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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Russian/Thousand Island-style Dressing
Butter for Grilling
Method
Sandwich Assembly & Cooking
Make the dressing
In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (if using), 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate while assembling sandwiches. Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness if desired.
Prepare sauerkraut
Place 1 cup sauerkraut in a fine mesh strainer and press or squeeze to remove excess liquid. If very wet, pat dry with a paper towel. This prevents soggy bread when grilled.
Assemble sandwiches
Lay out 4 slices of rye bread. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared dressing evenly on one side of each slice (reserve remaining dressing for serving). On the dressed side of two slices, layer 3 ounces (about 3 slices or a generous handful) of pastrami each. Top the pastrami with 2 slices of Swiss cheese per sandwich (or enough to cover). Divide the drained sauerkraut evenly between the two sandwiches, spreading it on top of the cheese/pastrami. Close the sandwiches with the remaining 2 slices of bread, dressing side down so the dressing is inside the sandwich.
Butter and grill
Spread about 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on the outside of each top and bottom slice of bread (1 tablespoon total per sandwich). Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low to medium heat. When the skillet is hot, place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook gently, pressing down occasionally with a spatula or a sandwich press, until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 4–5 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side another 3–4 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted. Adjust heat to prevent burning — lower the heat if bread browns too quickly before cheese melts.
Alternative: Panini press
If using a panini press, preheat it and grill sandwich for 3–5 minutes until bread is crisp and cheese is melted. No additional pressing required beyond the press.
Rest and slice
Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately with extra dressing on the side if desired.