The High Tide™ Recipe

Make dressing

In a medium bowl combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tbs ketchup, 2 tbs sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp white vinegar, 1 tsp prepared horseradish (if using), 1 tsp very finely minced onion, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp hot sauce (optional). Whisk until smooth and taste — adjust salt, sweetness (add more relish) or acidity (add more vinegar) to preference. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Preheat and prepare bread

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a skillet or broiler. If using a loaf, slice horizontally into two even halves or slice thick pieces for open-faced. In a small bowl soften 3 tbs unsalted butter and stir in 2 tsp minced garlic. Spread the garlic butter evenly over cut sides of the bread.

Toast bread with cheese

Arrange the buttered bread cut-side up on a baking sheet. Sprinkle or layer roughly 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded pepper jack evenly across the bread halves (reserve a small handful if you want extra melty topping). Bake in the preheated oven for 6–9 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling and edges of bread are golden. For a crisper top, finish 1–2 minutes under a hot broiler—watch closely to avoid burning.

Alternative skillet method

If using a skillet: heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high. Place buttered bread butter-side down onto the skillet and top with cheese; cover with a lid so cheese melts, 3–5 minutes. Transfer to plate when cheese is melted and bread is golden.

Warm the meats

While bread toasts, warm the pastrami and ham: place slices in a large skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until warmed and slightly crisp at the edges, or briefly steam/heat in a covered pan for 1–2 minutes. This step enhances flavor and prevents chilled meat from cooling the sandwich.

Crumble bacon

If bacon is not yet cooked: cook 4 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels and crumble. If using pre-cooked bacon, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble sandwich

When cheese-topped garlic bread is hot and melty, remove from oven. On the bottom half, layer warmed pastrami evenly, then ham, then crumbled bacon. Distribute the remaining melted-cheese layer over the meats if desired (you can place meat directly on cheese or cheese on top of meat depending on preference). Add optional tomato slices and lettuce for freshness.

Sauce and close

Spread 2–3 tbs (or to taste) of freshly made thousand island dressing on the top half of the toasted bread. Place top half over the stacked ingredients and press gently to compact the sandwich. If desired, return the closed sandwich to the oven for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to warm through and meld flavors.

Serve

Cut sandwich into halves or quarters. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately with extra thousand island on the side for dipping.