New York Deli Style Pastrami Sandwich

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

A classic deli sandwich piled high with peppery pastrami, Swiss cheese, and tangy mustard on fresh rye bread. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 20 minutes pairs sliced rye bread, ounces sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese slices for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spread 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard evenly on 4 slices of rye bread and 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the other 4 slices.
  2. Step 2: Layer 12 ounces sliced pastrami evenly over the mustard-coated bread slices, then place 1 slice Swiss cheese on top of the pastrami on each sandwich.
  3. Step 3: Top with 2 slices dill pickle per sandwich, then close each sandwich with a mayonnaise-coated bread slice.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spread 1/2 tablespoon softened unsalted butter on the outside of each sandwich slice. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is toasted golden brown and the Swiss cheese is melted.
  5. Step 5: Remove sandwiches from heat, slice in half, and serve immediately while warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does New York Deli Style Pastrami 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 New York Deli Style Pastrami 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 sliced rye bread from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in New York Deli Style Pastrami 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 New York Deli Style Pastrami Sandwich for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 New York Deli Style Pastrami 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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