The Best Grilled Hot Pastrami Sandwich Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Culinary magic happens when a grilled hot pastrami sandwich enhances ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Robust flavors dance between carefully toasted bread slices, promising a truly memorable meal.

Tender meat promises rich, smoky sensations that tantalize hungry taste buds.

Melted cheese creates silky rivers of deliciousness across perfectly seasoned pastrami layers.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting this iconic comfort food.

Balanced textures and intense seasonings elevate this sandwich from simple fare to gourmet delight.

Your next mealtime adventure awaits with this irresistible combination.

Why a Grilled Hot Pastrami Sandwich Hits Every Time

• Savor Layered Cheese Explosion: Multiple cheese varieties like Provolone and Pepper Jack create a rich, melty interior that transforms an ordinary sandwich into a gourmet experience.
• Grill-Infused Flavor Magic: Wrapping and grilling the sandwich allows heat to circulate evenly, melting cheese perfectly while infusing smoky undertones into every delicious bite.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: With 40 grams of protein per serving, this sandwich delivers substantial nutrition and keeps hunger at bay, making it ideal for hearty lunch or dinner options.
• Texture Sensation: Combining soft melted cheese, tender pastrami, crunchy dried and purple onions provides an exciting multi-textural eating adventure that keeps taste buds engaged from first to last bite.

Ingredients That Make It Juicy, Toasty, and Savory

• Pastrami: Rich, flavorful deli meat with robust spices and perfect for hearty sandwiches.
• Provolone Cheese: Mild, creamy Italian cheese that melts smoothly and adds delicate flavor.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy cheese with a kick, great for adding heat and excitement to the sandwich.

• Roll: Sturdy bread that supports multiple layers of meat and cheese without falling apart.

• Dried Onions: Concentrated onion flavor that provides a crisp texture and additional seasoning.
• Purple Onions: Fresh onions that offer sharp taste and crunchy texture to complement the rich meats.

• Aluminum Foil: Essential for wrapping and maintaining sandwich shape during grilling process.

How to Build a Killer Pastrami Sandwich

Step 1: Build Delicious Sandwich Layers

• Place first layer of pastrami on roll half
• Add 2 slices Provolone cheese
• Top with another pastrami layer
• Add 2 slices Pepper Jack cheese
• Include additional pastrami slice
• Sprinkle dried and purple onions
• Complete with 2 more Provolone cheese slices

Step 2: Prepare Sandwich For Grilling

Wrap sandwich securely in aluminum foil, ensuring tight seal to maintain ingredient integrity.

Step 3: Preheat Grill

Heat grill to 350°F, creating perfect cooking environment for melting cheese and warming meat.

Step 4: Reduce Grill Temperature

Lower grill heat slightly before placing foil-wrapped sandwich on cooking surface.

Step 5: Grill Sandwich

• Place wrapped sandwich on grill
• Close grill lid
• Cook for 15 minutes
• Rotate sandwich halfway through cooking time

Step 6: Check Sandwich Readiness

Verify cheese has completely melted and meat is thoroughly warmed.

Step 7: Serve Sandwich

Carefully unwrap sandwich and serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Tips to Keep It Hot and Melty

• Choose Quality Meat: Select high-grade, thinly sliced pastrami from a reliable deli for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Layer Strategically: Alternate cheese and pastrami in multiple layers to ensure every bite delivers rich, melted cheese and savory meat.
• Foil Wrapping Technique: Wrap sandwich tightly but not too compressed, allowing slight space for heat circulation during grilling.
• Temperature Control: Keep grill heat moderate to prevent burning while ensuring thorough warming and cheese melting.
• Onion Power: Mix dried and fresh purple onions for complex texture and balanced sharp, sweet flavor profile throughout the sandwich.

Best Storage and Reheat Tricks for Hot Sandwiches

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pastrami sandwiches in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality and taste. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating on Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat around 350°F. Wrap sandwich in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent burning. Grill for 5-7 minutes, flipping once halfway through until cheese melts and sandwich is heated thoroughly.
• Microwave Method: Place sandwich on microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check internal temperature to ensure even warming. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese from becoming rubbery or bread turning soggy.

Delicious Pairings for a Grilled Pastrami Lunch

• Pair with Tangy Mustard Brew: Complement the rich, savory pastrami with a bold German-style mustard beer or a crisp wheat ale that cuts through the meat's richness.
• Pickle Party Side Kick: Serve alongside zesty dill pickles or a quick pickle slaw to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that balances the sandwich's intense flavor profile.
• Cool Down with Creamy Coleslaw: Add a refreshing, creamy coleslaw on the side to offset the warm, spicy meat and melted cheese, creating a perfect temperature and texture harmony.
• Classic Deli Drink Match: Grab a cold craft lager or a robust red wine like Zinfandel to stand up to the bold pastrami and multiple cheese layers, enhancing the entire dining experience.

Creative Spins on the Deli Classic

• Spicy Jalapeño Pastrami Blast: Replace Pepper Jack with fresh jalapeño slices and add sriracha sauce for a fiery kick that elevates the sandwich's heat profile.
• Mediterranean Fusion Delight: Swap Provolone with feta cheese, incorporate chopped olives, and sprinkle za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired pastrami experience.
• Smoky Bacon Pastrami Stack: Layer crispy bacon strips between pastrami slices and use smoked gouda cheese to create a rich, intense flavor combination that complements the meat's natural smokiness.
• Ranch Crunch Sensation: Mix ranch seasoning with dried onions, spread on the roll, and add crispy potato chips for extra texture and tangy zest that transforms the traditional sandwich.

Grilled Hot Pastrami Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Jewish deli flavors meet gourmet grilling in this irresistible hot pastrami sandwich. Melted Swiss cheese, tangy mustard, and perfectly toasted rye bread create a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to New York’s culinary heart.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 to 3 pounds sliced pastrami

Bread and Cheese:

• 6 hoagie style rolls or French bread loaf, cut into sandwich size portions
• Several slices of Provolone cheese
• Several slices of Pepper Jack cheese

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 cup French dried onions
• 0.5 purple onion, diced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully split a soft roll or bun in half, creating an ideal base for layering delectable ingredients.
2. Arrange thin, savory pastrami slices generously across the bottom half of the roll, creating a rich meat foundation.
3. Position two slices of creamy Provolone cheese directly over the pastrami, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Add another robust layer of pastrami atop the Provolone, building depth and intensity of flavor.
5. Sprinkle zesty Pepper Jack cheese slices over the pastrami, introducing a spicy dimension to the sandwich.
6. Create an additional pastrami layer for maximum meat satisfaction.
7. Crown the sandwich with two more Provolone cheese slices for a melty, smooth texture.
8. Scatter dried onions and freshly chopped purple onions across the top to introduce crisp, aromatic elements.
9. Tightly encase the entire sandwich in aluminum foil, sealing in the flavors and preparing for grilling.
10. Refrigerate the wrapped sandwich until ready to cook, maintaining ingredient freshness.
11. Preheat a grill to 350°F (177°C), ensuring even heat distribution.
12. Reduce grill temperature slightly before placing the foil-wrapped sandwich on the cooking surface.
13. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 15 minutes, rotating the sandwich once at the 7-8 minute mark.
14. Verify that cheese has completely melted and meat is thoroughly heated.
15. Carefully unwrap the sandwich, allowing steam to escape, and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Fold sandwich tightly in aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent cheese from leaking during grilling.
• Chilling the sandwich before grilling helps ingredients meld together and maintains structural integrity.
• Use medium-high grill heat to create crispy exterior while ensuring internal ingredients warm evenly.
• Rotating sandwich midway prevents burning and promotes uniform melting of multiple cheese varieties.
• Allow sandwich to rest briefly after grilling so cheese settles and flavors intensify before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg