Isley’s chipped chopped ham holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of Pittsburghers. That distinctively smokey, salty chopped ham straight from the can has been a Steel City staple for decades.
But where Isley’s really shines is when you pair it with a tangy homemade barbecue sauce to make extraordinary sandwiches. The chipped ham provides a meaty base while the sweet and zesty barbecue sauce delivers that signature Pittsburgh flair. This sandwich combination is a local legend that folks never get tired of.
In today’s article, I’m excited to share my recipe for Isley’s famous Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Sandwiches. Whether you’re a Pittsburgher nostalgic for this sandwich’s incredible flavors or just appreciate finger-lickin’s good barbecue, you’ll love this recipe. I’ll provide my homemade barbecue sauce recipe made with common pantry staples. You’ll also learn easy step-by-step assembly, flavor variations, substitution suggestions, storage tips, and frequently asked questions.
Get ready to get saucy with the ultimate recipe for Isley’s sensational chipped ham barbecue sandwiches! This Pittsburgh specialty delivers the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in each bite. Let’s dive into how to make this Steel City classic at home.
Ingredients for Isley’s Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue
Before we get started, gather these simple yet essential ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Pinch of garlic salt
- 1 pound chopped ham
- Hamburger buns
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Isley’s Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue
Making the BBQ Sauce
To kick off this delightful recipe, let’s prepare the finger-licking BBQ sauce that sets Isley’s chipped ham BBQ sandwich apart from the rest.
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, water, sweet pickle relish, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke flavoring, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, and garlic salt.
- Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Set the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Preparing the Chipped Ham:
Isley’s chipped ham is the star of this sandwich, and it’s what gives it that unique taste. If you can’t find pre-chipped ham, you can use thinly sliced ham and chop it into small pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chipped ham to the skillet and cook it for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through and slightly browned.
Assembling the Sandwich:
Now comes the fun part – putting it all together!
- Take a hamburger bun and open it up.
- Generously spoon the prepared chipped ham onto the bottom half of the bun.
- Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade BBQ sauce over the ham.
- Top it off with the other half of the hamburger bun, and your Isley’s Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Sandwich is ready to be devoured!
Flavor Variations:
While the original is hard to top, here are some tasty ways to change it up:
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
- Cheesy delight: Place a slice of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, over the chipped ham before adding the BBQ sauce.
- Veggie goodness: For a vegetarian version, swap the chipped ham with thinly sliced and sautéed mushrooms or grilled eggplant.
- Gluten-free option: Opt for gluten-free hamburger buns to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Substitute Ingredients:
Missing some ingredients? Here are some substitutes:
- Out of Isley’s chipped ham? Use another brand of diced deli ham.
- Don’t have barbecue sauce ingredients? Use a 3/4 cup bottle of barbecue sauce instead.
- No liquid smoke? Omit or use a dash of smoked paprika.
- No hamburger buns? Sub rolls, Texas toast, biscuits, or even waffles.
- Lack toppings? Use what you have – cheese, spinach, sprouts, guacamole, etc.
No matter what ingredients you have on hand, you can improvise a delicious chipped ham barbecue sandwich.
What Does Isley’s Chipped Ham Barbecue Taste Like?
Isley’s Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Sandwich boasts a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The homemade BBQ sauce infuses the chipped ham with a tangy and slightly smoky taste, while the sweetness from the brown sugar and pickle relish adds a unique twist. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth sandwich that leaves you craving more.
What are some side dishes that would go well with Isley’s chipped ham BBQ?
- Potato salad – The creaminess of potato salad complements the smoky, salty chipped ham bbq perfectly. Go for a classic mayo-based version or try a mustard or vinegar-based potato salad.
- Coleslaw – Cool, crunchy coleslaw is a classic bbq side. The sweetness and acidity help cut through the richness. Try both creamy mayo-based or vinegar-based coleslaw.
- Baked beans – Sweet, smoky baked beans are a quintessential bbq side. Go for scratch-made or spice up a canned version. The sweetness pairs so well with the salty ham.
- Corn on the cob – Grilled, roasted, or boiled corn on the cob makes for perfect handheld nibbling alongside a saucy bbq sandwich. Brush with compound butter for extra flavor.
Isley’s Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Pinch of garlic salt
- 1 pound chipped ham
- 6 Hamburger buns
Instructions
- To kick off this delightful recipe, let’s prepare the finger-licking BBQ sauce that sets Isley’s chipped ham BBQ sandwich apart from the rest.
- In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, water, sweet pickle relish, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke flavoring, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, and garlic salt.
- Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Set the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
- Isley’s chipped ham is the star of this sandwich, and it’s what gives it that unique taste. If you can’t find pre-chipped ham, you can use thinly sliced ham and chop it into small pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chipped ham to the skillet and cook it for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through and slightly browned.
- Now comes the fun part – putting it all together!
- Take a hamburger bun and open it up.
- Generously spoon the prepared chipped ham onto the bottom half of the bun.
- Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade BBQ sauce over the ham.
- Top it off with the other half of the hamburger bun, and your Isley’s Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Sandwich is ready to be devoured!
What is the difference between chipped ham and other types of ham?
the key difference between chipped ham and other types of ham lies in its thin, delicate slices, regional popularity, and milder flavor profile, making it a favorite choice for certain regional dishes and preparations.
