Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues Recipe

Ham: Sliced ham is the main protein in this recipe, providing a savory and slightly salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the barbecue sauce.

Ketchup: This tomato-based condiment forms the base of the barbecue sauce, adding sweetness and tang.

Water: Used to thin out the sauce to the right consistency.

Brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: This fermented liquid condiment adds umami and complexity to the sauce.

Vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Mustard: Adds a slight tang and sharpness to the sauce.

Hamburger buns: Soft buns that will hold the ham and sauce mixture, making it easy to eat as a sandwich.

When preparing the sauce for Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues, ensure you simmer it long enough to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for achieving a rich and balanced barbecue sauce. Additionally, when adding the sliced ham to the sauce, make sure it is fully submerged to absorb the flavors evenly. For an extra touch, lightly toast the hamburger buns before serving to add a delightful crunch and prevent them from becoming too soggy.

• sliced ham - Substitute with turkey slices: Turkey slices provide a similar texture and can be a leaner option.

• sliced ham - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef offers a different but rich flavor that complements the barbecue sauce.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used with added sugar and vinegar to mimic the sweetness and tanginess of ketchup.

• ketchup - Substitute with barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce already contains many of the flavors in ketchup and adds a smoky element.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds a depth of flavor that water lacks.

• water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar enhancement in flavor without altering the dish significantly.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note that complements the barbecue sauce.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness, though it lacks the complexity of Worcestershire sauce.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor that can mimic some aspects of Worcestershire sauce.

• vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides acidity and a fresh flavor that can replace vinegar.

• vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a similar acidity with a slightly fruity note.

• mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a similar tanginess with a bit more complexity.

• mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard is a direct substitute with a slightly milder flavor.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns add a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the overall dish.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns provide a healthier option with a slightly nutty flavor.

• Allow the ham mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy buns or spoilage.
• Transfer the cooled ham mixture 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.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its storage time. The ham mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, place the ham mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• When ready to use, thaw the ham mixture in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing method helps maintain the texture and flavor of the ham.
• Reheat the ham mixture gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
• Toast the hamburger buns lightly before serving to add a bit of crunch and prevent them from becoming too soggy from the reheated ham mixture.
• If you prefer, you can also reheat the ham mixture in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• Enjoy your Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues as if they were freshly made, with all the flavors intact and the hamburger buns perfectly toasted.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the ham mixture in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until it's warmed through.
• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the ham mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer the stovetop, add the ham mixture to a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• To reheat the hamburger buns, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can lightly toast them in a toaster or on a skillet until they are warm and slightly crispy.

• Saucepan: Used to combine and cook the sauce ingredients.

• Stirring spoon: Essential for mixing the sauce ingredients to ensure they are well combined.

• Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the ketchup, water, and brown sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and mustard precisely.

• Knife: Useful for slicing the ham if it is not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to slice the ham.

• Stovetop: Required to heat the saucepan and cook the sauce and ham.

• Tongs: Handy for adding the ham slices to the sauce and for serving.

• Hamburger buns: The base for serving the ham mixture.

• Serving plate: To place the assembled ham barbecues before serving.

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

Use pre-sliced ham: Save time by purchasing pre-sliced ham instead of slicing it yourself.

Simmer while multitasking: Let the sauce simmer while you prepare other ingredients or set the table.

Toast the buns: Toast hamburger buns in the oven or on a skillet while the ham cooks for added texture and flavor.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch of sauce and ham to freeze for future quick meals.