Homemade Hot Pastrami Sandwich

Oh, my friend, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: the homemade hot pastrami sandwich. It’s that delectable blend of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors that takes me straight back to those little delis my family used to visit. There’s something so heartwarming about tucking into a sandwich overflowing with warm pastrami and melty Swiss cheese. Each bite transports me to a simpler time, where the aroma of fresh rye bread fills the air and life feels just a little bit sweeter. The best part? Making it in your own kitchen is simpler than you might think!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Picture this: a crisp piece of rye bread hugging tender, smoky pastrami paired with creamy Swiss cheese, a zing of mustard, and the crunch of pickles—a symphony of flavors and textures that make your taste buds dance. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s your personal escape from the everyday hustle. Why whip up this masterpiece? Well, not only does it deliver a delightful explosion of flavor, but it also caters beautifully to your whims. Want it spicy? Add a hot mustard. Feeling adventurous? Toss on some sautéed peppers. The possibilities are endless, and they all lead to pure bliss.

The homemade touch ensures quality ingredients and flavor—as many of us know, nothing compares to the taste of something crafted with love. This sandwich packs protein, a nod to a balanced meal while not skimping on the flavors we crave. Whip it up for a soothing lunch when you need a little pick-me-up, or serve it at your next gathering for a bite that’s sure to impress your friends.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s make sure we have everything you need to whip up this culinary delight:

• Pastrami: A true star of the show! Choose high-quality pastrami; it should be well-seasoned, juicy, and slightly smoky. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider a plant-based version that mimics that savory smokiness.

• Rye bread: It’s all about the bread here. Go for classic rye for that slightly tangy flavor and sturdy texture, but if you’re feeling bold, try pumpernickel for a deeper, richer taste.

• Swiss cheese: Creamy and nutty, Swiss is the ideal cheese for melting. You could swap in provolone or even a sharp cheddar if you want a kick—experiment a bit!

• Mustard: The magic touch! A smooth yellow mustard works beautifully, but don’t hesitate to explore spicy or honey mustards for additional depth.

• Pickles: Crunchy, briny pickles bring a much-needed zest to this sandwich. Dill is classic, but bread and butter pickles add a surprising sweetness that’s just divine.

• Broccoli slaw (optional): This is my secret weapon for adding crunch and a splash of color! It’s a lovely accompaniment but can be skipped if you’re in a pinch.

• Vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper: These are the little giants of flavor that tie everything together. They balance out the richness of the pastrami and cheese, making sure each bite doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down.

How this recipe comes together

So, let’s get you into the kitchen and creating this masterpiece step by step:

1. Warm that pastrami: Grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. You don’t want to fry it up; just warm it through until it’s cozy and inviting—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The scent will start to wrap around you like a warm hug!

2. Toast the rye: If you’re a fan of crispy edges—ahem, who isn’t?—now’s the time to toast your rye bread. A quick jaunt in the toaster or an oven until golden brown will add that satisfying crunch.

3. Assemble with love: Ready for the magic? Stack your warm pastrami high on one slice of toasted rye, lay on a couple of slices of Swiss cheese, slather on that mustard, then pile on pickles like you mean it. Cap it with another slice of bread.

4. Optional broccoli slaw excitement: If you’re feeling fancy, whisk together shredded broccoli slaw with vinegar, a bit of sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Toss and taste—adjust the seasoning if it wants more zing.

5. Serve it up: Plate your sandwich alongside or on top of the broccoli slaw, letting that vibrant color draw everyone in.

Best way to enjoy it

Serving this sandwich is as straightforward as it gets! Cut it in half for dramatic flair—just watch how the cheese stretches in a glorious molten show as you take your first bite. Pair it with a side of chips for that crunch factor, or serve with a pickle spear for that extra zing. You could also whip up a simple soup, like a classic tomato bisque, for dipping. Think cozy diner vibes!

Storage and reheating tips

Should you find yourself with leftovers (though I can’t imagine that being a problem), here’s how to keep them fresh. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, it can last in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. When it comes time to refresh your sandwich, pop it back in the skillet for a few minutes to retain that delicious warmth, or you can microwave it—but the skillet will give you that lovely crispiness.

For freezing, sandwich a piece of parchment paper between layers if you’ve made multiple. Freeze for about a month, but I challenge you to get through it before that!

Pro chef tips

1. Toast the spices: You can sprinkle some fresh cracked black pepper before serving for an aromatic burst.
2. Quality checks: Don’t skimp on the meat—true pastrami lovers will tell you it’s worth finding the best sourced meat for maximum flavor.
3. Stay balanced: Keep the mustard on the side if you’re uncertain about the spice level; everyone has their preferences!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to jazz up your pastrami:

1. Spicy slider: Turn this into sliders with sliced jalapeños or hot mustard for a kick!
2. Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms or onions can bring a new layer of flavor to your sandwich.
3. Cheese swap: Go blue cheese or mozzarella if you want to play around with flavors.

Ingredients

• Pastrami
• Rye bread
• Swiss cheese
• Mustard
• Pickles
• Broccoli slaw (optional)
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper

Step-by-step instructions

1. Heat pastrami in a skillet until warm.
2. Toast rye bread if desired.
3. Assemble the sandwich with pastrami, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles.
4. For the optional broccoli slaw, mix broccoli slaw ingredients in a bowl.
5. Serve the sandwich with or without the slaw on the side.

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to make? It’s a quick, about 15-minute affair!
2. Can I use turkey pastrami? Absolutely! It gives a lighter version of this classic.
3. What’s a good drink pairing? A nice pickle brine soda or iced tea goes wonderfully.
4. Can I make the slaw ahead of time? Yes, you can mix and refrigerate it a day in advance—letting those flavors deepen.
5. What if I want to go gluten-free? Opt for gluten-free bread; this sandwich is flexible and just as delicious!

There you have it, a heartwarming, flavorful adventure waiting for you in the kitchen. Whether you follow my suggestions precisely or put your own spin on it, making a homemade hot pastrami sandwich is about creating joy and connection—both to the food and to those you share it with. Dive in, have fun, and don’t forget to drop me a note sharing your experiences!

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Homemade Hot Pastrami Sandwich

Cooking Method: Grilling, Sauteing Courses: Lunch, Main Course, Snack Recipe Keys: Dairy High Protein Non Vegetarian Nut Free Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 5 mins Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 2 Estimated Cost: $ 7 Calories: 550

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

A heartwarming homemade hot pastrami sandwich, filled with smoky pastrami, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy mustard, all nestled between crispy rye bread.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz Pastrami (High-quality, well-seasoned pastrami)
• 4 slices Rye bread (Classic rye or pumpernickel for a deeper taste)
• 4 slices Swiss cheese (Creamy and nutty, ideal for melting)
• 2 tbsp Mustard (Smooth yellow or spicy mustard for depth)
• 4 slices Pickles (Dill or bread and butter for sweetness)
• 1 cup Broccoli slaw (Optional, adds crunch and color)
• 2 tbsp Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper

Instructions

Making the Sandwich

1. Warm the Pastrami

   Heat the pastrami in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
   Avoid frying; just warm it through.
   Mark as complete

2. Toast the Rye Bread

   Toast the rye bread until golden brown for a crispy texture.
   You can use a toaster or an oven.
   Mark as complete

3. Assemble the Sandwich

   Stack the warm pastrami on one slice of toasted rye, add Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, then top with another slice of rye.
   Mark as complete

4. Prepare Optional Broccoli Slaw

   In a bowl, mix broccoli slaw with vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   Adjust seasoning to taste.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Plate the sandwich and serve with or without broccoli slaw.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 550kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 1500mg63%

Potassium 450mg13%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 6g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 200 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, mustards, and additional toppings.

Keywords: hot pastrami sandwich, comfort food, homemade sandwich, rye bread