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Katz Deli Pastrami Sandwich

Recipe by Katz Deli on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.

10 minutes to prep, 5 to cook. A classic New York pastrami sandwich from Katz Deli, featuring smoky pastrami, creamy Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and zesty Russian dressing between toasted rye bread. The sandwich is pan‑grilled until the cheese melts and the bread is golden and crisp.

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Katz Deli Pastrami Sandwich by Katz Deli, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Gather all ingredients and have a butter knife ready for spreading.

  2. Lay the two slices of rye bread on a clean surface; spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.

  3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until a gentle sizzle is heard when a drop of water is flicked onto the surface.

  4. Place one slice of bread butter‑side down in the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes, or until the underside turns golden brown.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The bread underside is golden. Toast the buttered side before adding the fillings.

  5. Flip the bread and, on the unbuttered side, arrange the thinly sliced pastrami evenly across the surface.

  6. Layer the Swiss cheese slice on top of the pastrami, followed by the drained sauerkraut, and drizzle the Russian dressing over the sauerkraut.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The pastrami, cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing form even layers. Drain the sauerkraut well so the sandwich does not become soggy.

  7. Top with the second slice of rye bread, butter‑side up.

  8. Press down gently with a spatula and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese begins to melt and the bottom slice is crisp.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The bottom bread is crisp and the cheese begins to melt. Press gently to keep the layers together.

  9. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the cheese fully melts and both sides are evenly toasted.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Both sides are evenly toasted and the cheese is melted. Turn carefully to keep the filling inside.

  10. Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for 30 seconds to allow the cheese to set slightly.

  11. Slice the sandwich diagonally, if desired, and serve immediately while hot and melty.

Tips while you cook

Butter both slices before cooking
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each rye slice before placing them in the skillet.
Preheat skillet to the right temperature
Heat the skillet over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles before adding the bread.
Let the sandwich rest briefly
Allow the sandwich to rest for 30 seconds after cooking.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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The recipe comes from Katz Deli’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you Katz Deli and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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