Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

Chipped ham: Thinly sliced ham, often found in the deli section, perfect for absorbing the barbecue sauce.

Ketchup: Provides the base of the barbecue sauce with its tangy and sweet flavor.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, balancing out the tanginess of the ketchup.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.

Yellow mustard: Contributes a slight tang and a bit of heat to the sauce.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the need for fresh onions.

Garlic powder: Provides a mild garlic flavor, complementing the other ingredients.

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

To enhance the flavor of your chipped ham barbecue, consider caramelizing the brown sugar before adding the ketchup and other ingredients. Start by heating the skillet over medium heat and add the brown sugar. Stir constantly until it begins to melt and turn a deep amber color. Then, quickly add the ketchup, worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder. This step will add a deeper, richer flavor to your 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 vinegar and sugar to match the sweetness and tanginess of ketchup.

• packed brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide the sweetness needed, though it will add a slightly different flavor profile.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, though it lacks the complexity of Worcestershire sauce. Adding a bit of vinegar and a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavor.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can replace yellow mustard, offering a slightly more complex and tangy flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely minced onion: Finely minced onion can provide a similar flavor, though it will add a bit of texture to the dish.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder, offering a more robust garlic flavor.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with sandwich rolls: Sandwich rolls can be used in place of hamburger buns, providing a similar texture and structure for the barbecue ham.

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

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

• If you plan to consume the barbecue within 3-4 days, store it in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

• For longer storage, place the chipped ham barbecue in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Flatten the bag to create a thin layer of barbecue, which will freeze and thaw more evenly.

• To reheat refrigerated chipped ham barbecue, transfer it to a skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds until hot.

• For frozen barbecue, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat using the same methods as for refrigerated barbecue.

• If you find the sauce has thickened too much after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate the liquid.

• Always check the barbecue for any off smells or discoloration before consuming, especially if it has been stored for an extended period.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Place the leftover chipped ham barbecue in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
  • Stir occasionally until the ham is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  • Transfer the chipped ham barbecue to a microwave-safe dish.
  • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  • Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the chipped ham barbecue in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway for even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  • Transfer the chipped ham barbecue to a slow cooker.
  • Set to low heat and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.

• Steam Method:

  • Place the chipped ham barbecue in a heatproof bowl.
  • Set the bowl in a steamer basket over simmering water.
  • Cover and steam for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

• Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for combining and cooking the ingredients evenly over medium heat.

• Spatula: A utensil used for stirring the sauce and ham mixture to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the ketchup and brown sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder precisely.

• Mixing spoon: A spoon used for stirring the ingredients together in the skillet.

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

• Serving plate: A plate used to hold the assembled sandwiches before serving.

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

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

One-pan method: Cook the chipped ham directly in the sauce to minimize cleanup.

Toast buns simultaneously: While the ham cooks, toast the hamburger buns in the oven or toaster.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.