Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

Chipped ham: Thinly sliced deli ham, often found at the deli counter. If unavailable, ask for regular ham to be sliced very thinly.

Barbecue sauce: A tangy, smoky sauce that can be store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference.

Hamburger buns: Soft buns that will hold the ham mixture, providing a perfect base for the sandwich.

To enhance the flavor of your chipped ham barbecue, try caramelizing the barbecue sauce slightly before adding the chipped ham. Heat the sauce in the skillet for a few minutes until it starts to thicken and darken in color, then add the ham. This will give your dish a richer, more complex taste.

• thinly sliced chipped ham - Substitute with thinly sliced turkey breast: Turkey breast provides a similar texture and can absorb the barbecue sauce well, making it a good alternative for those avoiding pork.

• thinly sliced chipped ham - Substitute with thinly sliced roast beef: Roast beef offers a different flavor profile but maintains the tenderness and thin slicing needed for the recipe.

• barbecue sauce - Substitute with homemade ketchup and mustard mix: Mixing ketchup and mustard can create a tangy and sweet flavor similar to barbecue sauce, suitable for those who prefer homemade condiments.

• barbecue sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor, offering a unique twist to the traditional barbecue taste.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns add a nutty flavor and extra fiber, making the meal slightly healthier.

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

• Allow the chipped ham barbecue mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hamburger buns soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chipped ham barbecue into an airtight container. If you plan to store it for more than a couple of days, consider using a vacuum-sealed bag to extend its freshness.
• For refrigeration, place the container in the fridge. The chipped ham barbecue will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• If you want to freeze the chipped ham barbecue, divide it into meal-sized portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped portions into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
• The chipped ham barbecue can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, consume within this period to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the chipped ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps retain moisture and flavor.
• Reheat the chipped ham barbecue in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• If the barbecue sauce thickens too much during reheating, add a splash of water or a bit more barbecue sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
• Serve the reheated chipped ham barbecue on fresh hamburger buns for a delicious meal that tastes just as good as the day it was made.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to prevent the chipped ham from drying out.
  • Add the leftover ham mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  • Place the leftover chipped ham barbecue in a microwave-safe dish.
  • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small corner open for steam to escape).
  • Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.

• 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 about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  • Transfer the leftover ham mixture to a slow cooker.
  • Add a small amount of broth or barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
  • Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

• Steam Method:

  • Place the chipped ham barbecue in a heatproof bowl.
  • Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  • Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until the ham mixture is heated through.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the chipped ham and barbecue sauce mixture evenly over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring the ham and sauce mixture to ensure it heats through without sticking to the skillet.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out the precise amount of barbecue sauce needed for the recipe.

• Hamburger buns: The bread used to serve the heated ham mixture, providing a soft and absorbent base.

• Stovetop: The heat source for cooking the ham and barbecue sauce mixture in the skillet.

Pre-slice the buns: Save time by pre-slicing your hamburger buns before you start cooking. This way, you can quickly assemble the sandwiches once the chipped ham is ready.

Use pre-made barbecue sauce: Opt for a high-quality, store-bought barbecue sauce to cut down on prep time. This eliminates the need to make your own sauce from scratch.

Batch cook the ham: If you plan to make this recipe frequently, consider cooking a larger batch of chipped ham and barbecue sauce mixture. Store it in the fridge for quick reheating.

Warm the buns: While the ham mixture is heating, place the hamburger buns in a warm oven. This ensures they are ready to serve as soon as the ham is done.