If you’ve ever craved a hearty, flavorful sandwich that hits all the right notes—savory, tangy, melty, and crispy—a hot pastrami sandwich is your go-to comfort food. This classic deli favorite is a true New York staple, loved for its layers of tender pastrami, melted cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and zesty dressing, all hugged by buttery rye bread. Ready to make one at home? Let’s dive into the easy steps to create your own mouthwatering hot pastrami sandwich.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for the Perfect Hot Pastrami Sandwich
– Pastrami: About 4 to 6 ounces of thinly sliced hot pastrami, ideally warmed up before assembling.
– Rye Bread: Two slices of caraway rye bread for that authentic deli flavor.
– Cheese: Swiss or provolone cheese, one slice each, to melt perfectly over the pastrami.
– Sauerkraut: 2 to 3 ounces, drained well to add tang and crunch.
– Russian or Thousand Island Dressing: 2 to 4 tablespoons for a creamy, zesty kick.
– Butter: For spreading on the outside of the bread to get that golden, crispy crust.
Optional extras include coleslaw or pickles if you want a little extra crunch and flavor contrast.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Hot Pastrami Sandwich
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by warming the pastrami. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat for about a minute per side until it’s hot and slightly browned. This step enhances the flavor and makes the meat tender and juicy.
2. Butter the Bread
Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of each slice of rye bread. This will help you get a beautiful golden crust when you grill the sandwich.
3. Assemble the Sandwich
– Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on the inside of both slices of bread.
– Pile the warm pastrami generously on one slice.
– Add sauerkraut or coleslaw on top of the pastrami for a tangy crunch.
– Layer with Swiss or provolone cheese.
– Top with the second slice of bread, butter side facing out.
4. Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Press down lightly with a spatula to help the sandwich hold together and melt the cheese evenly.
5. Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once both sides are toasted and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich from the pan. Slice it in half and serve immediately. For an authentic deli experience, add a side of dill pickles.
Tips for Making the Ultimate Hot Pastrami Sandwich
– Use Quality Pastrami: The star of the sandwich is the pastrami itself. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even make homemade pastrami by seasoning corned beef with a spice mix and slow cooking it until tender.
– Don’t Skip the Butter: Buttering the outside of the bread is key to achieving that crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender filling.
– Balance the Flavors: The richness of the pastrami and cheese pairs perfectly with the acidity of sauerkraut and the tang of Russian dressing. Adjust these to your taste.
– Experiment with Add-Ons: Some love adding crispy onion rings or pickles inside the sandwich for extra texture and flavor.
– Keep it Hot: Serve the sandwich hot to enjoy the melty cheese and warm pastrami at their best.
Variations to Try
– The Ultimate Deli Style: Pile on thick slices of hot pastrami, spicy mustard, sauerkraut, and crispy onion rings on rye bread for a decadent treat.
– Coleslaw Twist: Swap sauerkraut for creamy coleslaw for a milder crunch and a touch of sweetness.
– Double Cheese: Use both Swiss and provolone for a richer, gooier melt.
A hot pastrami sandwich is more than just a meal—it’s a nostalgic, satisfying experience that brings the flavors of a classic deli right into your kitchen. Whether you keep it simple or pile it high with extras, the key is layering quality ingredients and grilling it to golden perfection. Now, go ahead and treat yourself to this timeless comfort food!