How To Cook Ham And Cabbage In A Pressure Cooker

You can cook ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker in about 15 to 20 minutes, and the result is tender, flavorful, and so easy it might become your new weeknight go-to.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker without turning the cabbage into mush, you’re in the right place.
 
The pressure cooker is honestly a game-changer for this classic combo because it locks in moisture, speeds up cooking time, and keeps the ham juicy while the cabbage soaks up all that savory goodness.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker, what ingredients you need, a simple step-by-step method, and a few tips so your dish turns out perfect every single time.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Why Cooking Ham And Cabbage In A Pressure Cooker Works So Well

Cooking ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker works so well because the trapped steam cooks everything evenly and fast.
 
Here’s why this method deserves a spot in your rotation:
 

1. It Cuts Cooking Time Dramatically

When you cook ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker, you’re looking at roughly 15 to 20 minutes under pressure instead of the hour or more it takes on the stovetop.
 
That’s a huge win on busy evenings when you still want a home-cooked meal.
 

2. The Ham Stays Moist and Tender

The sealed environment keeps the ham from drying out, which is a common problem with other cooking methods.
 
As the ham cooks, its natural juices and smoky flavor infuse the cabbage below.
 
That means when you cook ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker, every bite tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
 

3. The Cabbage Absorbs All the Flavor

Cabbage cooked in the same pot as ham soaks up the savory, salty richness of the meat.
 
You get tender cabbage with a deep, hearty taste that plain boiling just can’t match.
 

4. It’s a One-Pot Meal

Fewer dishes, less cleanup, and everything cooks together.
 
That’s a big reason so many people love learning how to cook ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker in the first place.
 

Ingredients You’ll Need to Cook Ham And Cabbage In A Pressure Cooker

Before we dive into the steps, here’s what to gather:
 

1. The Ham

You can use a fully cooked ham shank, ham hock, or a piece of leftover ham.
 
Roughly 2 to 3 pounds works well for a family meal.
 
If you’re using a smoked ham hock, it adds incredible depth to the dish.
 

2. The Cabbage

One medium head of green cabbage, cut into wedges, is all you need.
 
Keep the wedges thick so they don’t fall apart under pressure.
 

3. Aromatics and Seasoning

Onion, garlic, black pepper, and a bay leaf go a long way.
 
You’ll also want about 1 to 2 cups of water or broth to create the steam the pressure cooker needs.
 
Go easy on the salt since ham is already salty.
 

How to Cook Ham And Cabbage In A Pressure Cooker Step by Step

Here’s the simple method for how to cook ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker:
 

1. Prep the Ingredients

Cut your cabbage into wedges and chop the onion.
 
If your ham needs trimming, do that first.
 

2. Add Liquid and Aromatics

Pour your water or broth into the pressure cooker.
 
Add the onion, garlic, and bay leaf.
 

3. Layer the Ham and Cabbage

Place the ham on the bottom, then arrange the cabbage wedges on top.
 
Season with black pepper.
 

4. Lock and Cook Under Pressure

Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
 
Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then do a natural release for about 10 minutes before quick releasing the rest.
 

5. Check and Serve

Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and check that the cabbage is fork-tender.
 
Serve the ham and cabbage with a little of the cooking liquid spooned over the top.
 

Tips for the Best Ham And Cabbage In A Pressure Cooker

A few quick tips will help you nail this dish:
 

1. Don’t Overcook the Cabbage

Cabbage turns mushy fast under pressure, so stick to the timing and do that natural release.
 

2. Taste Before Adding Salt

Ham brings plenty of sodium, so season after cooking.
 

3. Save the Pot Likker

That flavorful broth left in the pot is liquid gold, so spoon it over the dish or save it for later.
 

So, Can You Cook Ham And Cabbage In A Pressure Cooker?

You can cook ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker, and it’s one of the easiest, most satisfying meals you can make.
 
Now that you know how to cook ham and cabbage in a pressure cooker, you can get tender cabbage and juicy ham on the table in under half an hour.
 
Give it a try this week and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with barely any cleanup.