Pittsburgh-Style Ham BBQ Sandwiches

There are certain foods that instantly transport you back in time.

For me, it happened during a recent trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While browsing the deli counters at the market, I spotted chipped beef and immediately found myself thinking about a family Fourth of July picnic from more than 25 years ago.

That picnic wasn't in Lancaster—it was in Pittsburgh, PA.

I remember being handed a sandwich and told it was "Ham BBQ." Having grown up elsewhere, I had never heard of such a thing. Everyone around me seemed shocked. "You've never had Ham BBQ?" they asked.

Apparently, this simple sandwich is a western Pennsylvania institution.

Made with chipped chopped ham simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce and served on soft buns, Ham BBQ sandwiches have been showing up at picnics, graduation parties, church suppers, and family gatherings around Pittsburgh for generations.

Ever since that picnic, I've wanted to recreate that sandwich at home.

What Is Ham BBQ?

Unlike traditional pulled pork barbecue, Pittsburgh-style Ham BBQ starts with chipped chopped ham—very thin slices of deli ham that are simmered in a thin barbecue sauce until heated through.

The sauce isn't thick and smoky like many bottled barbecue sauces. Instead, it's lighter, slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly suited to the salty ham.

The result is an easy, crowd-pleasing sandwich that's ideal for feeding a group.

My Version Of Ham BBQ

Since I can't easily find authentic Pittsburgh chipped chopped ham where I live, I used thinly sliced smoked chipped ham from S. Clyde Weaver, which I found during our Lancaster trip.

For the sauce, I kept things simple with ketchup, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a brown sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version. Feel free to use brown sugar if you prefer a more traditional approach.

The best part? Everything comes together in a slow cooker with almost no effort.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker recipe

• Perfect for summer gatherings and cookouts

• Great make-ahead meal

• Feeds a crowd

• Lower sugar than traditional versions

• A nostalgic taste of western Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh-Style Ham BBQ Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked chipped ham, sliced thin

• 1 cup no-sugar ketchup, such as True Made Food

• 4 tablespoons brown sweetener, such as Lakanto (or brown sugar)

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ cup water, plus more if needed

• Hamburger buns, for serving

• Butter, for toasting buns

Instructions

1. In a small slow cooker, whisk together the ketchup, brown sweetener, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and water.

2. Add the chipped ham and stir well to coat the slices evenly in the sauce.

3. Cover and cook on low for about 1 hour, or until the ham is heated through and the sauce is lightly simmering.

4. If the mixture becomes too thick, stir in a little additional water until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Butter the tops and bottoms of the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.

6. Pile the warm Ham BBQ mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Potato salad

• Macaroni salad

• Coleslaw

• Baked beans

• Pickles

• Potato chips

Tips for the Best Ham BBQ

• Ask your deli to slice the ham as thin as possible.

• Don't overcook the ham; it only needs to heat through.

• The sauce should be thinner than traditional barbecue sauce.

• Toasting the buns prevents them from becoming soggy.

• This recipe can easily be doubled for parties and cookouts.

A Taste of Pennsylvania

One of my favorite things about traveling is discovering—or rediscovering—regional foods. This Ham BBQ recipe combines memories from Pittsburgh with inspiration from Lancaster, bringing together two beloved Pennsylvania food traditions.

If you're from western Pennsylvania, I'd love to know: Did you grow up eating Ham BBQ sandwiches? And if so, what family recipe secrets make yours special?