I Made My Own Primanti Bros. Sandwiches

In the spring of 2024, the family needed to get out of Toronto and experience something different for a change. We narrowed it down to somewhere we could drive to in under five hours. Detroit, Montreal, and Cleveland were all in play, but they did not check the box for the other reason for the trip. To see a Major League baseball game. Thankfully, the Pirates had a home stand, and our road trip to Pittsburgh was born.

If you’ve never been to Pittsburgh, one of the first things you will learn about the city is the Primanti Bros. sandwich. These legendary sandwiches, piled high with meat, cheese, coleslaw, and french fries right between the bread, have been a Pittsburgh institution since the 1930s. Originally, they were a quick, hearty meal for dock workers and truckers who wanted all their lunch components in one hand-held package. Today, they’re iconic, so much so that now they seem to pop up everywhere on TV.

As part of our trip to Pittsburgh, we went to the original Strip District location. It was like stepping into a local landmark. The air was thick with the smell of grilled meat and fresh bread, and the line of locals and tourists alike proved just how beloved these sandwiches are. Our eyes practically popped out of our heads when we saw fries and coleslaw sandwiched right alongside pastrami. It was messy, delicious, and unforgettable. If I had to describe how aligned this sandwich is with the city, I would go as far as to say it’s like a sandwich from Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal. Naturally, I knew the day would come when I had to try making them myself.

How to Make a Primanti Bros. Sandwich

Recreating a Primanti Bros. sandwich at home is easier than it looks, though I won’t lie, it’s a full-on kitchen adventure. Here’s how I did it.

Ingredients:

Fresh Italian-style sandwich bread or a sturdy roll
Your choice of meat: pastrami, roast beef, or capicola (we went with pastrami)
Provolone or Swiss cheese
Coleslaw (homemade or pre-shredded) and a vinegar-based dressing, not mayo.
Tomato
French fries, preferably homemade
Optional: pickles, salt, and pepper

Process:

Cook the meat: Heat your chosen meat in a skillet or on a grill until it’s warm and slightly crisp on the edges. Layer it generously, as Primanti Bros is not shy with meat. I put the cheese on top of the meat near the end to get a head start on the melting.
Prepare the fries: Deep-fry, oven-bake, or air-fry until golden and crispy. Keep them hot as they’ll be going straight into the sandwich. I actually had leftover homemade fries from the day before, so I just blasted them in the air-fryer.
Assemble the sandwich: Slice your bread, add the meat and cheese. Pile on your fries and a generous scoop of coleslaw, and then a few thin slices of tomato. Complete the masterpiece by topping with the other half of the bread, pressing slightly, and serve. If you want to get fancy, you can wrap it in paper and slice.

I have been asked – no sauce? No extra spreads? The answer is no. It seems like it’s like asking for ketchup in Chicago situation.

Pop Culture Mentions

Since our Pittsburgh trip, I’ve noticed Primanti Bros. popping up everywhere. From cooking shows like Dinnertime Live to popular dramas like The Pitt, the sandwiches keep making appearances. Even casual mentions on Instagram or Pittsburgh food blogs remind me how much this local delicacy has captured the imagination of sandwich lovers everywhere. There’s a certain mystique about the fries-and-coleslaw combo that now just screams Pittsburgh pride to me.

The best part of making these at home is that you can tweak them for your own tastes while still capturing that authentic feel. Now I know the purests will disagree, but hey, it’s your sandwich now. Do what you want.

My family loved having a little slice of Pittsburgh without the drive, and I can honestly say, next time we visit, we’ll appreciate the real thing even more.

Whether you’re a Pittsburgh native, a foodie, or just someone who appreciates a hearty sandwich, making your own Primanti Bros. sandwich at home is totally worth it. Just remember: layer generously, don’t skimp on fries, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy.

Photos from Pittsburgh