Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

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

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

Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the sauce, balancing the sweetness.

Water: Helps to thin out the sauce to the desired consistency.

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 sauce.

Yellow mustard: Provides a slight tang and sharpness to the sauce.

Onion powder: Adds 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 sautéing the ham briefly in a bit of butter before adding it to the sauce. This will give the ham a richer taste and a slightly crispy texture. Additionally, allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat for a few extra minutes can help meld the flavors together more deeply, making your barbecue even more delicious.

• chipped ham - Substitute with thinly sliced deli ham: Thinly sliced deli ham can mimic the texture and flavor of chipped ham.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used with added sugar and vinegar to replicate the sweetness and tanginess of ketchup.

• vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and tanginess to vinegar.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more flavor compared to plain water.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and can add a unique flavor.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, though it will be slightly different.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a similar tanginess but is slightly more complex in flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely minced onion: Finely minced onion can provide a fresh onion flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust garlic flavor.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with kaiser rolls: Kaiser rolls are sturdy and can hold up well to the barbecue mixture.

• Allow the chipped ham barbecue to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the cooled chipped ham barbecue into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the ham.
• If storing in the refrigerator, place the container in the coldest part, typically the back. The chipped ham barbecue can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, divide the chipped ham barbecue into meal-sized portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers for storing in the freezer. Label each with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the chipped ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat the chipped ham barbecue in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave. Place the chipped ham barbecue in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or mold, discard the chipped ham barbecue immediately to avoid foodborne illness.

• Stovetop Method:

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

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the chipped ham barbecue to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small vent for steam to escape).
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the ham is hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°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 the ham is heated through.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the chipped ham barbecue to a slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the ham is 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 the ham is hot.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the sauce and heating the chipped ham.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring the ingredients in the skillet to ensure they are well mixed and the ham is evenly coated with the sauce.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the ketchup, vinegar, and water accurately.

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

• Knife: Useful for opening packages of chipped ham and other ingredients.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for using the knife.

• Serving spoon: Used to scoop the chipped ham barbecue onto the hamburger buns.

• Hamburger buns: The bread used to serve the chipped ham barbecue.

Prepare the sauce ahead: Mix the ketchup, vinegar, water, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, 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.

One-pan method: Cook the sauce and ham together in one skillet to minimize cleanup.

Quick heat: Use medium-high heat to reduce cooking time, but stir frequently to avoid burning.

Pre-toast buns: Toast the hamburger buns while the ham cooks to save time.