Pittsburgh-style Primanti Brothers Sandwich
Cuisine: American Type: Sandwich/Wrap

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Italian Bread
2 slices (100)
Roast Beef
4 ounces (113.4)
Swiss Cheese
2 slices (56.7)
French Fries
1 cup (240)
Coleslaw
1 cup (240)
Tomato Slices
2 slices (60)
Dill Pickle Slices
4 slices (60)
Yellow Mustard
1 tablespoon (14)
Totals
31 oz
(884 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Italian Bread
200
Grilled Meat (Beef, Turkey, Or Ham)
250
French Fries
365
Coleslaw
150
Tomatoes
25
Provolone Cheese
100
Fried Egg
90
Sliced Pickles
10
Mustard
5
Salt
0
Black Pepper
0
Oil For Frying
120
Totals
1,315 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Slice a loaf of Italian bread horizontally into two equal halves.
Step 3: Spread yellow mustard on the bottom half of the bread.
Step 4: Layer thinly sliced deli meat (such as pastrami, corned beef, or turkey) evenly on top of the mustard.
Step 5: Add a layer of coleslaw on top of the meat.
Step 6: Place a few slices of tomato on top of the coleslaw.
Step 7: Add a layer of French fries on top of the tomato slices.
Step 8: Spread another layer of yellow mustard on the top half of the bread.
Step 9: Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich, mustard side down.
Step 10: Lightly butter the outer sides of the sandwich.
Step 11: Place the sandwich on the preheated griddle or skillet.
Step 12: Press the sandwich down with a spatula and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the bread is toasted and crispy.
Step 13: Flip the sandwich over using the spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side until the bread is toasted and crispy.
Step 14: Remove the sandwich from the griddle or skillet and let it cool for a minute.
Step 15: Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters, if desired.
Step 16: Serve the Pittsburgh-style Primanti Brothers sandwich warm and enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Pittsburgh-style Primanti Brothers Sandwich:
1. Italian Bread:
- Substitute with any crusty bread such as French bread or ciabatta.
2. Deli Meats (pastrami, capicola, or corned beef):
- Substitute with any deli meats like roast beef, turkey, ham, or salami.
- Adjust seasoning or spices if necessary to match the substitute meat.
3. Coleslaw:
- Substitute with shredded cabbage or lettuce.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tanginess of coleslaw.
4. French Fries:
- Substitute with any type of potato fries or chips.
- Adjust cooking time or method based on the substitute chosen.
5. Tomato:
- Substitute with sliced cucumber or pickles for a tangy crunch.
6. Provolone Cheese:
- Substitute with any mild or meltable cheese like Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella.
7. Yellow Mustard:
- Substitute with Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or any other preferred mustard.
8. Adjustments:
- If using a different type of bread, ensure it can hold the sandwich fillings without becoming too soggy.
- Modify cooking times or temperatures if using different deli meats or cheese that require specific heating instructions.
- Adjust the amount of seasoning or spices based on the substitute ingredients to maintain desired flavors.
Pairings
- Coleslaw
- French fries
- Pickles
- Tomato slices
- Fried eggs
- Grilled onions
- Hot peppers
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Barbecue sauce
- Soft drinks (e.g., cola, lemon-lime soda)
- Beer (e.g., lager, pale ale)
- Iced tea
- Milkshake
Upgrades
Enhancements for Pittsburgh-style Primanti Brothers Sandwich:
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, on top of the sandwich.
- Add a colorful side of pickled vegetables or a small salad for visual appeal.
- Serve on a wooden cutting board or a slate platter to elevate the presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich for added crunch.
- Add a layer of crispy bacon or pancetta to enhance the texture and add a smoky flavor.
- Incorporate a homemade aioli or flavored mayonnaise, such as chipotle or truffle, to elevate the sandwich's taste.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality deli meats, such as prosciutto or roasted turkey breast, instead of regular deli cuts.
- Substitute the traditional coleslaw with a gourmet slaw made from julienned apples, fennel, and cabbage dressed with a champagne vinaigrette.
- Replace the standard cheese with a premium cheese like Gruyère or aged cheddar to add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Remember, these enhancements are meant to elevate the experience and make it more luxurious and fancy while staying true to the essence of the Pittsburgh-style Primanti Brothers Sandwich.
Diet Restrictions
- Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread to increase fiber content and promote better digestion.
- Opt for lean protein sources like turkey or chicken breast instead of high-fat meats like pastrami or corned beef.
- Include a variety of vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers to add essential vitamins and minerals.
- Reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat alternative to decrease saturated fat intake.
- Limit the amount of French fries or substitute them with baked sweet potato fries for a healthier option.
- Consider using a low-sodium or reduced-sodium bread to lower salt intake.
- For individuals with gluten intolerance, choose gluten-free bread or wrap options.
- For those with lactose intolerance, omit the cheese or use lactose-free cheese substitutes.
- To accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets, replace the meat with grilled tofu or a plant-based protein alternative.
- If watching calorie intake, consider reducing the portion size or sharing the sandwich with someone else.
Healthy Choices
- Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread for added fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for lean protein options like grilled chicken or turkey instead of fatty meats like pastrami or corned beef.
- Load up on vegetables by adding lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles for added vitamins and minerals.
- Swap out regular cheese for reduced-fat or low-fat cheese to reduce saturated fat content.
- Limit the amount of French fries in the sandwich or replace them with baked sweet potato fries for a healthier alternative.
- Use a moderate amount of olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray instead of butter or margarine when grilling the sandwich.
- Consider reducing the amount of mayo or using a light or reduced-fat version to cut down on calories and fat.
- Enjoy the sandwich with a side of fresh fruit or a side salad to add more nutrients and fiber to the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Opt for pre-sliced deli meats (ham, turkey, or roast beef) instead of cooking and slicing them yourself.
2. Use store-bought coleslaw instead of making it from scratch.
3. Choose pre-packaged French fries or frozen oven-baked fries for convenience.
4. Substitute regular white bread for Italian or French bread to save time on baking.
5. Skip the step of grilling the sandwich and use a panini press or toaster oven instead.
6. Use pre-made pickles instead of pickling your own vegetables.
7. Experiment with different types of cheese that are more affordable but still melt well, like cheddar or Swiss.
8. Consider using a flavored mayonnaise or mustard instead of making your own condiments.
9. Purchase pre-sliced tomatoes and onions to save time on slicing and preparation.
10. Adjust the sandwich size to make smaller portions, reducing the overall cost of ingredients.