Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Instant Pot Ham

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Ham is one of my favorite meals. It’s quick cooking, and the leftovers can be used in many ways. The biggest drawback of making precooked ham is that it tends to dry out. Luckily, with this Instant Pot ham recipe, I will never have to worry about dry ham again. 

Cooking ham in instant pot takes just a few minutes to prepare. Brown sugar adds a bit of sweetness and the pineapple and pineapple juice create a flavorful, moist cooking environment so your ham will be tender and delicious every single time.

Finally, turn those flavorful juices into an incredible glaze that you can drizzle over the ham just before serving. #somuchyum

Whether you are cooking Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday dinner, planning an Easter Brunch, or looking for an easy weeknight recipe, you will love this pressure cooker Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze. 

Want even more awesome Instant Pot holiday-worthy recipes? Then check out my Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gravy, this recipe for Instant Pot Lamb Shoulder, and my Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage.

You can also make this Air Fryer Ham Instead.

Why Make This Recipe

• Feeds A Crowd – Ham is perfect for feeding a large group of people, so it’s a popular choice for serving at holiday dinners, parties, and potluck suppers.  
• Versatile Leftovers – Use leftover ham in sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.  
• Succulent – Never be afraid of serving dry ham again. Instant pot ham turns out juicy every time. 
• Fast – Cook ham in Instant Pot in under 30 minutes.  

Ingredient Notes

• Ham – Look for a small, 3-4 pound boneless, sliced, fully cooked ham. Spiral ham is a delicious choice and makes serving a breeze.  
• Brown Sugar – I prefer light brown sugar, but feel free to use dark brown sugar. The flavor will be richer.  
• Pineapple – Use canned pineapple slices in 100% juice, as the juice will be used for making a flavorful glaze to serve with the ham.  
• Cornstarch – Cornstarch is optional and is used to thicken the glaze. 

Ready to make this Instant Pot ham? Then gather up those ingredients and I will show you…

How To Cook Ham In Instant Pot

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Add a half cup of water to the Instant Pot insert, then place the trivet in the bottom of the insert and set the ham on the trivet. 
2. Sprinkle the ham with brown sugar, add the pineapple slices to the Instant Pot and then pour the pineapple juice on top of the ham. 
3. Place the lid on, turn the valve to sealing position, and set it to manual pressure / high pressure for 10 minutes. 
4. When done, allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release, followed by a quick pressure release.
5. Remove the ham and pineapple rings, then make the glaze by setting the Instant Pot to sauté mode and whisking 2 teaspoons of cornstarch into the remaining liquid. Stir continuously and bring to a bubble for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze is your desired consistency. 
6. Serve the ham with the pineapple slices and topped with the glaze. 

Expert Tips 

• Use a small, boneless ham that is fully cooked. 
• You can also use a spiral sliced ham with the bone in, but I happen to prefer a boneless ham. 
• For easy serving, purchase a sliced ham rather than an uncut ham. 
• Look for canned pineapple slices in 100% juice. The juice will make a flavorful glaze for the ham. 
• The cook time listed does not include the time needed for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure or for all of the pressure to release.
• The ham is already pre-cooked, so you are just warming it. Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure you bring the ham to a temperature of 145 degrees F / 62 degrees C. 
• The glaze is optional. Feel free to skip this step if desired. 
• Serve immediately. or cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil to keep warm. 
• If using a bone-in ham, save the ham bone and use it to add flavor to soup. 

Delicious Variations

• Maple Ham or Honey Baked Ham – Drizzle in a bit of honey or real maple syrup for a honey baked ham glaze. It adds sweetness and flavor.
• Add Spices – Sprinkle with cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg to really boost the flavor. 
• Add Some Heat – Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy sweet flavor.
• Swap The Juice – If preferred, you can substitute the pineapple juice for orange juice, apple juice, or apple cider. 
• Add Dijon – Stir in a bit of dijon mustard for an amazing flavor. 

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – No advanced prep work is necessary for this Instant Pot Ham recipe. 
• Store – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
• Freeze – To freeze leftover ham, wrap tightly and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.