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Sailor Sandwich

The sailor sandwich was, according to legend, created at New York Deli in Richmond, Virginia. It is said to have been inspired by members of the University of Richmond Navy V-12 program during World War II. Originally a nameless, off-menu item, the hot pastrami sandwich was a favorite of the seamen. This recipe also calls for grilled knockwurst, melted Swiss cheese, and hot German-style mustard on rye bread. The sandwich is traditionally served with a side of peppers.

Recipe Servings: 2

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray, as needed to grease baking sheet
  • 4 oz thin sliced pastrami
  • 2 knockwursts, skin removed, split length-wise
  • Butter, as needed
  • 4 slices rye bread
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese, equal in size to the bread
  • Brown mustard, as needed for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat a grill to high and an oven to 300°F. Grease a baking sheet using nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Place the pastrami slices and knockwursts on the hot grill and cook until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
  3. Butter one side of the four slices of bread and place them butter-side down on the grill, cooking until lightly toasted.  
  4. Divide the pastrami equally, placing each portion on the untoasted side of a slice of bread.
  5. Top each pile of pastrami with a slice of Swiss cheese followed by a split knockwurst.
  6. Place the remaining slices of rye bread over the knockwursts, toasted-side up, to form two sandwiches.
  7. Place sandwiches on the baking sheet and heat in the oven for 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
  8. Serve immediately with brown mustard on the side.

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