New York Deli-Style Pastrami Sandwich with Mustard and Pickles

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

Layered pastrami piled high on rye bread with sharp mustard and crunchy pickles, evoking classic New York deli flavors. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 15 minutes pairs thinly sliced pastrami, large rye bread slices, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 1, 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: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 1 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spread 2 tbsp Dijon mustard evenly on one side of each of the 2 large rye bread slices.
  2. Step 2: Layer 8 oz thinly sliced pastrami evenly over one slice of the bread, then top with 2 slices Swiss cheese, 6 dill pickle slices, and 1/4 cup sauerkraut if using.
  3. Step 3: Top with the second rye bread slice, mustard side down. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter.
  4. Step 4: Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, pressing gently with a spatula.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, cut in half, and serve immediately with extra pickles or chips.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does New York Deli-Style Pastrami Sandwich with Mustard and Pickles take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 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 with Mustard and Pickles?

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 thinly sliced pastrami from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in New York Deli-Style Pastrami Sandwich with Mustard and Pickles?

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 with Mustard and Pickles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 with Mustard and Pickles?

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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