
Pastrami is a staple item at local delis and Kosher delicatessens. While traditional hot pastrami sandwiches are usually not served with cheese, many people like to add cheese to their sandwiches. Some of the best cheeses to go with pastrami are Provolone, Swiss, and Mozzarella. These mild cheeses complement the pastrami and other sandwich ingredients like sauerkraut, mustard, mayonnaise, and Thousand Island dressing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Provolone, Swiss, Mozzarella |
| Other ingredients | Sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, mustard-mayo, lettuce |
| Bread | Rye, Focaccia |
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What You'll Learn

Provolone cheese
To make a delicious hot pastrami sandwich with Provolone cheese, start with high-quality ingredients. Use fresh, homemade pastrami from your local deli, or opt for a brand like Boar's Head. Choose a good quality bread, such as rye bread or a hoagie roll, and don't forget to add some sauerkraut, which you can find in the refrigerated section of the grocery store for the best flavour and crispness.
Here's a simple recipe for a hot pastrami sandwich with Provolone cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a skillet, slowly sauté onion slices over medium-low heat until they are lightly browned and softened, which should take about 10 minutes.
- Chop the pastrami slices into small, 1/2-inch pieces.
- Place the hoagie rolls or rye bread slices on a sheet tray.
- Add the chopped pastrami to each roll or bread slice.
- Layer with Provolone cheese—about 2 slices per sandwich.
- Place the sandwiches in the oven, leaving them open-faced, and heat until the cheese is melted and the pastrami is slightly crisp, which should take about 10 minutes.
- Remove the sandwiches from the oven and top with mustard, softened onions, and sauerkraut.
- Close the sandwiches and slice them in half before serving.
You can also add other toppings to your sandwich, such as pickles, lettuce, or Thousand Island dressing, which is a common condiment used in New York-style pastrami sandwiches. If you can't find Provolone cheese, you can substitute it with other mild cheeses like Swiss cheese or mozzarella.
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Swiss cheese
When making a hot pastrami sandwich, the methodology of putting the sandwich together is important. Some ingredients need to be nurtured, and the order in which they are layered makes a difference. For a classic New York pastrami sandwich, sauerkraut is key. It is best to use good-quality, drained sauerkraut from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Warm the sauerkraut with caraway seeds in a skillet before adding it to the sandwich. This will enhance the flavour and texture.
To assemble the sandwich, place the pastrami on one side of the skillet to warm it up. Meanwhile, put a slice of Swiss cheese on the rye bread. Then, add the warmed sauerkraut to the bread and top it with the pastrami. Spread some mustard or thousand island dressing on another slice of bread and place it on top, with the dressing facing inward. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, place the sandwich in the pan, and cook for several minutes on each side until it is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
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Mozzarella cheese
When making a pastrami and mozzarella sandwich, it is important to start with high-quality ingredients. This includes using fresh, high-quality pastrami, preferably homemade or from a local deli, and good bread. The bread should be of good quality and toasted or warmed in the oven before assembling the sandwich.
To assemble the sandwich, butter the outside of the bread slices and place them buttered-side down. Layer thin slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the bread, followed by the pastrami. If desired, add other ingredients such as caramelized onions, sauerkraut, or mustard. Top with another slice of bread, buttered-side up, and cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Cheese-less pastrami
While pastrami is often served with cheese, it is not a necessary component of the sandwich. In fact, some people prefer their pastrami sandwiches without cheese, and traditional hot pastrami sandwiches are typically served without it. If you're looking to make a cheese-less pastrami sandwich, here are some tips and suggestions:
Firstly, choose a high-quality pastrami. Opt for freshly made, homemade pastrami from your local deli. If you can't access a deli, Boar's Head pastrami is a good alternative. For a leaner option, you can choose turkey pastrami.
Next, select a good bread. A great pastrami sandwich starts with high-quality ingredients, and bread is an important component. Choose a bread that suits your preference, such as rye bread, an onion roll, or a toasty bun.
Now, let's talk about assembly. If you want to warm your sandwich, place the bread in an oven at 350°F. In a skillet, cook some drained sauerkraut with caraway seeds for 3-4 minutes. You can also add onions to your skillet and cook them until they're soft and golden. In the same skillet, warm your pastrami. If you'd like to add a dressing, Thousand Island dressing is a popular choice, but you can also use mustard or make your own dressing. Assemble your sandwich by spreading your chosen dressing on the bread, then adding the pastrami and sauerkraut.
There you have it! A delicious, cheese-less pastrami sandwich tailored to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of bread, meat, toppings, and dressings to create your perfect sandwich. Enjoy!
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Best bread for pastrami
A good pastrami sandwich is hard to beat, and a key component of any sandwich is the bread. So, what is the best bread to use for pastrami?
The classic choice for a pastrami sandwich is rye bread. Rye is a traditional, versatile bread with a distinctive, slightly sour flavour. It is a common choice for pastrami sandwiches, and its sturdiness means it holds up well to the weight and moisture of pastrami and other fillings. Rye bread is also a good choice for those wanting to toast their sandwich, as it toasts well and can add a nice crispy texture to the overall experience.
Other types of bread can be used, and it is really down to personal preference. Potato bread is a good alternative, especially for those wanting to grill their sandwich. Sourdough is another option, and this bread also toasts well, adding a nice crunchy texture. For those wanting a lighter option, a plain white bread could be used, or for a more authentic New York deli experience, a Jewish-style seeded roll is a good choice.
The key to a great pastrami sandwich is in the quality of the ingredients, so always opt for the best bread you can find, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite.
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Frequently asked questions
Provolone is a popular choice for pastrami sandwiches, but Swiss cheese and Mozzarella are also good options.
No, traditional pastrami sandwiches typically do not include cheese.
Sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, mustard, mayonnaise, and lettuce are all commonly included in pastrami sandwiches.
A good quality bread is important for a pastrami sandwich. Rye bread is commonly used, but you can also use focaccia or any other type of bread you prefer.
Yes, you can make a vegetarian pastrami sandwich by substituting the meat with homemade hummus, beetroot, chickpeas, and salad.
























