The aroma of sweet brown sugar wafts through the air, mingling with the savory scent of juicy ham, making your mouth water in anticipation. The Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is not just a dish; it’s an experience that transports you to festive family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and maybe a little too much eggnog.
Picture this: It’s holiday season, the house is buzzing with relatives and friends, and the kitchen is your stage. You unveil this glorious ham, its caramelized glaze shimmering under the warm lights. Everyone gathers around, eyes wide with excitement as they anticipate the first slice. This dish isn’t just about food; it’s about creating memories, bonding over delightful flavors, and maybe even a few friendly debates about who makes the best holiday ham.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Holiday Ham is incredibly easy to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying your guests.
- The flavor profile combines sweetness with savory hints that will leave everyone craving more.
- Its stunning visual appeal will make your holiday table shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose.
- Plus, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion beyond just holidays!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bone-In Ham: Aim for a ham weighing around 8-10 pounds for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar—both add a rich sweetness that complements the ham perfectly.
- Honey: A touch of honey enhances the glaze’s stickiness and depth of flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: This adds a zesty kick that balances out the sweetness of the glaze.
- Pineapple Juice: Provides moisture and fruity notes that elevate the overall taste.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch brings warmth and coziness to your holiday feast.
For the Sauce:
- Cloves: Whole cloves add aromatic spice that infuses beautifully into the ham.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Instant Pot
Start by placing your bone-in ham inside the Instant Pot. If it doesn’t fit snugly, don’t panic—just cut it in half like you’re trying to split an overly ripe banana!
Step 2: Mix Your Glaze
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until well blended; it should resemble something that would make Santa trade his cookies for seconds!
Step 3: Apply the Glaze
Generously coat your ham with this glorious mixture. Use your hands (clean ones!) or a brush—don’t be shy; get messy!
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Securely close your Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes per pound. For our example ham size of about ten pounds, you’re looking at around two hours. Go ahead and use this time to sip some hot cocoa while contemplating if you really have enough marshmallows.
Step 5: Natural Release
Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for at least another fifteen minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Enjoy those extra moments knowing amazing flavors are developing!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Carefully remove the ham from your pot—this might require some serious muscle! Slice into thick pieces and drizzle that luscious glaze over each slice before serving. Voilà! You’ve created a masterpiece worthy of any holiday gathering.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Capture those Instagram moments because this beauty deserves all the attention!
There you have it! Your very own Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze awaits—a dish that promises not only incredible flavor but also unforgettable memories shared around your dinner table. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is not just a dish; it’s a centerpiece that dazzles the dinner table.
- The sweet aroma of brown sugar and spices fills your kitchen, making it the star of any festive gathering.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make this Instant Pot Holiday Ham shine, start by browning the glaze ingredients in the pot. Then, place the ham inside and cook it to perfection while the sweet sauce simmers away. Efficiency is key to that tender, juicy outcome!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the glaze! Add pineapple juice for a tropical twist or sprinkle some cloves for an extra layer of flavor. You can also toss in some Dijon mustard for a tangy kick that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it gently in a skillet or back in the Instant Pot with a splash of broth to keep it moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it’s foolproof!
- Let the ham rest before slicing for juiciness.
- Don’t skip the glaze step; it’s where all the flavor magic happens!
Sometimes, I think my family loves this ham more than they love me! At last year’s holiday dinner, my cousin even requested I make two hams because one simply wasn’t enough. That’s when I knew this recipe was a winner!
FAQs :
What is the best way to prepare Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze?
Preparing Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze involves a few simple steps. Start by scoring the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Then, create the glaze using brown sugar, honey, and spices. Place the ham in the Instant Pot with some water, and cook it on high pressure for about 15 minutes per pound. Once done, apply the glaze and use the sauté function to caramelize it. This method ensures that your holiday ham is juicy, flavorful, and ready for your festive table.
Can I make Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze ahead of time! Cook the ham following the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. Afterward, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The glaze will still be delicious, making your meal prep easier and hassle-free during busy holiday gatherings.
What side dishes pair well with Instant Pot Holiday Ham?
Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it alongside classic sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green bean casserole. For a refreshing touch, a simple salad or coleslaw can balance the richness of the ham. Additionally, baked macaroni and cheese or sweet potato casserole can complement your festive meal beautifully. These options enhance your dining experience while keeping your holiday celebration deliciously memorable.
How do I store leftover Instant Pot Holiday Ham?
Leftover Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze can be stored easily for future meals. Allow any leftover ham to cool completely before slicing it into smaller portions for better storage. Place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer preservation—up to three months. This way, you can enjoy this delightful dish even after your holiday celebrations have ended.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze :
In summary, making Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is a straightforward process that yields delicious results ideal for any festive occasion. By following key steps like scoring the ham and preparing a flavorful glaze, you ensure a succulent dish that will impress your guests. With tips on storage and pairing suggestions for side dishes, this recipe not only enhances your holiday menu but also simplifies meal prep. Enjoy every slice as you celebrate this joyous season!
Instant Pot Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: approximately 2 hours
- Total Time: 47 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your guests this festive season with this succulent Instant Pot Holiday Ham, glazed with a sweet and savory brown sugar mixture.
Ingredients
- 8–10 lbs bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 whole cloves
Instructions
- Prepare Your Instant Pot: Place the bone-in ham inside the Instant Pot. If needed, cut it in half for a snug fit.
- Mix Your Glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until well blended.
- Apply the Glaze: Generously coat the ham with the glaze using your hands or a brush.
- Pressure Cook: Securely close your Instant Pot lid and set to pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes per pound (approximately two hours for a ten-pound ham).
- Natural Release: Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for at least fifteen minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Serve It Up: Carefully remove the ham from the pot and slice into thick pieces. Drizzle with remaining glaze before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider scoring the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern before applying the glaze. - Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique flavor profiles. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
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