The Best Cheeses To Compliment A Pastrami Sandwich

A pastrami sandwich is a classic, especially when paired with cheese. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, some of the most popular options include Swiss cheese, provolone, and mozzarella. These mild white cheeses add a nice flavour to the sandwich without being too overpowering. Other options include havarti, Munster, and Jarlsberg. When it comes to bread, rye is the most common choice, but sourdough and Italian bread are also popular options.

Swiss cheese

To make a simple hot pastrami and Swiss cheese sandwich, you will need the following ingredients: Italian or rye bread, Dijon mustard (or your favourite type of mustard), Swiss cheese, pastrami (sliced paper-thin), and butter. Start by spreading mustard on each slice of bread. Then, add an ounce of cheese and 3 ounces of pastrami per sandwich. Top it with another slice of bread. Spread butter on the outside of the assembled sandwich and heat it in a hot, heavy skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

If you want to add some extra flavour to your sandwich, you can also add some sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing. To make this sandwich, you will need the following ingredients: rye bread, unsalted butter, Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing), pastrami, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. Start by spreading butter on one side of each slice of bread. Flip the bread over and spread Thousand Island dressing on the other side. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the dressing, followed by sliced pastrami and sauerkraut. Place the other half of the bread on top and heat the sandwich in a skillet or griddle pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Provolone cheese

If you are making a hot pastrami sandwich, you can add a slice of provolone to the sandwich and grill it until the cheese has melted. You could also try adding some sauerkraut, caraway seeds, and Thousand Island dressing to your sandwich. This combination is a favourite at the iconic Katz's deli on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City.

If you are unable to find provolone cheese, you can substitute it with another mild white cheese, such as Swiss cheese or mozzarella. However, some people prefer their pastrami sandwiches without cheese, so feel free to omit it if you wish.

For a truly authentic pastrami sandwich, use high-quality, freshly sliced pastrami from your local deli. The bread is also important—traditional sandwiches are served on rye bread, but you can also use a soft sweet brioche bun, a regular or seeded hamburger bun, or a Jewish rye bread.

Rye bread

The type of rye bread used for a pastrami sandwich is important. It should be bakery-style or fresh bread from a Jewish deli. The bread can be grilled, toasted, or buttered, and it is often seeded.

The pastrami sandwich is typically served hot, with melted cheese, and other toppings such as sauerkraut, mustard, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing.

Variations

While the classic pastrami sandwich is made with rye bread, there are some variations. Some people prefer to use sourdough bread, Brioche buns, or a soft sweet bread such as a Brioche bun.

Tips

• Use fresh, bakery-quality rye bread for the best flavour and texture.
• If grilling or toasting the bread, butter it first for a better taste.
• For a truly authentic pastrami sandwich, find a Jewish deli or use high-quality, fresh ingredients.
• The sandwich can be served hot or cold, but the pastrami is best when it's slightly warm or at room temperature.

Sourdough bread

When making a pastrami sandwich on sourdough bread, it's important to consider the type of cheese that will complement the flavours of both the bread and the pastrami. A popular choice is Swiss cheese, which has a mild, nutty flavour and melts well. Other options include provolone, which has a slightly sharper taste, or havarti, which is a creamy, mild cheese. If you're looking for something a little different, jarlsberg can also work well with sourdough and pastrami.

In terms of assembling the sandwich, a pastrami sandwich on sourdough bread can be as simple or as complex as you like. At its most basic, you could just layer slices of pastrami onto the sourdough bread and top with your choice of cheese. However, if you want to add more flavour and texture, you could include toppings such as sauerkraut, avocado, mayonnaise, French dressing, or even butter-pan-fried garlic slices.

When it comes to cooking the sandwich, a pastrami sourdough sandwich can be served cold, or you can grill or toast it to melt the cheese and add a crispy texture to the bread. If grilling, butter one side of each slice of bread and place the bread, buttered-side down, on a hot skillet or griddle. Add your chosen cheese to the bread and grill until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted. Then, simply add the pastrami and any other desired toppings and serve.

Italian bread

When making a pastrami sandwich, the bread you choose is important. While you can use any bread you like, traditional pastrami sandwiches are served on rye bread slices or marble rye bread.

Rye Bread

Rye bread is the most common bread used for pastrami sandwiches. You can use dark rye, Jewish rye, or marble rye bread. If you want to get really authentic, you can even get your rye bread from a local Jewish deli.

Other Bread Options

If you don't want to use rye bread, there are other options that will work well with pastrami. Sourdough bread is a great alternative, and you can also use a soft sweet brioche bun, regular or seed-topped hamburger buns, or even a good onion bun from the deli.

Bread Thickness

The thickness of the bread is also important. For a traditional pastrami sandwich, you'll want to use thin slices of bread so that you can pile on the pastrami. But if you're feeling adventurous, you can make a "sky-high" sandwich with a very generous portion of pastrami on thick slices of bread.

Toasting the Bread

Whether or not to toast the bread is a matter of personal preference. Toasting the bread can give your sandwich a nice crispy texture, but it's not necessary. If you do choose to toast your bread, you can simply place the slices in a preheated oven until the edges are golden brown. Some people also like to butter their bread before toasting it.

Gluten-Free Option

If you need to make your pastrami sandwich gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread. This is a great option for those with gluten intolerances or allergies.

So, there you have it! The perfect Italian bread for your pastrami sandwich. Whether you choose to go traditional with rye bread or mix it up with sourdough or a brioche bun, the most important thing is to use high-quality, fresh bread that will complement the delicious pastrami, cheese, and toppings.

Frequently asked questions