressure cooker to cover the ham (without exceeding the max fill line of the pressure cooker) with a 2:1 ratio of water to white distilled vinegar.
3. Close the lid and valve, setting it to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 45 minutes for average-sized chunks. Let the pressure naturally release completely. If the ham isn’t easily shreddable, close the lid again (ensuring it’s dry and sealed) and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural release.
4. Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the pot to a baking dish, discarding the cooking liquid. Let the ham cool slightly until it’s easier to handle, then shred or pull it into desired pieces.
5. In a small bowl, thoroughly stir together the brown sugar and dry mustard until combined. This will form your sweet and tangy glaze.
6. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place half of the shredded ham in a 9×9-inch baking dish (or a similar sized oven-safe dish). Sprinkle half of the prepared brown sugar mixture evenly over this layer of ham. Layer the remaining ham on top and sprinkle with the rest of the brown sugar mixture.
7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent drying. Bake for 1 hour until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Ham Selection: For best results with a pressure cooker, use a boneless ham that has NOT been spiral-sliced. This allows you to cut it into larger, more uniform pieces that withstand the pressure cooking process without drying out. A bone-in ham can also be used if it can be trimmed to fit your pot, but boneless is generally easier for this method.

Author:
Mel Gunnell

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Method:
Bake, Instant Pot

Recommended Products

6-quart Instant Pot

Kitchen Tongs

Liquid Measuring Cup

Beyond the Main Dish: Delicious Leftover Ham Ideas

One of the best parts about making a large ham, especially one this delicious, is the abundance of leftovers! Don’t let a single shred go to waste. This tender, flavorful ham is incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of exciting dishes for days to come. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire you:

Other Recipes Like This:

My Go-To Fried Rice Recipe {Easy Ham Fried Rice}

Mini Ham and Cheese Quiches

Ham, Sweet Potato and White Bean Soup with Bacon {Slow Cooker}

Baked Ham and Swiss Malibu Chicken

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Sweet Baked Ham truly lives up to its reputation as “the best ham in the world.” By harnessing the power of pressure cooking, we’ve taken a beloved, time-intensive recipe and transformed it into an accessible, efficient, and incredibly rewarding culinary experience. The unique vinegar tenderizing method, coupled with the sweet and tangy brown sugar-mustard glaze, delivers a ham that is exceptionally tender, bursting with flavor, and wonderfully juicy. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast, a special family gathering, or simply craving a delicious ham for dinner, this Instant Pot method guarantees a show-stopping dish with minimal effort. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen – your taste buds will thank you!