Pittsburgh-Style BBQ Ham Sliders
Indulge in a taste of Pittsburgh with these irresistible BBQ ham sliders, inspired by my mother's time-tested recipe. Originating from the Steel City, where deli culture thrives, these sandwiches are brought to life with chip-chopped ham, simmered in a zesty BBQ sauce that's both sweet and tangy. Traditionally served on soft hamburger buns, these sliders make for the perfect crowd-pleaser during game day or any gathering. Knowing Pittsburgh's love for Heinz ketchup, you'll be sure to bring a little bit of the region's flavor right into your home. Whether you're cheering on the Steelers or hosting a casual lunch, these BBQ ham sliders will transport you straight to the heart of Pittsburgh dining.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heinz ketchup
14 ounces (none)
Water
7 ounces (none)
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
Heinz sweet pickle relish
5 ounces (none)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Shaved deli ham
1.5-2 lbs (shaved)
Hamburger buns
8-12 (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or crockpot, combine the Heinz ketchup, water, dry mustard, vinegar, sweet pickle relish, and brown sugar.
2
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until fully incorporated and the sugar has dissolved.
3
Once the sauce is well-blended, add in the shaved deli ham, stirring gently to coat the ham in the sauce.
4
Cover and simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and tender.
5
While the ham is heating, prepare the hamburger buns, lightly toasting them if desired.
6
Once the ham is ready, spoon the BBQ ham mixture onto the bottom half of each hamburger bun, then top with the other half.
7
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
41g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pittsburgh-Style BBQ Ham Sliders?
They are a regional specialty featuring chip-chopped or shaved deli ham simmered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, traditionally served on soft hamburger buns.
What is chip-chopped ham?
Chip-chopped ham is deli ham that has been sliced extremely thin, almost shaved, which allows it to soak up the BBQ sauce more effectively.
Which ketchup should I use for this recipe?
To keep the flavor authentic to Pittsburgh, Heinz ketchup is highly recommended.
How long does it take to cook the ham?
Once the ham is added to the sauce, it should be covered and simmered on low heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I make these sliders in a crockpot?
Yes, you can combine the sauce ingredients and the ham in a crockpot and heat until the sugar is dissolved and the ham is tender.
What ingredients are in the BBQ sauce?
The sauce is made from Heinz ketchup, water, dry mustard, vinegar, Heinz sweet pickle relish, and brown sugar.
Are these sliders good for parties?
Yes, they are described as an ideal crowd-pleaser for game days, the Super Bowl, or casual gatherings.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of these sliders contains approximately 400 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 19 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the sliders?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 41 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of bread is best for these?
Traditional soft hamburger buns are the best choice for Pittsburgh-style ham sliders.
Should the buns be toasted?
The buns can be lightly toasted if desired, though they are often served soft.
How much ham do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 to 2 lbs of shaved deli ham.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe typically yields 8 to 12 sliders depending on the amount of ham used per bun.
Is there a specific relish recommended?
Heinz sweet pickle relish is specified in the recipe for the most authentic taste.
What gives the sauce its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from a combination of brown sugar, Heinz ketchup, and sweet pickle relish.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple instructions and common ingredients.
What is the flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce is a zesty blend that is both sweet and tangy.
Can I use regular sliced ham instead of shaved ham?
You can, but the texture will differ; shaved or chip-chopped ham provides the traditional Pittsburgh deli experience.
How much water is added to the sauce mixture?
The recipe requires 7 ounces of water.
Is there mustard in the recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of dry mustard is included in the sauce.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of vinegar to add tanginess to the sauce.
Can these be served for lunch?
Yes, they make a perfect casual lunch or a hearty snack.
Is this a Pittsburgh tradition?
Yes, these sandwiches are inspired by the thriving deli culture and time-tested recipes from the Steel City.
Do I need to cook the sauce before adding the ham?
Yes, you should heat the sauce mixture until the sugar has dissolved and it is fully incorporated before adding the ham.
What is the preparation for the ham?
The ham should be prepared by being shaved thin at the deli counter.
Can I store leftovers?
Leftover BBQ ham can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for later use.
Are there any specific side dishes recommended?
While not specified, they go great with traditional BBQ sides like chips, slaw, or potato salad.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as comfort food and deli-style sliders.