The Hot Pastrami Sandwich is a timeless deli staple that brings bold flavor and comfort straight to your kitchen. Piled high with juicy pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and gooey Swiss cheese, all between buttery grilled rye slices – it’s everything a savory sandwich should be.
Perfect for a hearty lunch or a simple dinner, this sandwich comes together in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re recreating a New York-style deli experience or just want something incredibly satisfying and melty, this recipe hits all the right notes. Serve it up with crispy chips or a pickle spear for a truly complete plate.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 slices rye bread
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1 lb thinly sliced pastrami
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1 cup sauerkraut, drained
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4 slices Swiss cheese
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1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
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2 tbsp butter, softened
Directions:
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Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
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Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place half the slices, butter side down, onto the skillet.
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Spread dressing on the side facing up.
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Top each with a generous layer of pastrami, followed by sauerkraut, and a slice of Swiss cheese.
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Place another slice of bread on top of each sandwich, butter side up.
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Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve hot with pickles or chips on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 560 kcal | Servings: 4 sandwiches
Why the Hot Pastrami Sandwich is a Deli Icon
The hot pastrami sandwich earned its fame thanks to traditional Jewish delis, where slow-cooked, spice-rubbed brisket was sliced thin and served on rye bread with mustard or other toppings. Over time, variations appeared that added melted cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing—giving rise to what we often refer to today as a Reuben-like or loaded pastrami sandwich.
It’s not just about the ingredients—it’s about the layers of flavor and texture that each bite delivers. You get the smokiness of the pastrami, the slight sweetness and nuttiness of Swiss cheese, the crunch and zing from sauerkraut, and the creamy, tangy punch from the dressing. Then there’s the rye bread—earthy, hearty, and the ideal carrier for all that flavor.
Key Components That Make It Stand Out
While it may seem simple at first glance, a great pastrami sandwich depends on using quality ingredients and proper preparation. Here’s what makes each element shine:
Pastrami: Choose thinly sliced pastrami from your deli counter or a quality pre-packaged version. Pastrami is typically made from beef brisket, brined, spiced, and smoked for rich flavor. Warming it up before adding to the sandwich intensifies its savory depth.
Rye Bread: Traditional, seeded rye bread provides structure and flavor. Its slight bitterness and robust texture stand up beautifully to the juicy filling.
Sauerkraut: Adds both texture and tang. Sauerkraut complements the richness of the meat and cheese while cutting through the fat for a well-balanced bite.
Swiss Cheese: When melted, Swiss cheese becomes creamy and mild, enhancing the sandwich without overpowering it.
Dressing: A generous slather of Russian or Thousand Island dressing ties everything together. It brings sweetness, tanginess, and a little creaminess, working as both a sauce and a unifying flavor.
Butter: Don’t skip this step—spreading butter on the outside of the bread before grilling gives the sandwich that irresistible golden crunch.
The Grilling Technique: Crisp Meets Melt
A key feature of this sandwich is the crisp exterior and warm, melty interior. This is achieved by grilling the sandwich, panini-style, in a skillet or on a griddle. The buttered sides of the rye bread toast up to golden perfection while the cheese melts inside, holding the pastrami and kraut in place.
The beauty of this method is how it mimics the pressed panini experience without needing a fancy sandwich press. The secret is to keep the heat at medium—enough to crisp without burning, and long enough to allow everything to heat through and melt together.
Variations and Customization Ideas
Although this recipe stays close to the classic, it’s very adaptable. Here are some creative ways to make the sandwich your own:
Add Mustard: A dollop of spicy brown or deli mustard gives the sandwich an extra kick and a nod to its traditional roots.
Swap the Cheese: Swiss is the standard, but provolone or mozzarella can be used for a milder or more melty experience.
Try Different Bread: Rye is classic, but sourdough or marble rye offers interesting twists in texture and flavor.
Go Spicy: Add a layer of pickled jalapeños or spicy kraut to introduce heat.
Make it a Reuben Mashup: Add corned beef or use it in place of pastrami for a corned beef Reuben-style take.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute with grilled mushrooms or plant-based deli slices for a meatless version while keeping the same flavor profile.
When and How to Serve the Pastrami Sandwich
This sandwich is ideal for:
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Weekend lunches when you want something quick but hearty.
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Weeknight dinners served with a side of chips, fries, or a crisp dill pickle.
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Game day grub where indulgent, satisfying eats are a must.
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Deli-inspired gatherings or themed dinners that celebrate comfort classics.
Presentation matters, too. Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve on a wooden board with a pickle spear or small bowl of slaw on the side. It brings a restaurant or food truck feel to your kitchen table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, you can prep elements of the sandwich in advance:
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Prep Ahead: Slice the pastrami, drain and refrigerate sauerkraut, and prepare dressing beforehand.
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Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have a fully assembled and cooked sandwich left over, wrap it in foil and store it in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp again.
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Avoid Microwaving: This can make the bread soggy and unevenly heat the filling. Stick with pan-heating for the best texture.
Pairing Suggestions
A sandwich this bold pairs well with:
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Classic deli sides like potato salad, cole slaw, or macaroni salad.
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Crispy pickles to add that necessary vinegary crunch.
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Potato chips or kettle chips for texture contrast.
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Tomato soup for a warm, cozy meal.
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Root beer or a craft IPA to complement the smoky meat and sharp cheese.
Why This Sandwich Belongs in Your Rotation
There’s a reason this hot pastrami sandwich recipe is such a go-to: it’s simple, incredibly satisfying, and brings the comfort and flavor of a deli straight into your kitchen. It doesn’t require a ton of ingredients or complex steps, but the results feel elevated. It’s one of those meals that works for any season, any occasion, and practically any time of day.
What makes it extra special is how customizable it is without losing its identity. Whether you stick to the original or add your own spin, the base idea remains the same—an epic stack of savory ingredients, warmed to perfection between crispy, buttery slices of rye.
It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of comfort food, tradition, and creativity, all wrapped into one handheld masterpiece.
Conclusion: Make Deli Magic at Home
The hot pastrami sandwich is an all-time classic for good reason. With its perfect balance of smoky, salty, tangy, creamy, and crisp, it checks every box of what a sandwich should be. It’s nostalgic but timeless, indulgent yet straightforward to prepare. In just about 20 minutes, you can recreate this deli icon in your own kitchen—no ticket to NYC required.
Whether you’re feeding the family on a weeknight or indulging in a weekend treat, this sandwich delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Keep it classic, or make it your own—just don’t forget the pickle on the side.