Capastrami Recipe
Try our Capastrami Sandwich—loaded with hot pastrami, melty Swiss cheese, crunchy coleslaw, and zesty Russian dressing. A Cap's classic delight!
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Coleslaw
Russian Dressing
Method
Coleslaw
- 1
In a medium bowl combine shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and grated carrot.
- 2
Add 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- 3
Toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning (add a little more vinegar or sugar if you prefer sweeter or tangier slaw). Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the sandwich to let flavors meld (at least 10 minutes).
Russian Dressing
- 4
In a small bowl whisk together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish, and a dash of hot sauce if using.
- 5
Season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch (1/16 teaspoon) black pepper, then taste and adjust for heat, sweetness, or tang. Refrigerate until assembly.
Sandwich Assembly & Finish
- 6
- 7
Grill bread and melt cheese
Butter one side of each rye slice. Place buttered-side down in the skillet over medium-low heat. Put a slice of Swiss cheese on the top (unbuttered) side of one bread slice placed butter-side down in the skillet, then top with warmed pastrami. Cover with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up, and press gently with a spatula. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese has melted. If cheese needs extra melting, lower heat and cover for 30–60 seconds.
- 8
Alternatively, assemble open-faced on the counter: spread Russian dressing on both bread slices, layer pastrami and Swiss cheese, then toast in a 375°F (190°C) oven or under broiler briefly just until cheese melts and bread is crisp—watch closely to avoid burning.
- 9
Remove sandwich to a cutting board. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons coleslaw on top of the pastrami (or serve coleslaw on the side). Add pickle slices if using. Cut sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately.