Best Cheeses To Compliment Turkey Pastrami

Turkey pastrami is a delicious, versatile meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of sandwiches and melts. When it comes to choosing the best cheese to accompany turkey pastrami, several options complement its unique flavour profile. A classic choice is Swiss cheese, which is a popular selection for a reason—its mild, nutty flavour and smooth texture pair beautifully with the pastrami. Another option is provolone, a mild and creamy cheese that adds a lovely touch of richness to the sandwich. For those who enjoy a sharper flavour, Colby-Jack cheese provides a tangy twist, while American cheese offers a familiar, comforting taste that many enjoy. For a more unusual combination, goat cheese can be a surprising yet tasty choice, adding a tangy and creamy dimension to the sandwich.

Swiss cheese and sauerkraut

Swiss cheese is a classic choice for a pastrami sandwich, and it goes particularly well with turkey pastrami. It is a good melting cheese, which is important for a grilled sandwich. Swiss cheese has a mild flavour that is nutty and creamy, which will complement the smokiness of the turkey pastrami without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Sauerkraut is another classic addition to a pastrami sandwich, especially if you are making a Reuben. It is made from finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented, and it adds a tangy, sour flavour to the sandwich. The crisp texture of the sauerkraut also provides a nice contrast to the soft cheese and bread.

How to Make a Turkey Pastrami Sandwich with Swiss Cheese and Sauerkraut

To make this sandwich, you will need:

• Turkey pastrami
• Swiss cheese
• Sauerkraut
• Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing)
• Rye bread (preferably marbled)
• Butter

First, make sure your sauerkraut is strained and patted dry to remove any excess liquid. You don't want a soggy sandwich!

Butter one side of each slice of bread. Flip the slices over and spread Thousand Island dressing on the other side of each slice.

Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the dressing on each slice of bread. On just one of the slices, add pastrami and sauerkraut on top of the cheese. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, dressing side down.

Heat a skillet or griddle pan on the stove over medium heat. Add the sandwich and grill for 3-4 minutes. Flip the sandwich and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serve immediately.

Variations

You can also add other ingredients to this sandwich, such as sliced tomato and mixed greens. If you want to make a classic Reuben, replace the Thousand Island dressing with spicy brown mustard.

For a different flavour profile, you can switch out the Swiss cheese for white cheddar.

Provolone and pumpernickel bread

Pumpernickel bread is a fantastic option for a sandwich, especially when paired with hearty fillings and strong-flavoured accompaniments. Its distinctive deep brown colour and slightly sweet flavour make it a unique choice for a delicious meal.

When it comes to cheese, provolone is an excellent choice to pair with pumpernickel bread. Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavour that melts beautifully. Its creamy texture and subtle tang complement the sweetness of the pumpernickel bread perfectly.

For a mouthwatering sandwich, start by slicing your pumpernickel bread and spreading a layer of spicy brown mustard on one slice. This adds a nice kick to the sandwich. Then, layer on some sliced provolone cheese, allowing it to cover the surface of the bread. The cheese will melt and bind the sandwich together as it cooks.

Next, add a generous portion of thinly sliced turkey pastrami. The savoury, salty pastrami will be the star of the sandwich, so feel free to be generous! You can also briefly sauté some sweet onion slices in butter and add them to the sandwich for extra flavour and a nice texture.

Top the pastrami with another layer of provolone cheese and finish the sandwich with the second slice of pumpernickel bread. To cook the sandwich, melt some butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to your liking.

This sandwich is a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The sweetness of the pumpernickel bread and tanginess of the provolone cheese create a beautiful harmony, while the spicy mustard and savoury pastrami add depth and character. The result is a satisfying, flavourful sandwich that is sure to impress!

Colby-Jack and spicy brown mustard

Colby-Jack is a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, combining the best of both worlds. It has a mild, buttery flavour with a semi-soft texture, making it perfect for melting. The cheese adds a creamy, savoury element to the sandwich, complementing the spicy brown mustard.

Spicy brown mustard, with its robust flavour and hint of heat, is an excellent choice for a pastrami sandwich. It provides a nice kick that enhances the overall taste experience without being overpowering. The sharpness of the mustard cuts through the richness of the cheese and pastrami, creating a well-rounded bite.

When assembling the sandwich, spreading the spicy brown mustard on the bread adds flavour and also helps to hold the ingredients together. Layering the Colby-Jack cheese with the turkey pastrami ensures that each bite is packed with a combination of flavours and textures.

To take this sandwich to the next level, you can add thinly sliced sweet onions, sautéed until tender, and toast the pumpernickel bread for a delightful crunch. The sweetness of the onions and the nuttiness of the bread further elevate the flavours of the Colby-Jack cheese and spicy brown mustard, making it a truly exceptional sandwich.

American cheese and avocado

American cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, melts, burgers, and mac and cheese. It is made from cheddar cheese, colby cheese, washed curd cheese, or granular cheese, or any mixture of two or more of those. It is melty and gooey, making it perfect for sandwiches.

Avocado, on the other hand, is a popular modern choice for deli sandwiches. It adds a nice green colour to balance out all that red meat. It is also creamy and has a unique flavour that can enhance the taste of the sandwich.

Combining American cheese and avocado with turkey pastrami can create a delicious and creamy sandwich. Here is a suggested recipe:

Turkey Pastrami, American Cheese, and Avocado Sandwich

Ingredients:

• Turkey pastrami
• American cheese
• Avocado
• Tomato
• Lettuce
• Bread of your choice (e.g. white, whole grain, pumpernickel, or rye)
• Butter
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Any additional condiments or toppings of your choice (e.g. mustard, mayonnaise, red onions)

Instructions:

• Slice up the desired amount of tomato and avocado, and prepare the lettuce.
• Toast the bread slices lightly. You can also spread butter on the bread and toast it in a pan or grill it for a more golden and crispy texture.
• If you want to add extra flavour to the turkey pastrami, cook it in a pan coated with olive oil for about 30 seconds on each side until it gets a nice caramelized appearance.
• Assemble the sandwich by spreading your desired condiments on the bread slices. Then, layer the turkey pastrami, American cheese, tomato, avocado, and lettuce. Sprinkle salt and pepper if desired.
• You can serve the sandwich as it is or grill it further. To grill, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan, cover with a lid, and cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden.
• Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and cheesy turkey pastrami sandwich!

White cheddar and rye bread

Ingredients

• Turkey pastrami
• White cheddar cheese
• Rye bread
• Butter
• Salad or coleslaw (optional)

Method

The beauty of this combination is its simplicity. To make a delicious sandwich, start by spreading butter on two slices of rye bread. Layer on slices of white cheddar, followed by the turkey pastrami. Close the sandwich and grill it in a panini press or frypan until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

If you're after something a little more substantial, you could add some salad or coleslaw to your sandwich. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you could also add some crispy bacon or avocado slices.

Tips

• If you're short on time, you can toast the sandwich in a toaster instead of grilling it.
• For an extra flavour boost, try using a flavoured butter, such as garlic butter, on your bread.
• If you're serving this to guests, try cutting the sandwich into fancy shapes or triangles.

So there you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make sandwich that's perfect for a quick lunch or a casual get-together with friends.

Frequently asked questions