Pittsburgh’s Irresistible Ham BBQ Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Sandwich Sensation

Sweet and Tangy Pittsburgh-Style Ham BBQ Sandwiches

Looking for the perfect ham bbq recipe that’s guaranteed to please a crowd? These Pittsburgh-inspired ham barbecue sandwiches are the answer to your lunchtime prayers! Sweet, tangy, and incredibly satisfying, this classic sandwich brings together thinly sliced ham smothered in a homemade barbecue sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Ham BBQ Recipe

If you’ve never experienced a Pittsburgh-style ham barbecue sandwich, you’re in for a treat! These sandwiches feature paper-thin slices of ham (often called “chipped ham” in Pittsburgh) smothered in a sweet-tangy sauce that perfectly balances flavors. They’re:

• Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes
• Budget-friendly – perfect for feeding a crowd
• Customizable – adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your taste
• Nostalgic – a beloved regional classic that brings comfort with every bite

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pittsburgh Ham BBQ

• 2 pounds thinly sliced deli ham (ask for “chipped ham” if available)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 8 hamburger buns

How to Make the Best Ham BBQ Sandwiches

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
3. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to the melted butter. Stir until well combined.
4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Add the thinly sliced ham to the sauce, breaking apart the slices as you add them to ensure they’re evenly coated.
6. Stir gently until all the ham is covered with sauce. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Transfer the ham mixture to a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and place in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Meanwhile, if desired, lightly toast the hamburger buns.
9. Serve the hot ham bbq mixture on buns and enjoy immediately!

Tips for the Perfect Pittsburgh Ham BBQ

• The right ham makes a difference: Ask your deli for “chipped ham” or very thinly sliced ham. This allows the sauce to penetrate every bite.
• Sauce consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Make ahead: This ham bbq mixture actually tastes even better the next day! Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
• Serving suggestions: Traditional Pittsburgh-style sides include potato salad, coleslaw, or potato chips.

Variations on Classic Ham BBQ

While traditional Pittsburgh ham barbecue sandwiches have a specific taste profile, feel free to customize your ham bbq recipe with these tasty variations:

• Spicy Ham BBQ: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Smoky Ham BBQ: Include 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke or 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
• Extra Sweet Ham BBQ: Add an additional 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or a tablespoon of honey.
• Cheesy Ham BBQ: Top your sandwich with a slice of provolone or American cheese.

Nutrition Information

Storing and Reheating Leftover Ham BBQ

This ham bbq recipe makes excellent leftovers! Store any remaining ham barbecue mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Why This Ham BBQ Recipe Works Every Time

The magic of this Pittsburgh-style ham barbecue is in its simplicity. The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy vinegar, and savory butter creates the perfect sauce that pairs beautifully with thin-sliced ham. The low and slow heating method allows all those flavors to meld together, resulting in a sandwich that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer gathering or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this ham bbq recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes’ Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues