Pittsburgh Sandwich Recipe

Italian bread: Thick slices of this bread provide a sturdy base for the sandwich.

Deli meat: Choose your favorite type, such as turkey, ham, or roast beef.

Coleslaw: Adds a crunchy, tangy element to the sandwich.

French fries: Cooked and crispy, these add a unique texture and flavor.

Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor.

To achieve the perfect grilled sandwich, make sure to preheat your skillet over medium heat before adding the sandwich. This ensures even browning and helps the cheese melt uniformly. Additionally, lightly butter the outer sides of the bread slices to enhance the crispiness and add a rich flavor.

• italian bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough has a similar texture and can hold up well to the fillings.

• italian bread - Substitute with ciabatta: Ciabatta is sturdy and has a nice crust that complements the sandwich.

• deli meat - Substitute with grilled chicken: Grilled chicken provides a leaner protein option and adds a different flavor profile.

• deli meat - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef offers a hearty and savory alternative that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• coleslaw - Substitute with sauerkraut: Sauerkraut adds a tangy flavor and crunchy texture, similar to coleslaw.

• coleslaw - Substitute with pickled vegetables: Pickled vegetables provide a similar crunch and acidity, enhancing the sandwich's flavor.

• french fries - Substitute with sweet potato fries: Sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness and a different texture.

• french fries - Substitute with tater tots: Tater tots offer a crispy and fun alternative to traditional fries.

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

• provolone cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a sharper flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.

• Allow the sandwich to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each Pittsburgh sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents the bread from drying out.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and odors.
• Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 2-3 days. The cool temperature helps to keep the deli meat and coleslaw fresh.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped sandwiches in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to eat, thaw the frozen sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps to maintain the texture of the bread and french fries.
• Reheat the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This brings back the original texture and flavor.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method ensures even heating and a crispy exterior.
• Avoid microwaving the sandwiches, as this can make the bread rubbery and the french fries soggy.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Pittsburgh sandwich in aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

• Use a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover it with a lid to help melt the cheese. Heat each side for about 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the meat is warmed through.

• For a quick method, use a microwave. Wrap the sandwich in a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check if the cheese is melted and the meat is hot. If not, continue heating in 30-second intervals.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Pittsburgh sandwich in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will ensure the bread stays crispy while the cheese and meat get perfectly reheated.

• For a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating and to prevent the bread from burning.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for grilling the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the sandwich in the skillet to ensure even grilling on both sides.

• Knife: Used for slicing the Italian bread thickly.

• Cutting board: A surface to place the bread while slicing.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the hot sandwich when removing it from the skillet.

• Plate: For serving the hot sandwich once it is cooked.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the coleslaw and french fries accurately.

• Cheese slicer: Optional, but can be used to slice the provolone cheese if not pre-sliced.

Pre-slice the bread: Buy pre-sliced Italian bread to save time on cutting.

Use pre-made coleslaw: Purchase coleslaw from the store instead of making it from scratch.

Cook fries in advance: Prepare french fries ahead of time and reheat them when assembling the sandwich.

Layer efficiently: Lay out all your deli meat, provolone cheese, and other ingredients before you start assembling to streamline the process.

Grill multiple sandwiches: Use a large skillet to grill multiple sandwiches at once, saving time on cooking.