Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with Pepperjack Brat and Pickled Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty smoked pastrami piled high on a bun with pepperjack bratwurst and tangy pickled red onions for a satisfying BBQ sandwich experience. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 55 minutes pairs smoked pastrami slices, link (6 oz) pepperjack bratwurst, large hoagie bun for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 1 American cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare quick pickled onions by combining 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves, then pour over 1/2 medium thinly sliced red onion in a jar. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Grill 1 pepperjack bratwurst link over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and nicely charred on the outside.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 oz smoked pastrami slices in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Toast 1 large hoagie bun lightly on the grill or in a skillet.
  5. Step 5: Spread 2 tbsp yellow mustard on the bottom bun, layer warmed pastrami, grilled bratwurst, 4 dill pickle slices, and a generous amount of the pickled red onions. Close with top bun and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with Pepperjack Brat and Pickled Onions take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 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 Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with Pepperjack Brat and Pickled Onions?

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 smoked pastrami slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with Pepperjack Brat and Pickled Onions?

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 Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with Pepperjack Brat and Pickled Onions 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 Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with Pepperjack Brat and Pickled Onions?

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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