Filibuster Sandwiches

Filibuster sandwiches are a no-nonsense, pile-it-on deli creation that earned its name the way Congress earned its nickname: these sandwiches talk back. Layers of salami, bologna, and Swiss cheese stack on a soft onion roll, then get topped with tangy coleslaw, crisp dill pickles, and a thin slice of sharp red onion.

Horseradish sauce is the stealth hero here. A full tablespoon spread on the roll isn’t subtle, and it doesn’t need to be. The horseradish’s sinus-clearing heat cuts through the fatty deli meats and keeps the sandwich from tasting one-note.

Stacking order matters for sandwich structure. Meat and cheese go on the bottom so they don’t slide, pickles and slaw go in the middle where their juices can’t destroy the bread, and the onion sits right under the top bun to add crunch with every bite.

Onion rolls are the right bread for this. They’re sturdy enough to hold the pile without falling apart, and the onion in the dough amplifies the red onion slice on top. A plain kaiser roll works in a pinch but loses some character.

Pre-shredded deli coleslaw is fine (and traditional), but homemade slaw made fresh gives a crunchier, less soggy result. The 1 tablespoon per sandwich is measured on purpose; more makes the bread wet fast.

Kitchen Tips

• Drain the coleslaw in a sieve for 10 minutes before building the sandwich. Excess dressing runs down your forearm and soaks the bread.
• Use a creamy, not vinegar-based, coleslaw. Vinegar slaws are too sharp against the horseradish and meats.
• Eat immediately or wrap tightly in wax paper for a picnic. These sandwiches go soggy within 2 hours; pickles and slaw bleed into the bread.
• If you’re building ahead, pack the pickles and slaw separately and assemble at serving time.

Variations

• Swap bologna for thin-sliced ham or pastrami for a less retro, more modern deli profile.
• Use provolone or sharp cheddar in place of Swiss for a different cheese tang.
• Toast the onion rolls briefly before building to add crunch and help them hold up to the toppings.