Sizzling Grilled Hot Pastrami Sandwich Recipe for Lunch Lovers
Melted cheese and succulent pastrami create a mouthwatering symphony in this grilled hot pastrami sandwich that promises pure culinary bliss.
Layers of tender, spiced meat nestled between perfectly toasted bread beckon hungry taste buds.
The robust flavors burst with each savory bite, promising a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.
Carefully selected ingredients combine to craft a sandwich that stands far above ordinary deli fare.
Sharp swiss cheese adds a creamy richness that complements the robust pastrami perfectly.
Every slice delivers a harmonious blend of smoky, salty, and tangy notes that dance across your palate.
This sandwich isn’t just a meal – it’s a flavor adventure waiting to be devoured.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 550 kcal
Servings: 7
Grilled Hot Pastrami Sandwich Must-Have Ingredients
For Bread Base:
Hoagie Rolls, French Bread: Sturdy carriers with soft interior perfect for holding robust fillings, choose fresh bakery breads with crisp exterior for best grilling results.
For Protein and Cheese:
Pastrami, Provolone Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Premium deli-style pastrami delivers intense smoky flavor, select high-quality marbled meat from trusted butcher; provolone offers creamy meltiness while pepper jack adds zesty kick and exciting spice layer.
For Crunch and Flavor Enhancers:
French Dried Onions, Purple Onion: Crispy dried onions create delightful textural contrast and savory crunch; fresh purple onion brings sharp, pungent bite that complements rich meat and melted cheese, optional but recommended for adventurous palates.
Tool Up for a Great Hot Pastrami Sandwich
Grill: Essential for heating and melting the sandwich ingredients.
Aluminum foil: Needed to wrap the sandwich tightly for even heating.
Knife: Perfect for slicing cheese and layering ingredients.
Tongs: Helpful for handling and flipping the sandwich on the grill.
Cutting board: Useful for preparing and assembling sandwich ingredients.
Steps to Grill the Ultimate Hot Pastrami Sandwich
Sandwich Foundation Selecting the perfect roll that can handle robust flavors and multiple layers of meat and cheese.
Cheese and Meat Symphony carefully alternating layers of Provolone and Pepper Jack with tender pastrami slices to create a delicious texture balance.
Aromatic Onion Touch sprinkling dried and purple onions for added crunch and zesty flavor enhancement.
Foil Protection wrapping the entire sandwich securely to maintain moisture and ensure even heating during grilling.
Grill Preparation setting up your outdoor cooking space with moderate heat around 350°F for gentle warming.
Grilling Magic placing wrapped sandwich on grill surface and closing lid to allow slow, even heating for about 15 minutes.
Final Reveal carefully unwrapping the sandwich to discover a melted, steaming masterpiece ready to be devoured immediately.
Tips to Level Up Grilled Pastrami Sandwiches
Experiment with different cheese combinations like Swiss, Gouda, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that complement the rich pastrami.
Try using artisan sourdough, rustic rye, or crusty ciabatta rolls instead of standard sandwich bread for added texture and depth of flavor.
Elevate your sandwich with homemade Russian dressing, spicy mustard, or tangy pickle relish to add an extra kick of excitement to each bite.
Layer in some roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, or pickled jalapeños to introduce fresh crunch and additional flavor dimensions to your grilled pastrami masterpiece.
For extra tenderness, briefly steam the pastrami before layering to ensure maximum moisture and melt-in-your-mouth texture when grilling the sandwich.
Serve Your Hot Pastrami Sandwich in Style
Deli-Style Side Kick: Pair your hot pastrami sandwich with classic kosher dill pickles and a handful of crispy potato chips for that authentic delicatessen experience.
Sandwich Companion Platter: Create a colorful side plate with tangy coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors of the pastrami.
Beer Buddy Boost: Enhance your meal with a cold craft beer, particularly a hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale that complements the robust taste of the grilled sandwich.
Condiment Corner: Serve alongside spicy mustard, horseradish sauce, or a zesty Russian dressing to add an extra flavor punch and allow guests to customize their sandwich experience.
Prep and Keep Grilled Hot Pastrami Sandwiches
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store your assembled sandwich in an airtight container or tightly wrapped aluminum foil within the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling, maintaining maximum freshness and ingredient integrity.
Advance Preparation Technique: Prepare sandwich components separately in advance, keeping meats, cheeses, and rolls in individual sealed containers to streamline assembly and reduce last-minute kitchen stress.
Smart Leftover Management: Remaining grilled sandwiches can be refrigerated for 2-3 days, wrapped securely in plastic wrap or stored in sealed containers, ensuring delicious next-day enjoyment with minimal flavor loss.
Temperature Handling Wisdom: Always keep cold ingredients below 40°F and remove sandwich from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure even heating and optimal melting of cheese layers, preventing potential temperature shock during cooking process.
Hearty pastrami sandwich delivers New York deli flavors between perfectly toasted bread slices. Juicy meat, tangy mustard, and melted Swiss cheese create a classic comfort meal you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
2 to 3 lbs (907 to 1,361 g) pastrami, sliced
6 hoagie style rolls or French bread loaf, cut into sandwich size portions
Several slices provolone cheese
Several slices pepper jack cheese
1 cup (240 ml) french dried onions
0.5 purple onion, diced (optional)
Instructions
Preparation: Gently slice roll in half, creating a sturdy foundation for layering ingredients.
Meat Assembly: Layer pastrami slices generously across bottom half, alternating with Provolone and Pepper Jack cheeses to create a rich, multi-dimensional flavor profile.
Aromatic Enhancement: Sprinkle dried and purple onions across the sandwich, introducing sharp, crisp notes to complement the savory meats and creamy cheeses.
Wrapping Technique: Enclose the fully constructed sandwich tightly in aluminum foil, ensuring complete ingredient containment and flavor preservation.
Thermal Preparation: Preheat grill to 350°F (177°C), then slightly reduce temperature before placing foil-wrapped sandwich on cooking surface.
Grilling Process: Cook for approximately 15 minutes, rotating once midway through to guarantee uniform heating and complete cheese melting.
Serving: Carefully unwrap the sandwich, allowing steam to dissipate, and serve immediately while ingredients remain hot and textures are perfectly melded.
Notes
Bread Selection: Choose soft rolls with sturdy structure to withstand multiple layers of meat and cheese without falling apart.
Meat Layering: Stack pastrami in thin, overlapping slices to maximize flavor distribution and ensure even heating.
Cheese Melting Tip: Use room temperature cheese for smoother, faster melting during grilling process.
Foil Wrapping Technique: Wrap sandwich tightly but not compressed, allowing slight space for steam circulation and preventing soggy texture.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.