A corned beef sandwich is a classic deli menu item loved by many The salty, fatty brisket pairs so well with rye bread and tangy mustard But what should you serve alongside this iconic sandwich to make it a complete meal?
The right side dishes can take your corned beef sandwich to the next level. With a balance of flavors, textures, colors and nutrition, the perfect pairings complement the sandwich while standing out on their own.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 sensational sides to serve with corned beef sandwiches. From crunchy to creamy, traditional to innovative, these recipes will have your meal looking and tasting amazing.
Best Traditional Pairings
Some classics become favorites for good reason When it comes to corned beef sandwiches, you can’t go wrong with these timeless accompaniments
Crispy French Fries
French fries are like the best friend of sandwiches everywhere. Their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior provide irresistible contrast to the tender corned beef. Fried to golden perfection, fries are hard to beat. For bonus points, make them from scratch.
Tangy Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a standard topping for Reuben sandwiches, so why not serve it on the side too? The crunchy, fermented cabbage provides a tart counterpart to the rich corned beef. Its tangy flavor cuts through the fat. An authentic German sauerkraut amps up the flavor even more.
Classic Coleslaw
Cool cabbage paired with a creamy dressing makes coleslaw a customary sandwich companion. It adds freshness and crunch to balance the dense brisket. Opt for coleslaw with vinegar and mustard to complement corned beef’s saline quality. The colors are visually appealing as well.
Deli-style Potato Salad
Warm weather calls for chilled potato salad next to your sandwich. Diced potatoes in a creamy mayo-based dressing provide rich flavor and starchy carbs. Add chopped pickles, onion and garlic for tang. The smooth texture contrasts the sandwich’s heartiness.
Slice of Pie
In the mood for something sweet? Pie is a classic meal-ender. When it comes to corned beef, opt for a fruit pie rather than cream. Tart apple, cherry or blueberry offset the sandwich’s saltiness. Flaky crust and filing make it satisfying. À la mode tops it off.
Innovative Pairings
Once your basics are covered, expand your repertoire with these creative couplings:
Pickle Spears
For an old favorite with a twist, spear some pickle chips on frilly toothpicks. The presentation instantly livens up your plate. Dill, sweet, Polish or bread-and-butter pickles all provide that perfect sour crunch. You can even alternate types for a pickle sampler.
Roasted Vegetables
Get a nutritional boost with roasted veggies. Carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and beets all shine when oven-roasted. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs, then cook until caramelized. Their natural sweetness balances the corned beef as a lighter alternative to starch-heavy sides.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Pasta salad makes a satisfying, carb-loaded side dish. For Mediterranean flair, use wagon wheel pasta, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, red onion, fresh herbs, lemon juice and olive oil. The bright flavors paired with the wholesome texture complement a corned beef sandwich wonderfully.
Loaded Baked Potato
Baked potatoes easily go from simple to sensational. Turn yours into a loaded side dish with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits and chives. The hearty potato meets its match with the equally hearty corned beef sandwich. Adding loads of toppings prevents potato pallate fatigue.
Kale Slaw
For a healthier take, try kale slaw with a light lemon vinaigrette. Thinly sliced kale takes well to massaging. Toss with shredded carrots, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries. The fresh flavors and colors energize the sandwich experience. Kale provides great nutrition as well.
Beer Battered Onion Rings
Onion rings spell indulgence. For an extra wow, use beer batter. Beer’s slight bitterness balances the sweet onions. Fry them up so the outside gets ultra crispy. The crunch factor takes these over the top. Dip them in your favorite sauce from ranch to chipotle mayo.
Cowboy Caviar
Also called Texas Caviar, this fiber-rich salad provides corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, cilantro and avocado in a zesty vinaigrette. Scoop it up with tortilla chips for a fabulous pairing. The fresher flavors alongside hearty corned beef make a southwestern-inspired meal.
Lentil and Beet Salad
For a smart side choice, create a lentil and beet salad. Cooked French lentils, roasted beets and shallots get dressed in olive oil, sherry vinegar and thyme. Protein-packed lentils and vivid beets offer great nutrition and visual appeal next to your sandwich. Crunchy pistachios add texture.
Creamy Pasta Salad
Another excellent pasta salad option includes pepperoni, mozzarella, pepperoncini, olives, tomato and basil in an Italian dressing. The rich, al dente pasta blanketed in creamy dressing balances nicely with corned beef’s intensity. Make it ahead for maximum flavor blending.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a revelation, especially the crispy leaves. Toss trimmed sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper, then roast at high heat, stirring occasionally. They become sweet and caramelized. Their miniature cabbage flair makes them a trendy cabbage cousin at your corned beef dinner.
Refreshing Beverages
Wash it all down with a tasty beverage. Here are some thirst-quenching drinks to sip alongside your sandwich:
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Iced tea – Freshly brewed black or herbal tea sweetened with honey and chilled over ice
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Lemonade – Classic lemonade spiked with mint or cucumber for fresh flavor
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Fruit juice spritzer – Juices like cranberry with club soda or seltzer for a fizzy kick
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Craft beer – A crisp lager, malty brown ale, or roasty stout to match the sandwich
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Wine – Dry white or light-bodied red work well without overpowering flavors
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Deli fountain soda – Nostalgic choices like egg creams, phosphates and cream sodas
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Milkshake – Thick and creamy chocolate, vanilla or strawberry milkshake with whipped cream
Elevate Your Next Corned Beef Meal
A phenomenal corned beef sandwich deserves an equally awesome sidekick. Rather than settling for boring or basic, liven up your plate with a pairing that complements the sandwich while shining in its own right.
Get inspired by crispy, crunchy, creamy, tangy and sweet dishes that contrast nicely with the corned beef. Then, quench your thirst with a refreshing beverage. With the right sides and drinks, your corned beef sandwich
How to cook corned beef?
It’s a really easy recipe. The best way to cook corned beef is to let it simmer for a long time. Fill a large pot or dutch oven with water and add the corned beef.
Bring it to a boil and then lower the heat. Leave it on low for 3-4 hours until fork tender.
It can also be cooked in a slow cooker, instant pot or pressure cooker. Be sure to follow the directions when you use any of these appliances.
Should you rinse corned beef before cooking?
It’s generally recommended to rinse corned beef before cooking. Corned beef is a salt-cured product and can be quite salty due to the brining process it undergoes. Rinsing the corned beef under cold water can help to wash away some of this excess surface salt and make the final dish more balanced in flavor.
However, do not soak the corned beef in fresh water, as this could leach out too much of the flavor. Just a quick rinse will do. Once rinsed, you can proceed with your preferred cooking method.
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FAQ
What goes with corned beef on sandwiches?
Recipe Tips
Both feature corned beef and sauerkraut on rye bread, but where a corned beef sandwich keeps it simple with mustard and relish, the reuben takes things an extra step further by adding Russian dressing and melty cheese. Customize the sandwich to fit your taste.
What is corned beef best served with?
This tender, fall-apart corned beef and will make your St. Patrick’s Day dinner the talk of the town. Serve it with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots to make your holiday dinner complete.
What sauce goes on a corned beef sandwich?
Meat – Leftover corned beef (or purchase from your deli). Spread – Though bottled Russian Dressing is often served on the classic, a 1:1 spread of Dijon mustard and mayo makes an easy and flavorful option as well.
What’s a good side dish for reuben sandwiches?
- French Fries.
- Deviled Egg Potato Salad.
- Coleslaw.
- Green Beans.