Ham Barbecue Sandwiches Pittsburgh Style: A Taste of the Burgh

The clatter of forks against plates, the roar of the crowd, and the unmistakable sweet and tangy aroma of chipped ham simmering in barbecue sauce – these are the sounds and smells of my childhood Sunday afternoons. My grandma, a lifelong Pittsburgher, would always have a pot of this bubbling away on the stove during Steelers games. The Isaly’s chipped ham, swimming in a sea of Heinz ketchup and cola, was the perfect fuel for cheering on our team. It wasn’t just food; it was tradition, a taste of home, and a symbol of family togetherness. Now, I carry on that tradition, bringing a little bit of Pittsburgh to my own table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yields: 4-6 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be gluten-free with gluten-free buns)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Isaly’s chipped ham (or deli ham shaved very thin)
• 1 cup Heinz ketchup
• 8 ounces classic Coke
• 4-6 sandwich buns

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Spoon for stirring
• Slow cooker (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the chipped ham, Heinz ketchup, and Coke.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the ham is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. This should take about 15 minutes. Be sure not to boil, as this can make the sauce too thick and sticky. You want a gentle simmer.
3. Slow Cooker Method (Optional): For a hands-off approach, combine the ham, ketchup, and Coke in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the ham is heated through and the sauce is thickened to your liking, spoon the mixture generously onto sandwich buns.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• The Ham: While Isaly’s chipped ham is the traditional choice, thinly shaved deli ham works perfectly well. Look for a ham that is flavorful but not overly salty, as the ketchup already contributes to the saltiness of the dish. Some people like to chop the ham a bit smaller before adding it to the sauce for a finer texture.
• The Ketchup: Heinz ketchup is a key ingredient in this recipe and contributes to the signature Pittsburgh flavor. While you can experiment with other brands, using Heinz will give you the most authentic taste.
• The Coke: The Coke adds a subtle sweetness and caramel flavor to the barbecue sauce. Don’t substitute with diet Coke, as the artificial sweeteners won’t react the same way during cooking. If you’re looking for a less sweet option, you can use a cola with lower sugar content or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang.
• Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the ham but not so thick that it becomes sticky. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or Coke to thin it out.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce while it’s simmering.
• Bun Choice: Choose buns that are sturdy enough to hold the saucy ham mixture. Kaiser rolls or brioche buns work well. Lightly toasting the buns before adding the ham will help prevent them from getting soggy.
• Make Ahead: You can easily make the ham barbecue mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat before serving. This is a great option for parties or busy weeknights.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Ham Barbecue Sandwiches immediately while they are hot and the buns are still soft. For a classic Pittsburgh experience, serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad. Some people also like to add a slice of cheese, such as provolone or Swiss, to the sandwich.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. The sauce will thicken slightly upon cooling, so you may need to add a tablespoon or two of water or Coke when reheating. These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated if necessary.

Freezing: While technically possible, freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the ham and the sauce may change upon thawing. The buns will definitely suffer.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings and using average values for ingredients)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	425 kcal	21%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	1800mg	75%
Total Carbohydrate	50g	17%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	25g	N/A
Protein	30g	60%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
• Sweet & Tangy: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
• Smoked Ham: Use smoked deli ham for a smoky flavor.
• Onions: Add sliced onions to the skillet when cooking the ham. Caramelize the onions until golden brown before adding the ketchup and Coke.
• Dr. Pepper: If you can’t find classic Coke, Dr. Pepper can be substituted.
• Vegan: To make this vegan, you can use a plant-based ham substitute, although it may not taste the same.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use diet Coke instead of regular Coke?
A: No, it’s best to use regular Coke for this recipe. The sugar in the Coke helps to thicken the sauce and create the desired flavor profile. Diet Coke won’t produce the same results.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, absolutely! The slow cooker is a great option for a hands-off approach. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1 hour.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?
A: Of course! Feel free to customize the sauce to your liking. Some popular additions include chopped onions, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Q: How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
A: Toasting the buns lightly before adding the ham mixture will help prevent them from getting soggy. You can also use sturdy buns like Kaiser rolls or brioche buns.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the ham barbecue mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Ham Barbecue Sandwiches are more than just a meal; they’re a taste of Pittsburgh, a reminder of home, and a symbol of family and tradition. Whether you’re a lifelong Pittsburgher or just looking for a delicious and easy recipe, I encourage you to give this one a try. Gather your family and friends, fire up the stove (or slow cooker!), and enjoy a taste of the Burgh. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. And most importantly, share your feedback and let me know what you think! Pair with a cold Iron City Beer for the full experience.