Everyone loves a good pastrami sandwich. But while they’re delicious on their own, why not take your meal to the next level?
Picking the perfect side dish can turn a good meal into an amazing one.
In this blog post, we have compiled a remarkable list of side dishes to elevate your Pastrami Sandwiches experience.
Whether you are a home cook looking for creative side dishes or just want to impress your friends and family at your next gathering, these tasty and satisfying side dish suggestions will undoubtedly add a brilliant touch to your classic Pastrami Sandwiches.
So, Let’s get started!
A Quick solution for what to serve with pastrami sandwiches – Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Pickles, Fries, Salad, Fries and Onion Rings, Sauerkraut, Mustard, Caramelized Onions, Cheese, Avocado Slices, Bacon Bits/Fried Onions, Horseradish Sauce/Mustard Sauce, Fried Egg/Sunny-Side-Up Egg, Hummus Spreads, Guacamole, Jalapeno Slices, Olives, Barbecue Sauce, Lettuce/Arugula, Sprouts, Hot Sauce.
What are pastrami sandwiches? What do pastrami sandwiches taste like?
Pastrami sandwiches are a popular lunchtime staple. The sandwich typically consists of thinly-sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese, and rye bread that is grilled or heated in some way to give it a warm, savory flavor.
The combination of the soft and slightly sour rye with the salty and smoky pastrami, combined with either melted cheese or mustard, makes for an incredibly tasty sandwich.
The flavors all balance each other out nicely while still being bold enough to keep you coming back for more. Pastrami sandwiches are also great served cold on hot summer days when nothing else will do.
Best sides to serve with pastrami sandwiches
Pastrami sandwiches are classic deli-style sandwiches made with sliced cured and smoked beef. While pastrami is traditionally served on rye bread, it can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Here are 23 of the best foods to serve with pastrami for an unforgettable meal:
1. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a great partner for adding crunchy texture and creamy flavor to any sandwich. It also pairs perfectly with pastrami thanks to its sweet dressing and fresh vegetables.
For added flavor, you can mix in some diced onions, apples, or pickles.
2. Potato Salad
I just love to enjoy Potato salad with any sandwich. Its creamy texture and flavorful spices will balance out the bold taste of the pastrami.
Plus, it’s easy for you to customize for different tastes-try adding bacon bits for extra flavor!
3. Pickles
Pickles are a must-have for any pastrami sandwich! Their tangy flavor matches well with the rich flavor of the meat and adds an extra crunchy element as well.
Serve them on their own as slices or spears, or use pickle chips as part of a topping for your sandwich – either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
If you want to go the extra mile, you can even make homemade pickles with just cucumber slices, vinegar, salt and sugar – easy peasy!
You can use dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or even jalapenos if you like it spicy!
4. Fries
What better way to enjoy your pastrami than by dipping it in some fries? French fries are an excellent side dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. For a healthier option, you can try roasting some potatoes in the oven instead!
5. Salad
For me, a simple green salad is always a great side of any sandwich.
The lightness of greens will help cut through the richness of the pastrami while still providing some nutrition in each bite.
Try adding tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers for extra color and flavor!
6. Fries and Onion Rings
Fries and onion rings are both staples when it comes to coupling with sandwiches. Not only do they add crunch and texture, but you can also customize them in many ways.
You can bake or fry them at home, or even opt for sweet potato fries if you’re looking for something a bit different.
For an extra kick of flavor, top your fries with herbs like rosemary or thyme. Or maybe you want to switch things up and opt for onion rings instead?
Either way, this classic side dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
7. Sauerkraut
I tried it many times, and it is a traditional topping for pastrami sandwiches. Sauerkraut provides a tart, acidic flavor that goes nicely with the smoky taste of pastrami.
8. Mustard
Mustard brings out the flavors of both the meat and bread in any kind of sandwich, and it’s especially tasty when paired with pastrami.
You can try using spicy brown mustard to add some extra zing!
9. Caramelized Onions
Add some sweetness and richness to your sandwich by adding caramelized onions. It adds flavor without taking away from the smoky taste of the pastrami itself.
10. Cheese
I always prefer Cheese as an excellent addition to any sandwich, but especially when combined with pastrami!
Opt for sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese if you want something milder, or try crumbly feta for something more flavorful and robust.
11. Avocado Slices
Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats that pair perfectly with smoked meats like pastrami; plus, it looks great too!
Just make sure not to overload your sandwich so that it doesn’t become soggy from too much moisture inside it.
12. Tomatoes/Bell Peppers
Both tomatoes and bell peppers bring color and freshness to any dish they’re added to – in this case, they can provide your dish complimentary flavors while adding more nutrition too!
13. Bacon Bits/Fried Onions
Who doesn’t love bacon? Yes, I know that you also love it.
Sprinkling some bacon bits over your pastrami sandwich will give it an extra salty flavor without overpowering the other ingredients inside it; fried onions offer a similar effect but with more crunchiness instead of saltiness!
14. Horseradish Sauce/Mustard Sauce
These sauces can really amp up the kick of your pastrami sandwich – horseradish sauce has a sharp bite while mustard sauce has more mellow tones; you can try them both together for an unbeatable combination!
15. Fried Egg/Sunny-Side-Up Egg
Adding a fried egg or sunny-side-up egg gives your pastrami sandwich another layer of flavor and texture – plus, you get protein from the egg, which helps keep you full longer!
16. Hummus Spreads
You must try this beautiful side. Hummus isn’t just for vegetables – its creamy texture goes great on top of any kind of meat, including pastrami!
And because hummus is high in fiber, it’s also an excellent way to increase the nutritional content of any dish.
17. Guacamole
Like avocados, guacamole adds a creaminess that pairs perfectly with smoked meats like pastrami; however, guacamole adds even more flavor than just thinly sliced avocados do!
Plus, who doesn’t love guac? Try it now!
18. Jalapeno Slices
If you prefer their food spicy, jalapeno slices offer plenty of heat and color when added to a pastrami sandwich! They’ll definitely give your meal an extra zing!
19. Olives
Olives are a classic side to deli meats like salami or ham – why not add them to your next pastrami dish? They help enhance flavor while keeping things light at the same time!
20. Barbecue Sauce
If you’re looking for something with a bit more sweetness than spice, adding barbecue sauce to your pastrami sandwich can be the perfect way to go!
It adds a tangy flavor that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
21 . Lettuce/Arugula
Adding some leafy greens on top of your pastrami is a great way to make it healthier and brighter in color; plus, they help add crunch and freshness, too!
You’ll have an amazing sandwich in no time!
22. Sprouts
If you are fans of extra crunchiness, sprouts are an excellent topping for any kind of deli meat – including pastrami. Not to mention, they add a bit of nutrition with their high fiber content!
23. Hot Sauce
I add hot sauce to get a tasty and spicy version of the sandwich! It’ll give your sandwich just the right amount of kick and heat that you’re looking for in every bite!
What are the best flavors to go with pastrami sandwiches?
When it comes to pastrami sandwiches, it really depends on what your tastes are. However, some of the most popular flavors to pair with a pastrami sandwich include pickles, mustard, onions, garlic, and coleslaw.
To kick up the flavor even more, try adding Swiss cheese or a creamy dressing such as Thousand Island or Russian.
You can also incorporate flavors from around the world by trying different condiments like chutney or hummus.
For a sweet and savory flavor combination, add slices of tart apple or pear and top off with honey mustard for an amazing-tasting sandwich!
A great way to dress up any pastrami sandwich is to layer in fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes for added crunch and texture.
Rye bread is a classic choice for a classic sandwich, but any type of crunchy bread will do. Enjoy your pastrami sandwich however you like it best!
How do you jazz up pastrami sandwiches?
One way to jazz up your pastrami sandwich is to add flavorful condiments. Try spreading some creamy Dijon or horseradish mustard on the bread before adding the pastrami for an extra kick.
You can also top the sandwich with slices of pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes or spicy jalapenos for a nice crunch and flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try combining different cheeses such as provolone, Swiss or cheddar to give the sandwich even more flavor.
Finally, don’t forget about adding a few shakes of hot sauce for an added kick! Enjoy!
How do you display pastrami sandwiches on a platter?
To display pastrami sandwiches on a platter, start by cutting the rolls in half and arranging them in a circular pattern on the platter.
Place several slices of pastrami between each roll to create an attractive arrangement. Top with lettuce, tomatoes and pickles for added color and crunch.
Finally, drizzle some mayonnaise or mustard over the sandwiches for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Conclusion on what to serve with pastrami sandwiches
Whether you’re looking for something light or something indulgent, these five sides will pair perfectly with your next pastrami sandwich!
With their unique flavors and textures, they’ll add something special to your meal without taking away from its main attraction – after all, who doesn’t love a good pastrami sandwich?
So get creative and experiment – there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic deli favorite!
FAQs on what to serve with pastrami sandwiches
Q1. How many pastrami sandwiches per person?
This is really up to you and depends on a few factors. How big are your sandwiches? How hungry are you and your guests? If you’re serving the pastrami sandwiches as part of a larger meal, then one per person should suffice.
However, if they are smaller sandwiches or if everyone is extremely hungry, you may want to consider making two pastrami sandwiches per person. Ultimately, it’s up to you how much food to make and serve! Enjoy!
Q2. What cheese goes with pastrami sandwiches?
Pastrami sandwiches are usually served with Swiss cheese, although some people may prefer milder cheese like cheddar. Provolone is also popular for its flavor and the way it melts over the meat.
Pairing the savory pastrami with sharp mustard, pickles, onion and some creamy cheese can make for a delicious combination. For an extra kick, try adding pepper jack or gouda to balance out the spiciness of the pastrami.
A classic choice for a pastrami sandwich is Swiss cheese, which has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the smoky, spicy flavors of the pastrami. Other types of cheese you might consider include provolone, cheddar, and Muenster.
Adding some creaminess to your sandwich could also be accomplished by adding slices of avocado or a creamy dressing such as Thousand Island Dressing or even mayonnaise.
Q3. What chips go good with a pastrami sandwich?
Potato chips are a classic choice for pairing with a pastrami sandwich. Other crunchy options that work well include pretzels, Doritos, and Fritos. For something lighter, try some pita chips or popped popcorn.
If you’re looking for something unique to add to your sandwich, why not try some plantain chips? All of these choices can turn your simple pastrami sandwich into an exciting culinary experience!
Q4. Does mayo go on a pastrami sandwich?
Many people enjoy adding mayo to their pastrami sandwiches. It adds an extra layer of creamy flavor that pairs well with the salty, peppery notes of the pastrami. Mayo can also help to soften and moisten the sandwich, making it more enjoyable to eat.
Ultimately, whether or not you add mayo is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer their pastrami sandwiches without any condiments besides mustard, while others like to mix them up with different flavors. Feel free to experiment and see which combination you like best!
Q5. What is the best bread to eat with pastrami?
The best bread to eat with pastrami is a nice light rye or pumpernickel. These types of bread have the perfect amount of chewiness and flavor that will pair nicely with the salty, smoky flavors of the pastrami.
For those looking for something a bit more hearty, try a sourdough or ciabatta roll. Both will hold up well against the robust flavor of pastrami while still providing a great contrast in texture.
Q6. Should pastrami sandwiches be hot or cold?
The answer to this question depends largely on personal preference. Some people enjoy the classic deli-style cold pastrami sandwich, while others prefer a hot version with melted cheese and grilled bread. Ultimately, it comes down to what you like best! If you’re looking for something quick and easy, a cold pastrami sandwich is probably your best bet.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous or want something more filling, a hot version may be just the ticket. Experiment with different toppings and condiments to find the perfect combination for your taste buds! No matter how you serve it up, a delicious pastrami sandwich is sure to please any palate. Enjoy!