Pastrami on Rye Sandwich (Print version)

Thin pastrami and mustard layered on fresh rye bread for a flavorful sandwich experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices fresh rye bread (preferably with caraway seeds)

→ Meats

02 - 9 ounces thinly sliced pastrami

→ Condiments

03 - 2 tablespoons yellow deli mustard (or spicy brown mustard, to taste)

→ Optional Additions

04 - 4 slices dill pickle (optional, for serving)

# How to Make It:

01 - Arrange rye bread slices on a clean, flat surface.
02 - Spread 1 tablespoon of mustard evenly over two slices of bread.
03 - Distribute half of the pastrami (approximately 4.5 ounces) onto each mustard-coated slice.
04 - Cover the pastrami with the remaining bread slices to complete the sandwiches.
05 - Optionally slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately, accompanied by dill pickle slices if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for lunch cravings or quick dinners when you want something that tastes like you actually tried.
  • The pastrami's peppery crust against sharp mustard and seeded rye creates a flavor combination that somehow feels both indulgent and straightforward.
  • This is the kind of sandwich that tastes exactly like what it is, with no pretense—which is exactly why it never gets old.
02 -
  • Cold pastrami is completely fine, but even a 30-second warm-up in a covered pan changes the texture and releases the peppery spice in a way that feels like you've unlocked a secret version of the sandwich.
  • The quality of your rye bread will make or break this—a soft, bland rye is genuinely sad, but a good seeded rye with real structure turns this into something memorable.
03 -
  • If your pastrami slices are thick, request them shaved thin at the counter—this is the difference between a good sandwich and one that's slightly awkward to eat.
  • The best version of this sandwich is made at 11 a.m. on a weekday when you're not rushed, because somehow the sandwich tastes better when you're not stressed about time.
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