Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues Recipe

Deli-style sliced ham: Thinly sliced ham from the deli section, perfect for quick cooking and absorbing flavors.

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

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

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor to balance the tanginess of the ketchup.

Mustard: Adds a bit of tang and spice to the sauce.

Hamburger buns: Soft buns that hold the ham mixture and make the sandwiches easy to eat.

To enhance the flavor of your ham barbecues, try caramelizing the brown sugar in the skillet before adding the ketchup and other ingredients. This will create a deeper, richer taste. Additionally, to prevent the hamburger buns from getting soggy, lightly toast them before serving.

• deli-style sliced ham - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast provides a similar texture and can be a leaner, healthier option.

• deli-style sliced ham - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef offers a different flavor profile but maintains the meaty texture needed for the dish.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and vinegar: Mixing tomato paste with a bit of vinegar can mimic the tangy sweetness of ketchup.

• ketchup - Substitute with barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce can add a smoky flavor and similar sweetness to the dish.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and lemon juice: A combination of soy sauce and lemon juice can replicate the umami and tangy notes of Worcestershire sauce.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar provides a rich, complex flavor that can stand in for Worcestershire sauce.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and can help achieve a similar caramelization.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients.

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

• mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can provide the necessary tang and acidity, though it is milder.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns add a bit more fiber and a nuttier flavor.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls offer a chewy texture and can hold up well to the saucy filling.

• Allow the ham mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the cooled ham mixture to an airtight container. Make sure to press down on the mixture to remove any air pockets.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues within 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, place the ham mixture in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen ham mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the ham mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For a quick meal, microwave the ham mixture in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Toast the hamburger buns lightly before serving to maintain their texture and add a delightful crunch.
• If you prefer, you can also freeze the assembled Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues by wrapping each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw and reheat as needed.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham mixture in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Stir halfway for even heating.
• For a quick option, use the microwave. Place the ham mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
• On the stovetop, add the ham mixture to a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly heated.
• If you have a slow cooker, transfer the ham mixture to the slow cooker and set it on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• For a slightly crispy texture, reheat the ham mixture in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until heated through and slightly caramelized.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ham mixture over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring the ingredients in the skillet to ensure they are well combined and evenly heated.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure 1 cup of ketchup accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of mustard precisely.

• Knife: Used to slice the deli-style ham if it is not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: A surface to place the ham on while slicing.

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

• Serving plate: A plate to place the assembled ham barbecues for serving.

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

Use pre-sliced ham: Buy deli-style sliced ham to save time on slicing.

Preheat the skillet: Heat the skillet while preparing the sauce to reduce cooking time.

Toast the buns: Toast the hamburger buns while the ham mixture is cooking for added texture and efficiency.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick future meals.