Kathy’s BBQ Ham Sandwich: A Taste of Comfort and Tradition

There are certain dishes that, for me, transcend mere sustenance; they are edible memories, woven into the fabric of family celebrations and cherished traditions. Kathy’s BBQ Ham Sandwich is one such treasure. I recall one particularly blustery New Year’s Eve, the wind howling outside, while inside, the comforting aroma of this savory ham filled our home. My children, still buzzing from the day’s festivities, would always clamor for this post-midnight snack, a familiar and beloved ritual that signaled the winding down of one year and the hopeful embrace of another. It’s a testament to its simple, honest goodness that it remains a go-to, even for grown children now starting their own holiday traditions.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-120 minutes (depending on method)
• Total Time: 40-140 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (check ham for allergens)

Ingredients

The beauty of this sandwich lies in its straightforward approach, allowing the quality of the ham to shine through, enveloped in a tangy, sweet sauce.

• 2 pounds cooked ham, thinly sliced or chipped
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
• 8 hamburger buns

Notes on Ingredients:

• Ham: While the recipe calls for thinly sliced or chipped baked ham, you can also use leftover roasted ham, or even a good quality deli ham. The key is to ensure it’s already cooked. If you have larger pieces, give them a quick chop to make them easier to manage on the buns.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar provides a gentle sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor that complements the ham. Ensure it’s lightly packed to avoid overly sweet results.
• Ketchup: A good quality ketchup forms the base of our sauce.
• Vinegar: White vinegar offers a bright, acidic counterpoint to the sweetness, crucial for balancing the sauce.

Equipment Needed

• Medium to large saucepan (for stovetop method)
• Crockpot or slow cooker (for slow cooker method)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Knife and cutting board (if chipping ham)

Instructions

The preparation for Kathy’s BBQ Ham Sandwich is blessedly simple, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal fuss.

1. Prepare the Ham: If your cooked ham is in larger slices, chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to spoon onto the buns and ensure a good ratio of ham to sauce in every bite. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1/2 to 1 inch in size.

2. Create the BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, ketchup, lightly packed light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, and butter (or margarine).

3. Whisk the Sauce: Whisk all the sauce ingredients together thoroughly until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Ensure there are no lumps of sugar remaining.

4. Combine Ham and Sauce: Add the chopped ham to the saucepan with the prepared sauce. Mix everything together well, ensuring that every piece of ham is coated in the flavorful sauce.

5. Cook the Ham: You have two excellent options for cooking the ham and sauce, depending on your time and preference:

   • Stovetop Method (Faster): Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 20 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. This method is quicker and great when you’re short on time.

   • Crockpot/Slow Cooker Method (Ideal for Ease): Transfer the ham and sauce mixture to a crockpot or slow cooker. Cook on the low setting for about 1 to 2 hours, or until heated through. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and requires less hands-on attention.

6. Check for Doneness: Regardless of the cooking method, ensure the ham is heated through. The sauce should be warm and slightly thickened, coating the ham deliciously.

7. Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the ham and sauce are heated, prepare your hamburger buns. Spoon a generous portion of the saucy ham mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. You can add the top bun immediately or serve them open-faced for easier eating.

8. Serve Warm: These sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately while they are warm and the sauce is at its most luscious.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Achieving the “NC-Style” Consistency: The recipe’s description of a less thick, sauce-absorbing consistency is key. If you find your sauce is becoming too thick on the stovetop, a splash more water can be added. If using a slow cooker, the flavors meld beautifully without excessive thickening.
• Chipping the Ham: For the most authentic texture, a good chef’s knife will make quick work of “chipping” larger ham slices into smaller, irregular pieces. This mimics the traditional preparation and adds a rustic charm.
• Pre-Saucing: While best served fresh, you can prepare the ham and sauce mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Kathy’s BBQ Ham Sandwich is a hearty and satisfying dish that stands proudly on its own. It’s often served as a delightful after-supper snack, particularly during holiday gatherings, but it also makes a fantastic casual lunch or dinner.

• Serving: Serve these warm on their original hamburger buns. The slight messiness is part of the charm, so have napkins readily available! For a more complete meal, you could offer a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the ham and sauce mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until heated through. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the ham. You may need to add a touch more water or a splash of ketchup if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Nutritional Information

This nutritional breakdown is an estimation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, particularly the type of ham.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	~350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	~10g	13%
Saturated Fat	~4g	20%
Cholesterol	~60mg	20%
Sodium	~1200mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate	~40g	15%
Dietary Fiber	~1g	4%
Sugars	~25g	50%
Protein	~25g	50%

Note: Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a classic for a reason, a few subtle tweaks can introduce delightful new dimensions:

• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Tangier Sauce: Increase the white vinegar by a tablespoon or two for a more pronounced tang.
• Smoky Undertones: If using a plain baked ham, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce for a subtle smoky flavor reminiscent of true barbecue.
• Different Buns: While hamburger buns are traditional and allow the sauce to soak in beautifully, feel free to experiment with slider buns, hoagie rolls, or even toasted Texas toast for a heartier sandwich.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before adding to the ham.

Q: What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
A: A fully cooked, baked ham is ideal. You can use sliced ham, a ham roast that you slice or chip yourself, or even leftover holiday ham.

Q: How do I prevent the sandwiches from being too messy?
A: While part of the charm is their ‘messy’ nature, you can serve them open-faced or provide extra napkins and perhaps even a fork on the side for easier enjoyment.

Q: Can I freeze Kathy’s BBQ Ham Sandwich?
A: It’s generally not recommended to freeze the assembled sandwiches as the buns can become soggy. However, the cooked ham and sauce mixture can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering?
A: Yes, this recipe is incredibly well-suited for feeding a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe and use a larger slow cooker or multiple saucepans to accommodate more guests.

Final Thoughts

Kathy’s BBQ Ham Sandwich is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warmth, comfort, and lasting memories. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing the rich flavors of the ham and the perfectly balanced sauce to take center stage. Whether you’re serving it as a beloved family tradition or introducing it to new friends, this sandwich is sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. Don’t be afraid to embrace the delightful messiness – it’s all part of the experience. Enjoy every delicious, saucy bite!