Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue Recipes: A Burgh Staple!
Pittsburgh ham barbecues, also affectionately known as “ham bbs” or simply “barbecues” in the Steel City, are a culinary institution. They’re not your typical backyard grilling fare; these aren’t burgers and hot dogs. Instead, they are savory, tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply comforting sandwiches that represent a significant part of Pittsburgh’s food culture. Think finely shaved ham simmered in a flavorful barbecue sauce, piled high on a soft roll, and often topped with a slice of melted provolone cheese.
This article dives deep into the heart of Pittsburgh ham barbecues, exploring their history, the key ingredients that make them unique, and several recipes for creating this iconic sandwich at home. Whether you’re a Pittsburgh native craving a taste of home or a curious foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons, you’ll find everything you need to master the art of the Pittsburgh ham barbecue.
## A Brief History of the Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue
The exact origins of the Pittsburgh ham barbecue are shrouded in a bit of mystery, but most food historians agree that it emerged sometime in the early to mid-20th century. Some attribute its creation to local delis and lunch counters looking for a way to use leftover ham. Others suggest it was born out of necessity during the Great Depression, as a way to make a small amount of ham go further. Regardless of its precise beginning, the ham barbecue quickly gained popularity and became a beloved staple in Pittsburgh’s diverse culinary landscape.
The sandwich’s appeal likely stems from a combination of factors. It’s relatively inexpensive to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly suited to the region’s blue-collar sensibility. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to eat on the go, making it a favorite among workers and families alike. Over time, variations have emerged, with different restaurants and home cooks adding their own unique twists to the classic recipe.
## Key Ingredients for the Perfect Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue
While variations exist, the core elements of a great Pittsburgh ham barbecue remain consistent. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients:
* **Ham:** The ham is the star of the show, so quality matters. Look for a boneless ham that’s not overly salty or processed. Many Pittsburghers swear by a good-quality smoked ham for added flavor. The ham should be very thinly shaved, almost shredded. This allows it to absorb the sauce and create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
* **Barbecue Sauce:** The sauce is what truly defines a Pittsburgh ham barbecue. It’s typically a tangy, slightly sweet, and relatively thin sauce, often featuring a combination of vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. The sauce should complement the ham without overpowering it. Many homemade versions incorporate onion and/or garlic for added depth of flavor. Pre-made barbecue sauces can be used as a base, but tweaking them with additional ingredients is crucial to achieve that signature Pittsburgh flavor.
* **Rolls:** The right roll is essential for structural integrity and overall enjoyment. Soft, slightly sweet rolls are the preferred choice. Kaiser rolls, hoagie rolls, or even hamburger buns can work, as long as they’re soft enough to soak up the sauce without becoming soggy. Some bakeries in Pittsburgh make rolls specifically designed for ham barbecues.
* **Optional Toppings:** While purists might argue against toppings, many Pittsburghers enjoy adding a slice of provolone cheese to their ham barbecues. The cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy, savory element that complements the ham and sauce. Other potential toppings include pickles, coleslaw, or even a dab of hot sauce for those who like a little kick.
## Recipe 1: Classic Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue
This recipe provides a solid foundation for creating a classic Pittsburgh ham barbecue. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs thinly shaved ham (smoked ham recommended)
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup ketchup
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 8 soft rolls
* 4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Combine Sauce Ingredients:** Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
3. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more brown sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess, depending on your preference.
4. **Add the Ham:** Add the thinly shaved ham to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir to coat the ham completely. Make sure all the ham is submerged in the sauce.
5. **Simmer with Ham:** Continue to simmer the ham and sauce over low heat for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is heated through and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the ham, as it can become dry.
6. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** While the ham is simmering, prepare the rolls. If desired, you can lightly toast the rolls in a toaster oven or on a grill pan for added texture.
7. **Load the Rolls:** Using a slotted spoon, remove the ham from the sauce and pile it generously onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Spoon a bit of the remaining sauce over the ham.
8. **Add Cheese (Optional):** If using provolone cheese, place a half slice (or a full slice, depending on the size of the roll) on top of the ham on each sandwich.
9. **Melt the Cheese (Optional):** You can melt the cheese under a broiler for a minute or two, or simply cover the sandwiches with the top halves of the rolls and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
10. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Pittsburgh ham barbecues immediately while they’re hot and the rolls are still soft. Enjoy!
## Recipe 2: Slow Cooker Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue
This recipe is perfect for those who want a hands-off approach to making Pittsburgh ham barbecues. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful ham.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs thinly shaved ham (smoked ham recommended)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 1/2 cups ketchup
* 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 8 soft rolls
* 4 slices provolone cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Slow Cooker:** Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
2. **Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:** Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
3. **Add the Ham:** Add the thinly shaved ham to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the ham completely with the sauce. Make sure the ham is submerged as much as possible. If you have a large amount of ham, you may need to add it in batches and stir to ensure it’s evenly coated.
4. **Cook on Low:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The ham should be very tender and easily shreddable.
5. **Shred the Ham (Optional):** While not essential (as the ham is already shaved), you can shred the ham slightly with two forks for an even more tender texture.
6. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Prepare the rolls as in the previous recipe. Using a slotted spoon, remove the ham from the slow cooker and pile it generously onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Spoon some of the sauce over the ham.
7. **Add Cheese (Optional):** If using provolone cheese, place a slice on top of the ham on each sandwich.
8. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Pittsburgh ham barbecues immediately. The slow cooker will keep the ham warm if you’re not ready to serve right away.
## Recipe 3: Spicy Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue
For those who crave a little heat, this recipe adds a spicy kick to the classic Pittsburgh ham barbecue.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs thinly shaved ham (smoked ham recommended)
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup ketchup
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot)
* 8 soft rolls
* 4 slices pepper jack cheese (optional, for added spice)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Sauce:** Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Classic Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue recipe.
2. **Add Spicy Ingredients:** Add the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Start with the smaller amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce, then taste and add more to reach your desired level of spiciness.
3. **Simmer the Sauce:** Follow step 3 from the Classic Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue recipe.
4. **Add the Ham:** Follow step 4 from the Classic Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue recipe.
5. **Simmer with Ham:** Follow step 5 from the Classic Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue recipe.
6. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Prepare the rolls as in the previous recipes.
7. **Load the Rolls:** Using a slotted spoon, remove the ham from the sauce and pile it generously onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Spoon some of the remaining sauce over the ham.
8. **Add Cheese (Optional):** If using pepper jack cheese, place a slice on top of the ham on each sandwich.
9. **Melt the Cheese (Optional):** Melt the cheese under a broiler or let the residual heat melt it.
10. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the spicy Pittsburgh ham barbecues immediately. Have a glass of milk or water nearby for those who are sensitive to spice!
## Recipe 4: Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue with a Gourmet Twist
This recipe elevates the classic ham barbecue with a few gourmet touches, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs thinly shaved Black Forest ham
* 1 shallot, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup high-quality ketchup
* 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 8 brioche rolls
* 4 slices Gruyere cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Combine Sauce Ingredients:** Add the ketchup, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and beef broth to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
3. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The balsamic vinegar will add a richer, more complex flavor than apple cider vinegar.
4. **Add the Ham:** Add the thinly shaved Black Forest ham to the saucepan with the sauce. Stir to coat the ham completely.
5. **Simmer with Ham:** Continue to simmer the ham and sauce over low heat for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is heated through and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
6. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Prepare the brioche rolls. You can lightly toast them if desired.
7. **Load the Rolls:** Using a slotted spoon, remove the ham from the sauce and pile it generously onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Spoon some of the remaining sauce over the ham.
8. **Add Cheese (Optional):** If using Gruyere cheese, place a slice on top of the ham on each sandwich.
9. **Melt the Cheese (Optional):** Melt the cheese under a broiler or let the residual heat melt it.
10. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the gourmet Pittsburgh ham barbecues immediately. The brioche rolls and Gruyere cheese elevate the sandwich to a new level of deliciousness.
## Tips for Making the Best Pittsburgh Ham Barbecue
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be. Opt for good-quality ham, ketchup, and other condiments.
* **Don’t Skimp on the Simmering Time:** Simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex taste.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasonings:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or hot sauce for heat.
* **Use a Slotted Spoon:** A slotted spoon helps to remove the ham from the sauce without making the rolls soggy.
* **Warm the Rolls:** Lightly toasting or warming the rolls adds a pleasant texture and prevents them from becoming soggy too quickly.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** While provolone cheese is the classic topping, feel free to experiment with other toppings such as pickles, coleslaw, or even caramelized onions.
* **Make it Your Own:** These recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to add your own unique twists and variations to create your perfect Pittsburgh ham barbecue.
## Serving Suggestions
Pittsburgh ham barbecues are typically served as a casual meal. They pair well with a variety of sides, including:
* **French Fries:** A classic pairing for any sandwich.
* **Coleslaw:** Adds a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the savory ham barbecue.
* **Potato Salad:** Another classic picnic side dish.
* **Pickles:** The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
* **Macaroni and Cheese:** A comforting and satisfying side dish.
* **Potato Chips:** A simple and easy side for a casual meal.
## Where to Find Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues in Pittsburgh
If you’re visiting Pittsburgh and want to try an authentic ham barbecue, here are a few local establishments known for their delicious versions:
* **Primanti Bros.:** While famous for their sandwiches topped with fries and coleslaw, Primanti Bros. also offers a solid ham barbecue.
* **Giant Eagle Market District:** The prepared foods section often has ham barbecues available.
* **Local Delis and Lunch Counters:** Many neighborhood delis and lunch counters throughout Pittsburgh offer their own unique takes on the ham barbecue. Ask around for recommendations!
## Conclusion
Pittsburgh ham barbecues are more than just a sandwich; they’re a symbol of Pittsburgh’s culinary heritage. With their savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor, they offer a comforting and satisfying taste of home. Whether you’re a lifelong Pittsburgher or a curious food lover, these recipes provide everything you need to create your own delicious Pittsburgh ham barbecues at home. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove or slow cooker, and get ready to experience a true Pittsburgh classic!