Instant Pot Bourbon-Mustard Glazed Ham

After a long day at work I’ve become a little obsessed with my Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Bourbon Mustard Ham blends spicy and sweet flavors and cooks quickly in the pressure cooker, making it a perfect weeknight dinner and a convenient option for holidays when the oven is full.

What is used to make a Bourbon Glazed Ham?

This recipe relies on three simple, flavorful ingredients that combine beautifully: ham, bourbon, and mustard. Using the Instant Pot cuts the cooking time dramatically—this ham is ready in under an hour, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights and also handy for holidays like Easter or Christmas when the oven is occupied with other dishes.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• Ham: Use a spiral-cut or whole ham depending on what you have available. Both work well in the Instant Pot—trim only if needed to fit the pot.
• Bourbon: Choose a bourbon you like to drink. It adds smoky, caramel notes to the glaze. If you prefer not to use alcohol, apple juice is a suitable substitute that keeps the flavor bright and sweet.
• Mustard: Strong mustards perform best—spicy brown, hot mustard, or a bold beer mustard. I used a sweet and spicy beer mustard for a balanced bite and touch of sweetness.

How to Cook a Ham in the Instant Pot?

Combine the bourbon and mustard in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. This becomes the glaze you’ll pour over the ham. The tang of the mustard and the warmth of the bourbon create a nice contrast that enhances the ham’s natural flavor.

Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add one cup of water to the inner pot. Place the ham inside, fat side up. If the ham is too large, trim it slightly to fit. Pour the bourbon-mustard glaze evenly over the ham.

Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. It typically takes about 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure. When cook time finishes, perform a quick release by carefully opening the vent valve.

Lift the ham from the pot and transfer to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into portions. The rendered fat helps keep the meat moist and flavorful—trim any excess fat before serving if desired.

This ham is great served immediately and also makes excellent leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles, or soups. It pairs well with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Easy Holiday Ham Recipes

Whether you’re cooking a spiral ham or a whole ham, here are a few simple ideas for holiday ham preparations across different methods:

• Crock pot maple ham for tender, hands-off cooking.
• Apricot bourbon-glazed ham, suitable for grilling or oven baking for a caramelized finish.
• Garlic honey mustard ham in the slow cooker for a savory-sweet result.

Instant Pot Bourbon and Mustard Ham

A quick summary and recipe card for easy reference.