Ham Barbecue Sandwiches Pittsburgh Style

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Pittsburgh with these irresistible Ham Barbecue Sandwiches, a local classic that’s equal parts tangy, sweet, and savory. Featuring thinly sliced deli ham simmered to perfection in a homemade barbecue sauce made from ketchup, Coca-Cola, brown sugar, and a medley of zesty seasonings, this recipe balances old-school comfort with bold flavor. The sauce is rich, slightly smoky, and with just the right pop of sweetness, thanks to the cola and vinegar combination. Toasted sandwich buns provide the ideal base for soaking up the saucy goodness, creating a warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this iconic dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or game-day gatherings. Serve with crunchy potato chips or creamy coleslaw for an authentic Pittsburgh-style feast everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Deli-sliced ham
• 1 cup Ketchup
• 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
• 2 tablespoons White vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 6 Sandwich buns
• 2 tablespoons Butter (optional, for toasting buns)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, Coca-Cola, white vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 2

Whisk the ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble gently.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and allow the barbecue sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Add the sliced deli ham to the sauce, stirring to coat the ham evenly in the barbecue mixture.

Step 5

Cover the saucepan and let the ham simmer in the sauce for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Step 6

While the ham is simmering, optionally toast the sandwich buns by spreading a thin layer of butter on the cut sides and placing them cut-side-down on a skillet or griddle over medium heat until lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7

Once the ham is heated through and the barbecue sauce slightly thickened, remove the saucepan from heat.

Step 8

Assemble the sandwiches by piling the barbecue ham mixture onto the toasted buns.

Step 9

Serve immediately with your choice of sides—potato chips, coleslaw, or pickles are classic options.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1264.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2017.1

Total Fat 52.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 386.9mg	0%
Sodium 8466.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 235.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.9g	0%
Total Sugars 106.6g
Protein 135.9g	0%

Vitamin D 18.3IU	0%
Calcium 292.3mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 2287.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.2%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 48.1%