Pastrami Rye Sandwich Classic (Printable Version)

Thinly sliced pastrami layered with mustard on fresh rye bread for a savory sandwich.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

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

→ Meats

02 - 9 oz thinly sliced pastrami

→ Condiments

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

→ Optional Additions

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

# Method:

01 - Lay out the rye bread slices on a clean surface.
02 - Spread 1 tablespoon of mustard evenly on two slices of bread.
03 - Pile half the pastrami (approximately 4.5 oz) on each mustard-coated slice.
04 - Top each with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
05 - Slice sandwiches in half if desired. Serve immediately, with dill pickles on the side if using.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in minutes but tastes like you've been working all day.
  • The pastrami's spiced, smoky flavor paired with sharp mustard and caraway rye is genuinely addictive.
  • There's something deeply satisfying about a sandwich this good—it feels like a celebration on bread.
02 -
  • If your pastrami feels cold or dry, wrapping it in damp paper towels and microwaving for 20 seconds transforms it—warmth brings out the spice and keeps the meat tender.
  • The mustard-to-pastrami ratio is everything; too little and you're just eating cold meat on bread, too much and it becomes a condiment delivery system instead of a balanced sandwich.
03 -
  • The quality of your pastrami makes or breaks this sandwich—buy it fresh from the deli counter where you can see it being sliced, never pre-packaged.
  • If you're making these for guests, assemble them just before serving; once the bread touches the warm pastrami, you're in a race against sogginess.
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