Grilled Pastrami and Swiss Rye Sandwich

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty sandwich featuring thinly sliced pastrami and melted Swiss cheese stacked between buttery toasted rye bread slices, inspired by traditional New York deli flavors. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 20 minutes pairs rye bread slices, thinly sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese slices for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spread 1 tbsp Dijon mustard evenly on 2 slices of rye bread. Layer 4 oz thinly sliced pastrami and 2 Swiss cheese slices on each mustard-coated slice.
  2. Step 2: Top each with remaining rye bread slices to form sandwiches. Spread 1 tbsp butter on the outside of each sandwich.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in skillet and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese melts.
  4. Step 4: Remove sandwiches from skillet and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve with 8 dill pickle slices on the side for a classic deli experience.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pastrami and Swiss Rye Sandwich take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Pastrami and Swiss Rye Sandwich?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rye bread slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pastrami and Swiss Rye Sandwich?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Pastrami and Swiss Rye Sandwich for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Pastrami and Swiss Rye Sandwich?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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