Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

Chipped ham: Thinly sliced ham, typically found in the deli section, essential for the authentic Pittsburgh flavor.

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

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the sauce.

Vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

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

Yellow mustard: Adds tanginess and a slight sharpness to the sauce.

Onion powder: Provides a mild onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the sauce.

Hamburger buns: Soft buns that serve as the perfect vessel for the chipped ham barbecue.

To enhance the flavor of your chipped ham barbecue, consider toasting the hamburger buns before serving. Lightly butter each half of the bun and place them on a hot skillet or grill until they are golden brown. This will add a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that complements the savory barbecue sauce.

• thinly sliced chipped ham - Substitute with thinly sliced deli ham: Thinly sliced deli ham can mimic the texture and flavor of chipped ham, making it a suitable alternative.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used in place of ketchup, though you may need to add a bit of sugar to match the sweetness.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, though it is slightly saltier, so adjust the salt content accordingly.

• vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide the necessary acidity and tanginess that vinegar offers.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and a bit of depth to the flavor, similar to brown sugar.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can offer a similar tangy flavor, though it is slightly more complex and less sweet.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely minced onion: Finely minced onion can provide a fresh onion flavor, though it may alter the texture slightly.

• garlic powder - Substitute with finely minced garlic: Finely minced garlic can offer a more robust garlic flavor, though it may also change the texture.

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

• Allow the chipped ham barbecue to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the ham soggy.

• Transfer the cooled chipped ham barbecue into an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of ham closely to minimize air exposure.

• If you plan to consume the chipped ham barbecue within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the chipped ham barbecue. Portion the ham into individual servings before placing them in freezer-safe bags or containers. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.

• Label each container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the chipped ham barbecue has been stored.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the chipped ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the ham.

• Reheat the chipped ham barbecue gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

• Serve the reheated chipped ham barbecue on fresh hamburger buns for a delicious meal that tastes just as good as when it was first made.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover chipped ham barbecue in a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the chipped ham barbecue to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Place the chipped ham barbecue in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the chipped ham barbecue to your slow cooker.
  2. Set to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the chipped ham barbecue in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water).
  3. Cover and steam for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot.

• Saucepan: Used to combine and simmer the ingredients for the barbecue sauce.

• Stirring spoon: Essential for mixing the sauce ingredients and ensuring the chipped ham is well-coated.

• Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the ketchup and other liquid ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder.

• Knife: Handy for slicing the buns if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the buns.

• Hamburger buns: The base for serving the chipped ham barbecue.

• Serving spoon: Useful for scooping the chipped ham barbecue onto the buns.

Prepare the sauce ahead: Mix the ketchup, worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder in advance and store in the fridge.

Use pre-chipped ham: Buy pre-chipped ham from the deli to save time on slicing.

Simmer while multitasking: Let the sauce and ham simmer while you prepare other parts of your meal.

Toast the buns: Toast the hamburger buns in the oven or on a skillet while the ham simmers for added texture and flavor.