Pittsburgh Style Ham BBQ Sandwiches: A Taste of the Burgh

I can almost smell it now – the smoky sweetness drifting from the crockpot, the happy shouts of Steelers fans, the slight chill in the air on a late autumn afternoon. Growing up in Pittsburgh, tailgates weren’t just a pre-game ritual, they were a religion. And the centerpiece of every respectable tailgate? These Pittsburgh Style Ham BBQ Sandwiches. They are the ultimate comfort food, a little messy, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to fuel you through four quarters. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a memory.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free (unless using gluten-free buns)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ham, the thinnest shaved, chipped, and chopped
• 6 fresh hamburger buns
• ¾ cup Heinz ketchup (it has to be Heinz, trust me)
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 ½ cups coleslaw, your favorite (store-bought works great!)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl or cup
• Spatula or spoon

Instructions

1. First, prepare your BBQ sauce. In a mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine the Heinz ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired – a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.

2. Next, prepare the ham. If the ham is already thinly shaved, give it a rough chop to break it up further. This helps it to better absorb the BBQ sauce.

3. Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chopped ham. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ham is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the ham in the skillet. Stir well to ensure all the ham is coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Be careful not to burn the sugar in the sauce; adjust the heat as needed.

5. While the ham is simmering, prepare the coleslaw. If using store-bought coleslaw, give it a quick stir to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

6. To assemble the sandwiches, open each hamburger bun. Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ ham mixture onto the bottom bun.

7. Top the ham with approximately ¼ cup of your favorite coleslaw.

8. Place the top bun on each sandwich and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Ham Choice Matters: While any ham will technically work, the thinly shaved, chipped ham is key to the authentic Pittsburgh experience. It provides a better texture and absorbs the sauce more effectively.
• Sauce Consistency: If your BBQ sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, continue simmering it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
• Bun Toasting: For added flavor and texture, lightly toast the hamburger buns before assembling the sandwiches. A quick toast in a dry skillet or under the broiler works perfectly.
• Crockpot Conversion: To make this recipe ideal for tailgating, you can easily adapt it for a crockpot. Simply combine the ham and BBQ sauce in the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours. Keep warm until serving.
• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Pittsburgh Style Ham BBQ Sandwiches immediately while the ham is hot and the coleslaw is cool and crisp. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Storage: Leftover ham mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling sandwiches. Coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it may become slightly watery.

Reheating: Reheat the ham mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate values per serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	380 kcal	19%
Total Fat	18g	28%
Saturated Fat	6g	30%
Cholesterol	55mg	18%
Sodium	1200mg	50%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	20g	N/A
Protein	25g	50%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free hamburger buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Spicy BBQ: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
• Sweet & Tangy: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
• Coleslaw Variations: Experiment with different coleslaw recipes. Try a vinegar-based coleslaw or a creamy coleslaw with different vegetables, such as shredded carrots, cabbage, and onions.
• Pulled Pork: Substitute pulled pork for the ham for a different flavor profile.
• Hawaiian Style: Add a few chunks of pineapple to the ham while it is simmering to create a sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired sandwich.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ham and BBQ sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.

Q: Can I use a different type of ham?
A: While thinly shaved, chipped ham is recommended for the best texture, you can use other types of ham, such as deli ham or leftover cooked ham. Just be sure to chop it into small pieces.

Q: What kind of coleslaw should I use?
A: Any kind of coleslaw will work, but a creamy coleslaw is a classic choice. You can use store-bought coleslaw or make your own.

Q: Can I freeze the leftover ham mixture?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftover ham mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Is Heinz ketchup essential?
A: While you can use other ketchup brands, Heinz is the classic Pittsburgh choice and provides a distinctive flavor.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – a taste of Pittsburgh, right in your own kitchen! These Ham BBQ Sandwiches are more than just a meal; they’re a piece of home. Whether you’re tailgating with friends, enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, or simply craving a little comfort food, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy every bite! Let me know what you think! What is your favorite tailgate food?