
There’s something truly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a deli-style pastrami sandwich. The rich, smoky pastrami, creamy Swiss cheese, crunchy gherkins, and a touch of tangy mustard all come together on hearty rye bread to create the perfect bite. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick lunch or a light dinner, itโs always a hit!
Why Youโll Love This Sandwich
This pastrami and Swiss sandwich is inspired by the famous New York Pastrami on Rye, a classic that I fell in love with during a trip to NYC. I remember walking into one of those bustling delis, the aroma of cured meat filling the air, and being absolutely blown away by the bold, smoky flavor combined with the sharpness of the mustard. Now, Iโm sharing my version of that iconic sandwich with you, made simple and delicious!

Ingredients for the Best Pastrami Sandwich Recipe
To recreate that authentic deli taste at home, hereโs what youโll need:
- 2 slices of rye bread or mixed rye/sourdough
- 10g butter or vegetable spread (I prefer slightly salted)
- 50g pastrami (thinly sliced, cured brisket)
- 1-2 slices Emmental cheese (or your favorite Swiss cheese)
- 40g gherkins, sliced
- 10ml American mustard
Pro Tip: Try swapping out the rye for sourdough if you want a slightly tangier twist!

How to Make a Deli Style Pastrami Sandwich
Ready in under 5 minutes, this sandwich is as effortless as it is delicious!
- Butter both slices of rye bread generously.
- Layer on the pastrami, followed by the cheese slices and gherkins.
- Drizzle with mustard to taste.
- Sandwich the slices together and cut in half. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your taste.
- Make it dairy-free by using a plant-based spread and vegan cheese.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 498 kcal
- Fat: 21.8g
- Saturated Fat: 11.7g
- Carbohydrates: 47.4g
- Sugar: 4.4g
- Fiber: 4.5g
- Protein: 27.6g
- Salt: 2.71g

FAQs
Absolutely! While Emmental cheese adds a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with pastrami, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Swiss, Gouda, or even Cheddar. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses may slightly alter the classic deli taste.
Rye bread is the traditional choice for a classic deli-style pastrami sandwich, as it adds a distinct, hearty flavor. Sourdough is another excellent option, offering a slightly tangy contrast to the smoky pastrami. Whole grain or seeded bread can also be used for a healthier twist.
To make a dairy-free version, simply swap the butter with a dairy-free spread and choose a vegan cheese alternative. There are plenty of plant-based cheese slices available that mimic the texture and taste of Swiss or Emmental cheese.
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh due to the texture and flavor of the ingredients. However, you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before eating. If making ahead, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out.
Yes! While American mustard is commonly used for its mild, tangy flavor, you can also use Dijon or whole grain mustard for a spicier kick. Spicy brown mustard is another great option for added depth of flavor.

Related Recipes Youโll Love
- Chicken Avocado Wrap – A fresh, creamy wrap loaded with juicy chicken, ripe avocado, and crunchy veggies. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal on the go!
- Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe – A light and flavorful chicken salad packed with wholesome ingredients, ideal for a guilt-free lunch or dinner.
- Cold Roast Beef Sandwich Recipe – A hearty sandwich filled with tender roast beef, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Conclusion
A pastrami and Swiss sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, itโs a go-to for any sandwich lover. Make this best pastrami sandwich recipe today and impress your family with a deli-inspired meal thatโs both hearty and satisfying!
Enjoy your delicious deli-style pastrami sandwich! Let me know in the comments how you liked it and if you added your own twist!


If you love this recipe, make sure to pin it to your Pinterest for easy access next time youโre craving a deli-style sandwich.

Deli Style Pastrami Sandwich – The Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Description
The ultimate deli-style pastrami sandwich featuring rich, smoky pastrami, creamy Swiss cheese, crunchy gherkins, and tangy mustard on hearty rye bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 slices of rye bread or mixed rye/sourdough
- 10g butter or vegetable spread (slightly salted)
- 50g pastrami (thinly sliced, cured brisket)
- 1–2 slices Emmental cheese (or your favorite Swiss cheese)
- 40g gherkins, sliced
- 10ml American mustard
Instructions
- Butter both slices of rye bread generously.
- Layer on the pastrami, followed by the cheese slices and gherkins.
- Drizzle with mustard to taste.
- Sandwich the slices together and cut in half. Enjoy!
Notes
Try using sourdough for a slightly tangier twist. Adjust ingredient quantities to suit your taste. Make it dairy-free by using a plant-based spread and vegan cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 498
- Sugar: 4.4g
- Sodium: 2710mg
- Fat: 21.8g
- Saturated Fat: 11.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47.4g
- Fiber: 4.5g
- Protein: 27.6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pastrami sandwich, deli sandwich, Swiss cheese sandwich, easy lunch recipe