Why You’ll Love this Towering Sloppy Joe
This massive sandwich isn’t your typical lunchtime fare—it’s a show-stopping creation that demands attention.
When you’re craving something extraordinary, this towering masterpiece delivers with layers of savory corned beef, pastrami, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy Russian dressing. I love how the crisp coleslaw adds the perfect crunch against the hollowed-out rye bread.
Truth be told, it’s wonderfully messy—hence the name—but isn’t that part of the charm? The combination of flavors is simply sublime, hitting all those deli-sandwich high notes in one glorious stack.
Ready for a sandwich that requires a game plan and napkin strategy?
What Ingredients are in Towering Sloppy Joe?
This isn’t your ordinary sloppy joe sandwich—it’s a magnificent deli-inspired creation that brings together the perfect combination of meats, cheese, and tangy additions.
The ingredient list might look lengthy at first glance, but each component plays an essential role in creating that towering masterpiece that’s as impressive to look at as it’s delicious to eat.
Let’s break down everything you’ll need to build this show-stopping sandwich:
- 1 loaf rye bread
- 6 ounces Russian salad dressing
- 1 pound coleslaw
- 2 ounces sliced corned beef
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 ounces sliced pastrami
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters tremendously.
I recommend visiting a good deli counter for freshly sliced meats rather than using pre-packaged options. The Russian dressing can be store-bought for convenience, but if you’re feeling ambitious, making it from scratch adds an extra special touch.
As for the coleslaw, you can certainly use prepared coleslaw from the deli section, but a homemade version with crisp cabbage will provide the ultimate crunch factor.
And remember, a sturdy rye bread is essential—it needs to hold up to all those glorious fillings without falling apart mid-bite!
How to Make this Towering Sloppy Joe
Creating this magnificent sandwich is all about layering and building a flavor masterpiece. Start with your 1 loaf of rye bread, which serves as the foundation of our towering creation. Instead of slicing it horizontally like a typical sandwich, cut it down the side to open it up submarine-style.
Then comes the vital step that separates amateur sandwich makers from pros—hollow out that bread by removing the soft inside. This creates a perfect cavity for holding all those delicious ingredients without everything squishing out the sides (we’ve all been there with overstuffed sandwiches, right?).
Now for the fun part: assembly! Begin by adding 3 ounces of tangy Russian dressing to the hollowed bread, creating a flavorful base. Next, pile in half a pound of crisp coleslaw, followed by 2 ounces of thinly sliced corned beef. Layer 2 slices of nutty Swiss cheese on top of the meat.
Continue building your tower with 2 ounces of savory pastrami, another splash of that zesty Russian dressing, and 2 more slices of Swiss cheese. Crown your creation with the remaining coleslaw before carefully closing up this magnificent beast.
For serving, slice the sandwich into three manageable portions and secure each with club toothpicks—those little structural supports make all the difference between a successful sandwich and a lap full of ingredients.
Towering Sloppy Joe Substitutions and Variations
Countless variations can transform this classic sloppy joe into something completely different yet equally delicious.
I’ve swapped rye for pumpernickel when I’m craving something darker, or sourdough when I want that tangy kick. Not a fan of Russian dressing? Thousand Island works brilliantly.
For the protein, turkey pastrami offers a lighter option, while vegetarians might enjoy tempeh or seitan instead.
The cheese is totally customizable—provolone, havarti, or even pepper jack for heat lovers.
And the coleslaw? Try adding apple slices for sweetness, or jalapeños if you’re like me and crave that spicy crunch.
What to Serve with Towering Sloppy Joe
Pairing possibilities for this towering sandwich deserve just as much attention as the main attraction.
I’ve found that crisp dill pickles provide the perfect acidic counterpoint to the rich, meaty layers of this beast. A side of kettle chips—the extra crunchy kind—works wonders for textural contrast.
For drinks, nothing cuts through that fatty goodness like an ice-cold lager or cream soda.
When I’m feeling fancy, I serve it with a small cup of matzo ball soup on the side. Trust me, the broth helps when you’re halfway through and need something to wash down those magnificent layers.
Final Thoughts
Although mastering this New Jersey deli classic takes practice, I’ve found the rewards are worth every messy bite.
The combination of tangy Russian dressing, crisp coleslaw, and those savory deli meats creates a sandwich experience unlike any other.
Trust me, your first attempt might look like a delicatessen explosion, but don’t worry—that’s part of the charm.
Towering Sloppy Joe Sandwich
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the rye bread loaf down the side to open it up submarine-style rather than slicing it horizontally.
- Hollow out the bread by removing the soft inside, creating a cavity to hold all the ingredients.
- Spread 3 ounces of Russian dressing inside the hollowed bread as your flavor base.
- Add half of the coleslaw (about 8 ounces) as the first layer.
- Layer the corned beef on top of the coleslaw.
- Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese over the corned beef.
- Add the pastrami as the next layer.
- Drizzle the remaining 3 ounces of Russian dressing over the pastrami.
- Place the remaining 2 slices of Swiss cheese on top.
- Top with the remaining coleslaw before carefully closing the sandwich.
- Slice the completed sandwich into three equal portions.
- Secure each portion with club toothpicks to maintain structural integrity before serving.
