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These BBQ Ham Sandwiches have saved dinner at my house more times than I can count. I started making them years ago when I needed a quick meal for unexpected guests and now they're our favorite busy night solution. The way the ham gets tender in that smoky sweet sauce is pure magic and my kids clear their plates every single time.
Why These Are Pure Gold
You know those recipes that look like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually take no time at all? This is one of them. The sauce works its magic in just 30 minutes transforming simple deli ham into something extraordinary. When you add melty provolone and toasted buns my family thinks they're getting restaurant food on a random Tuesday night.
What You'll Need
- Sliced Ham: 1.5 lbs from the deli counter I ask them to slice it thin so it gets extra tender.
- Our Magic Sauce: 1 cup water 1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 cup brown sugar bbq sauce 2 tbsp light brown sugar and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar for that perfect tang.
- Secret Seasonings: 1 tsp Worcestershire 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp yellow mustard and just a pinch each of onion and garlic powder.
- Sauce Helper: 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water this makes everything stick to the ham beautifully.
- The Finishing Touch: 8 slices provolone if you're feeling cheesy and 8 soft burger buns.
Let's Make Dinner
- Start the Sauce
- Mix up all those sauce ingredients in a bowl it'll look a bit thin but don't worry that's exactly what we want.
- Get It Simmering
- Layer your ham in a big skillet pour that sauce all over and let it start bubbling give everything a gentle stir now and then.
- Let It Get Happy
- Turn down the heat cover it up and let it simmer away for about 10 12 minutes this is where the magic happens.
- Make It Saucy
- Stir in that cornstarch mixture and watch how quickly it transforms into this gorgeous glazy sauce.
- Build Your Sandwiches
- I love to butter and toast the buns add a slice of provolone pile on that saucy ham and dig in while it's hot.
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Make It Your Own
Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne when we're craving heat. My husband loves it with spicy brown mustard instead of yellow and my kids go crazy for honey bbq sauce. Don't be afraid to play around with the flavors until you find your family's perfect version.
Perfect Partners
We love these with my quick coleslaw recipe or some crispy sweet potato fries on the side. When I'm hosting game day I make them on little slider buns they disappear in minutes every time.
Save Some For Later
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they'll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 days. Just warm them up gently in a pan or the microwave with a tiny splash of water to wake up the sauce. They make amazing lunches the next day.
Fun Ways to Mix It Up
My kids love when I add pickles for some crunch. Sometimes I'll grill pineapple rings to go with it the sweet and savory combo is incredible. On cold nights we pile everything on thick Texas toast and my teenager discovered that adding crispy fried onions on top takes it to a whole new level.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use deli-sliced ham?
- Freshly sliced deli ham is thinner and more tender than pre-packaged, allowing it to better absorb the sauce and become velvety smooth when simmered.
- → Why is simmer time important?
- Simmering allows the ham to become tender and develop a flavorful 'crust'. The covered pan helps infuse flavor throughout the meat.
- → Can I skip toasting the buns?
- Yes, the sandwiches are good either way. Toasting adds texture and helps melt the cheese, but you can serve them 'sloppy joe' style for a quicker meal.
- → Why add cornstarch at the end?
- Cornstarch thickens the sauce so it clings better to the meat and doesn't make the buns soggy when serving.
- → How many servings does this make?
- It makes 6 large sandwiches with plenty of ham, but can stretch to 8 servings for kids or smaller portions.