Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

Chipped ham: Thinly sliced ham, often found at the deli counter. It has a delicate texture that works perfectly for this recipe.

Barbecue sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that adds flavor to the ham. You can use your favorite brand or make your own.

Hamburger buns: Soft buns that serve as the perfect vessel for the ham mixture.

To enhance the flavor of your chipped ham barbecue, consider caramelizing the barbecue sauce before adding the chipped ham. Heat the sauce in the skillet until it starts to thicken and darken slightly, then add the ham. This will give the dish a deeper, richer taste.

• thinly sliced chipped ham - Substitute with thinly sliced deli ham: Deli ham is widely available and has a similar texture and flavor profile to chipped ham.

• thinly sliced chipped ham - Substitute with pulled pork: Pulled pork provides a similar savory and slightly sweet flavor, making it a good alternative for a barbecue recipe.

• barbecue sauce - Substitute with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce mixture: Mixing ketchup with Worcestershire sauce can mimic the tangy and sweet flavor of barbecue sauce.

• barbecue sauce - Substitute with homemade barbecue sauce: Creating a homemade version with ingredients like tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices can offer a personalized flavor.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns are slightly sweeter and richer, enhancing the overall flavor of the barbecue sandwich.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns provide a healthier option with added fiber and nutrients.

• Allow the chipped ham barbecue mixture to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hamburger buns soggy.

• Transfer the cooled chipped ham barbecue into an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they prevent any odors from seeping in or out.

• If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, store the container in the refrigerator. The chipped ham barbecue will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the chipped ham barbecue. Portion the mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the food freezes.

• Label the containers with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the chipped ham barbecue has been stored and ensures you use the oldest portions first.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen chipped ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the ham.

• 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 heating.

• If the barbecue sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to reach the desired consistency.

• Serve the reheated chipped ham barbecue on fresh hamburger buns for the best taste and texture. If the buns have been stored in the refrigerator or freezer, warm them slightly in the oven or toaster for a few minutes before serving.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the leftover chipped ham barbecue in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.

• Use a microwave-safe dish to reheat the ham mixture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the leftover chipped ham barbecue and a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• If you have a slow cooker, transfer the leftovers to the slow cooker and set it on low. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the ham mixture is thoroughly warmed.

• For a quick and easy method, use a steamer. Place the chipped ham barbecue in a heatproof dish, cover with foil, and steam for about 10 minutes until hot. This method helps retain moisture and flavor.

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

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

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the correct amount of barbecue sauce.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the ham mixture onto the hamburger buns without making a mess.

• Hamburger buns: The bread component for serving the ham mixture.

• Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the ham and sauce mixture in the skillet.

• Serving plate: Used to hold the assembled sandwiches before serving.

Pre-slice the buns: Save time by pre-slicing the hamburger buns before starting to cook. This way, you can quickly assemble the sandwiches once the ham mixture is ready.

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

Preheat the skillet: Start by preheating the skillet while you gather your ingredients. This ensures the chipped ham and barbecue sauce heat up faster.

Batch cooking: If you're making multiple servings, cook all the chipped ham at once and store the extra portions in the fridge for quick reheating later.