Pastrami Sandwich with Swiss and Russian Dressing
The Pastrami Sandwich with Swiss and Russian Dressing is a classic deli favorite that perfectly balances smoky, tender pastrami with creamy Swiss cheese and tangy, slightly sweet Russian dressing. Served on toasted rye bread with optional pickles, this sandwich delivers a satisfying combination of savory, creamy, and zesty flavors ideal for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Pan-toasting
- Cuisine: American Deli
- Diet: Not gluten free
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- Thinly sliced, high-quality pastrami (about 4-6 oz per sandwich)
- Slices of mild, creamy Swiss cheese (2 slices per sandwich)
Dressing
- Russian dressing (a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, black pepper – about 2 tbsp per sandwich)
Bread and Butter
- Rye bread slices (2 per sandwich)
- Butter (for lightly buttering bread, about 1 tbsp)
Optional
- Pickles (dill pickle spears or slices, as preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of rye bread. This helps achieve a golden, crunchy exterior when toasted and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Toast the Bread: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the bread slices butter-side down in the skillet and toast until golden brown and crisp to ensure a satisfying crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Layer the Pastrami: Arrange generous layers of thinly sliced pastrami evenly over one slice of the toasted bread. Use warm or room temperature pastrami to blend beautifully with other ingredients.
- Add the Swiss Cheese: Top the pastrami with an even layer of Swiss cheese. Optionally, melt the cheese briefly under a broiler or cover the skillet with a lid to achieve gooey, melted cheese.
- Spread the Russian Dressing: Generously spread Russian dressing on the other slice of toasted bread. Carefully press both slices together, dressing side down.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the sandwich diagonally if desired, and serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp.
Notes
- Use fresh, day-old rye bread for the best texture and flavor.
- Warm the pastrami slightly to enhance tenderness and flavor release.
- Cover the pan when melting Swiss cheese for even and creamy melting.
- Make your own Russian dressing to adjust sweetness and spice to your liking.
- Balance sandwich layers to make it easier to eat and enjoy all flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Pastrami sandwich, Swiss cheese sandwich, Russian dressing, deli sandwich, toasted rye bread, classic sandwich