How to Prepare Classic Deli Sandwiches with Deli Lunch Meat (and a slice of History)

A deli sandwich is simple to make, and yet complex to master. However, when you nail that combination of fresh bread, flavorful meats, crunchy and tangy elements, there’s just nothing like it.  

At Pancer’s Original Deli, our love for deli meats and sandwiches has been burning since 1957, and today, we will help you ignite your love for it. 

First, we’ll be sharing a short history on deli sandwiches and finally, we will help you prepare your deli lunch with a classic deli sandwich. Let’s go! 

A Short History of the Deli menu 

The Deli menu has its origin on the Jewish delicatessens and became popular in the late 19th and 20th centuries by Jewish immigrants carrying their culinary traditions as they settled in the west.  

The central part of the deli menu is deli lunch meat like smoked meat, pastrami, corned beef and brined beef. Why this kind of meat? Deli lunch meat like these was food that could be preserved for long periods! 

Now that you have got a slice of history, let’s learn how to make your own deli sandwich using exceptional deli lunch meat. 

Classic Deli Sandwiches with Deli Lunch Meat 

Step 1. Quality Bread 

The typical traditional choice is rye bread used widely for deli sandwiches with pastrami and corned beef.  

However, you can also try pumpernickel or sourdough bread. If your taste aren't too sensitive in the combination of bread with meat, then when choosing your bread, you should mostly care about it being sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to feel good on bite. 

Bread and Deli meat combinations that work best: 

Rye Bread + Pastrami/Corned Beef 

Sourdough + Roast Beef 

Ciabatta + Turkey Breast 

Baguette + Smoked Salmon 

Step 2. Deli Lunch Meat 

The most famous deli lunch meats are pastrami and corned beef. However, there are several other traditional choices used to make sandwiches delicious as well. 

More deli lunch meats: 

Roast Beef 

Turkey Breast 

Rotisserie Chicken 

Smoked Salmon (Lox)  

What’s important is to stack it generously in your deli sandwich to gain that traditional look and taste.  

Tip: Traditional deli meats are thinly sliced! 

Step 3. Cheese 

Many deli sandwiches usually don’t include cheese due to kosher restrictions but there are some, like the Reuben, that feature cheese as a key ingredient. In that case, Swiss cheese is one of the classic choices. However, nothing stops you to experiment with alternatives like cheddar, provolone, or American cheese! 

Step 4. Topics and Condiments 

Toppings are usually used as the crunchy element in deli sandwiches. They are pickles, coleslaw, lettuce, or tomatoes, depending on your preference. 

About condiments, mustard is the traditional choice, coming in yellow, spicy brown or Dijon, depending on your taste. Mayo is less common in classics, but it works well with turkey or roast beef if you crave for a change. 

Advanced Tips 

Toast your bread: Lightly toasting the bread adds texture and prevents it from getting soggy. 

Steam the meat: Steaming your pastrami usually enhances flavor and tenderness. You can replicate this expert process by gently heating the meat over simmering water at home. 

Master the Layering: The trick here is to spread your condiments on both bread slices, and then layer your meat and toppings evenly to balance the taste. 

Traditional Pastrami Sandwich recipe! 

You will need:  

• 2 slices of Rye bread 

• ½ pound of thinly sliced pastrami 

• Spicy brown mustard 

• Pickles (on the side, or inside the sandwich) 

Instructions: 

• Warm the pastrami by wrapping it in aluminum foil and placing it over simmering water for 5-10 minutes. 

• Lightly toast the rye bread 

• Spread the mustard on both slices 

• Stack the sandwich! 

• Add the pickles 

Bon appetite! 

Visit the Best Deli Restaurant in Toronto 

We hope your deli sandwich is as incredible as we do it in our Deli Restaurant: Pancer’s Original Deli! Do you think it’s better? Come by and show us! We’ll take the challenge! 

If deli is your thing, we have many surprises for you! Explore our advanced techniques, different exotic options and great variety in our deli menu here.  

Offering you the best deli in Toronto since 1957, the family at Pancer’s Original Deli!