Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

Chipped ham: Thinly sliced deli ham, often used in Pittsburgh-style sandwiches.

Ketchup: A sweet and tangy tomato-based condiment that forms the base of the barbecue sauce.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to the sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: A savory sauce that adds depth and umami to the barbecue mixture.

Yellow mustard: Provides a tangy kick and balances the sweetness of the sauce.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

Hamburger buns: Soft bread rolls that serve as the perfect vessel for the ham barbecue mixture.

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors in this Pittsburgh chipped ham barbecue, ensure that the brown sugar is fully dissolved in the sauce mixture before adding it to the ham. This will help the sweetness evenly distribute throughout the ketchup and worcestershire sauce, creating a harmonious blend. Additionally, when heating the chipped ham, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry. Instead, aim for just warming it through to maintain its tenderness.

• chipped ham - Substitute with deli turkey: Deli turkey can mimic the texture of chipped ham and absorbs barbecue flavors well.

• chipped ham - Substitute with pulled pork: Pulled pork offers a similar savory profile and works well with barbecue sauce.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce provides a similar base flavor, though you might need to add a bit of sugar to match the sweetness.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note, which complements barbecue flavors.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a rich sweetness and depth of flavor.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami depth, though it is saltier, so adjust accordingly.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a similar tangy flavor with a bit more complexity.

• apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white vinegar: White vinegar provides the necessary acidity, though it is less fruity.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with sandwich rolls: Sandwich rolls can hold the filling well and offer a similar texture.

• Allow the chipped ham barbecue to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can lead to sogginess.

• For short-term storage, transfer the chipped ham barbecue into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the flavors remain vibrant and the texture stays delightful.

• If planning to store for a longer period, freezing is your best bet. Place the chipped ham barbecue in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and label with the date for easy tracking.

• When ready to enjoy your frozen chipped ham barbecue, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the dish's integrity and flavor.

• Reheat the chipped ham barbecue gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or ketchup if needed to restore its saucy goodness.

• For a quick fix, you can also reheat in the microwave. Place the chipped ham barbecue in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

• If you find yourself with leftover hamburger buns, store them separately in a sealed bag or container to keep them fresh. They can also be frozen and later revived by toasting or warming in the oven.

• Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the chipped ham barbecue in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.

• Use a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit of apple cider vinegar to the chipped ham barbecue to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it's heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

• For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place the chipped ham barbecue in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it's hot.

• If you have a slow cooker, set it to low and add the chipped ham barbecue. Cover and let it warm for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the dish warm for a gathering.

• For a smoky twist, use a grill. Wrap the chipped ham barbecue in foil, creating a packet. Place it on the grill over indirect heat and warm for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This adds a subtle smoky flavor to the dish.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the chipped ham over medium heat, ensuring even heating and browning.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and apple cider vinegar into a smooth sauce.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring the ham and sauce mixture, ensuring that the ingredients are well combined and heated evenly.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the ketchup and brown sugar for the sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and apple cider vinegar precisely.

• Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the ham and sauce mixture in the skillet.

• Serving spoon: Used to scoop the ham mixture onto the hamburger buns for serving.

Pre-mix the sauce: Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, mustard, and apple cider vinegar ahead of time and store in the fridge. This way, you can quickly pour it over the chipped ham when needed.

Use pre-chipped ham: Purchase chipped ham from the deli to avoid slicing it yourself, saving both time and effort.

Toast the buns: While the ham is cooking, toast the hamburger buns in the oven or toaster for added texture and flavor, ensuring everything is ready simultaneously.