Hot Pastrami: Best Cheese Pairings For The Classic Sandwich

A hot pastrami sandwich is a classic New York deli sandwich, typically served on rye bread. While some purists insist that an authentic pastrami sandwich has no cheese, others opt for Swiss, Provolone, or Mozzarella.

Swiss cheese is a popular choice

A pastrami sandwich is a classic New York deli sandwich, and while there are many variations, Swiss cheese is a common addition. The sandwich is usually served on rye bread, and other toppings include sauerkraut, mustard, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing.

Swiss cheese is a good choice for a pastrami sandwich because it has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients. It also has a good melting point, which means it will get nice and gooey in a hot sandwich.

If you're making a hot pastrami sandwich at home, you can warm the pastrami by steaming it or quickly frying it, but be careful not to overcook it. Then, assemble your sandwich with the Swiss cheese, and grill it in a skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Provolone is another option

If you're making a hot pastrami sandwich, you'll want to get high-quality ingredients. For the pastrami, opt for a high-quality, freshly made pastrami from your local deli. If you can't find freshly made pastrami, you can use a good-quality packaged variety, such as Boar's Head.

When it comes to the bread, traditional hot pastrami sandwiches are typically served on rye bread. You can use a soft sweet brioche bun, regular or seed-topped hamburger buns, or a good Jewish rye bread.

To assemble your sandwich, you can either fully construct it and then place it in a skillet to warm up, or you can warm the pastrami separately before crafting the sandwich. If you choose to warm the pastrami separately, you can steam it by boiling a small amount of water in a pan and placing the meat in a steamer basket above it. Alternatively, you can quickly place the pastrami in a skillet set to medium-low heat, but this method runs the risk of overcooking the meat.

Once your pastrami is warmed, you can assemble your sandwich by placing the meat, followed by the cheese, on the bread. If you want to add extra toppings, such as sauerkraut, coleslaw, or Russian dressing, now is the time to do so. Finally, place your sandwich in a skillet set over medium heat and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

So, there you have it! Provolone is a great option for a hot pastrami sandwich, and with the right ingredients and technique, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Mozzarella is a mild alternative

A hot pastrami sandwich is a New York deli classic, and while there are a million versions of the sandwich, the traditional combination does not include cheese. However, many people like to add cheese to their pastrami sandwiches, and a mild white cheese like Mozzarella can complement the other ingredients well.

Mozzarella pastrami sandwiches can be made by placing a slice of Mozzarella on the bottom slice of bread, adding pastrami, coleslaw, and Russian dressing, and then topping it with another slice of bread. The sandwich can then be grilled in a skillet or panini press until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

Mozzarella pastrami sandwiches can also be made by first warming the pastrami, either by steaming it, placing it in a skillet, or microwaving it. The pastrami is then placed on the bottom slice of bread, followed by the cheese, and other desired toppings such as sauerkraut, coleslaw, or Thousand Island dressing. The sandwich is then grilled in a skillet or on a griddle until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

Whether you choose to use Swiss cheese, Provolone, or Mozzarella, the key to a great hot pastrami sandwich is using high-quality ingredients and putting the sandwich together with care.

No cheese is traditional

While there are many ways to make a hot pastrami sandwich, some purists insist that no cheese should be included. This is the traditional approach, and it is also worth noting that hot pastrami and Reuben sandwiches are typically not kosher if they include both meat and cheese.

A classic New York pastrami sandwich usually features pastrami on rye, with mustard or a homemade dressing, similar to Thousand Island. The inclusion of cheese is a personal preference, and while some people enjoy the addition of melted cheese, it is not considered a traditional ingredient.

If you want to make a truly traditional pastrami sandwich, it is best to stick to the classic combination of pastrami, rye bread, and mustard. This simple combination allows the flavour of the pastrami to shine, and the salty cured meat is complemented by the tang of the mustard.

While some people enjoy the addition of melted cheese, such as Swiss, Provolone, or Mozzarella, it is not considered a traditional ingredient. The same can be said for sauerkraut, which is often included in pastrami sandwiches but is not part of the traditional recipe.

To make a traditional pastrami sandwich, it is best to start with high-quality pastrami, preferably homemade or from a local deli. The bread should be a good quality rye, either soft and sweet or a more traditional Jewish rye. The pastrami can be warmed in a skillet or steamed before being placed on the bread with a generous spread of mustard.

In summary, while there are many variations of the hot pastrami sandwich, the traditional approach does not include cheese. The classic combination of pastrami, rye bread, and mustard is a favourite for a reason, and adding cheese would only distract from the delicious simplicity of this iconic sandwich.

Coleslaw and Russian dressing are good additions

The Brooklyn Avenue Sandwich, inspired by the TV show Mad Men, is a pastrami sandwich with coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye bread. The sandwich was created at Canter's Deli in Los Angeles, a Jewish-style deli that opened in 1931. The sandwich features pastrami, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on rye bread, served with a side of potato salad.

Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant in L.A. also serves a popular variation of the hot pastrami sandwich with coleslaw and Russian dressing. Their version includes layers of hot pastrami, Russian dressing, Swiss cheese, and sweet-and-sour coleslaw on twice-baked rye bread.

When making a hot pastrami sandwich with coleslaw and Russian dressing, it is essential to use high-quality ingredients. For the bread, traditional options include rye bread slices or marble rye bread, but you can also use a soft sweet brioche bun, regular or seed-topped hamburger buns, or a good Jewish rye bread.

To make the coleslaw, you can shred cabbage and carrots, and combine them with mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. The Russian dressing can be made by mixing mayonnaise, relish, ketchup, and buttermilk.

When assembling the sandwich, spread Russian dressing on rye bread, add pastrami, top with Swiss cheese and coleslaw, and finish with another slice of bread. You can also add a pickle on the side or some sauerkraut on the side.

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