Pastrami Rye Sandwich Delight (Printable version)

Thinly sliced pastrami and mustard layered on fresh rye bread for a bold, savory delight.

# Needed ingredients:

→ 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 - Lay out the rye bread slices on a clean surface.
02 - Spread 1 tablespoon of mustard evenly onto two slices of bread.
03 - Distribute half of the pastrami (about 4.5 ounces) onto each mustard-coated slice.
04 - Top each with the remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches.
05 - Slice sandwiches in half if desired and serve immediately with dill pickles on the side if using.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a proper New York deli without leaving your kitchen.
  • Takes just 10 minutes but feels like you've accomplished something real.
  • The contrast of tender pastrami against crispy, seeded rye is genuinely addictive.
02 -
  • Timing is everything—assemble and serve immediately, or the bread starts absorbing moisture and everything gets soggy and tired.
  • If you want a warm sandwich, steam or gently microwave the pastrami for 30 seconds before piling it on; the warmth brings out the spice and deepens the flavor in unexpected ways.
03 -
  • A spreading knife with some weight to it makes applying the mustard feel more controlled and intentional, which somehow makes the whole sandwich taste better.
  • The deli counter where you buy the pastrami probably knows exactly how to slice it—ask them questions and they'll usually share their preferences too.
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