Pittsburgh Sandwich Recipe

Deli meat: Choose from turkey, ham, or roast beef, depending on your preference.

Italian bread: Thick-cut slices are ideal for holding all the sandwich components together.

French fries: Cooked to a crispy perfection, they add a delightful crunch.

Coleslaw: Provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the other ingredients.

Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich, savory flavor.

Tomato slices: Fresh and juicy, they add a burst of freshness to the sandwich.

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Pittsburgh sandwich, make sure to use thick-cut Italian bread that can hold up to the hearty fillings. Toasting the bread until golden brown adds a delightful crunch and prevents it from becoming soggy when layered with coleslaw and tomato slices. Additionally, heating the deli meat in the skillet not only warms it up but also enhances its flavor, making each bite more satisfying.

• sliced deli meat - Substitute with grilled chicken breast: Grilled chicken breast provides a similar protein content and can be seasoned to match the flavor profile of deli meats.

• thick-cut italian bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread has a robust flavor and a chewy texture that complements the sandwich well.

• cooked french fries - Substitute with sweet potato fries: Sweet potato fries add a slightly sweet flavor and a different nutritional profile, offering more vitamins and fiber.

• coleslaw - Substitute with kimchi: Kimchi provides a tangy and spicy alternative that adds a unique twist to the sandwich.

• provolone cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese has a mild flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative to provolone.

• tomato slices - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a smoky and sweet flavor, providing a different but complementary taste to the sandwich.

• Allow the sandwich to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent air exposure.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and odors.
• Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 1-2 days. The deli meat and coleslaw are perishable and need to be kept cold.
• For longer storage, freeze the sandwiches. Place the wrapped sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the sandwiches to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• To thaw, remove the sandwich from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the bread and meat.
• Reheat the sandwich in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This ensures the provolone cheese melts nicely and the bread regains its crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving the sandwich as it can make the bread rubbery and the french fries soggy.
• If the coleslaw becomes too watery after thawing, consider adding a fresh layer of coleslaw before serving to enhance the crunch and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Pittsburgh sandwich in aluminum foil to keep it moist. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is melted and the deli meat is warmed through.

• For a crispier option, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the sandwich directly on the rack. Heat for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway to ensure the bread doesn't get too toasty.

• If you're in a hurry, use a microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid sogginess.

• For a stovetop method, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even warming and a crispy exterior.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are evenly reheated and crispy.

• Skillet: Used to heat and cook the deli meat until it is warmed through.

• Oven: Utilized to toast the bread slices until they are golden brown.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for assembling the sandwich.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the sandwich in half before serving.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the deli meat in the skillet and handling the toasted bread.

• Tongs: Useful for placing the cooked french fries onto the sandwich.

• Plate: For serving the completed sandwich.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the correct amounts of french fries, coleslaw, and tomato slices.

Preheat the skillet: Preheat the skillet while gathering ingredients to save time.

Use pre-cooked fries: Opt for pre-cooked or frozen fries to reduce cooking time.

Buy pre-made coleslaw: Purchase pre-made coleslaw from the store to skip preparation.

Toast bread together: Toast all bread slices simultaneously in the oven to speed up the process.

Layer efficiently: Arrange ingredients in assembly line fashion for quick sandwich building.

Slice tomatoes in advance: Pre-slice tomatoes and store them in the fridge for easy access.