A corned beef sandwich is a classic deli favorite enjoyed by many But what exactly should you put on a corned beef sandwich to make it truly spectacular? There are so many delicious options for toppings and condiments that can take your corned beef sandwich from basic to brilliant

In this ultimate guide, we will dive into the best ingredients to craft the perfect corned beef sandwich. Whether you like it simple or loaded up, you’ll find plenty of ideas for making this iconic sandwich your own.

The Essential Base: Corned Beef

The star ingredient of any great corned beef sandwich is, of course, the corned beef itself. High-quality, thinly sliced corned beef is what gives this sandwich its characteristic salty, savory flavor. Typically made from brisket cured in a brine solution, corned beef is simmered until fork tender. When shopping, look for high-fat brisket as it remains moist after cooking. Pre-sliced corned beef can be purchased vacuum-packed for convenience.

For maximum flavor, opt for quality artisanal corned beef from a butcher or deli counter over pre-packaged grocery store varieties Seek out brisket that has been cured for 7-10 days or longer – the longer the meat cures, the more pronounced the seasoning

When building your sandwich, pile on plenty of corned beef. 4-6 ounces sliced per sandwich is a good rule of thumb. Folding the meat rather than layering it flat allows more to fit.

Bread: Rye is Traditional, Kaiser Rolls & Baguettes Work Too

Rye bread is the classic choice for a corned beef sandwich. Its hearty texture and tangy, earthy rye flavor pair perfectly with the rich meat. Look fordense, 100% rye bread rather than lighter rye-wheat blends. The caraway seeds commonly found in rye bread add another layer of flavor.

For a twist, try corned beef on a Kaiser roll, French baguette, ciabatta roll or other artisanal bread. Brioche and challah also work well. The key is a bread sturdy enough to stand up to the stacked meat but not one that overpowers.

Cheese: Swiss, Cheddar & Blue Cheese Are All Good Melty Options

A melt-y slice of cheese takes the corned beef sandwich up a notch. Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, prized for its nutty flavor and smooth melting consistency. Baby Swiss offers a milder flavor that lets the corned beef shine.

For more pronounced cheese flavor, opt for aged Swiss. Cheddar, especially sharp varieties, is another excellent cheese choice – it provides a sharper bite. Blue cheese crumbles lend a bold, pungent flavor.

When adding cheese, place it on the bread before the hot corned beef so it can get nicely melty. Using sliced cheese rather than pre-shredded prevents a gluey texture.

Sauerkraut: A Must for Fans of Tang

Sauerkraut, made from fermented cabbage, is arguably the quintessential corned beef sandwich topping. Its bright, vinegary tang cuts through the richness of the meat beautifully.

Choose refrigerated sauerkraut packed in bags over canned for the best flavor. Rinsing and squeezing out excess moisture prevents sogginess. Stir in a bit of brown mustard for extra dimension.

As an alternative, try swapping in tangy kimchi. The spicy Korean take on fermented cabbage adds even more flavor pop.

Russian Dressing: Creamy, Zesty & Addictive

This creamy condiment seasoned with horseradish and spices was created to pair specifically with corned beef. It adds moisture along with a addictive zing.

Purchase ready-made or quickly whip up your own mixing mayo, ketchup, horseradish, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and herbs. A smear on both bread slices amps up the flavor tremendously.

Mustard: Yellow, Dijon, Honey – Take Your Pick

Mustard is a classic condiment choice for corned beef sandwiches. Yellow mustard offers classic tangy flavor. Dijon style mustard imparts a more complex, robust kick.

For something a little different, try a flavored brown mustard or honey mustard. Whole grain varieties add texture and nuttiness. Mixing two mustards, like yellow and Dijon, gives the best of both worlds. Spread it on thick.

Pickles: Dill & Bread & Butter Both Work

Pickles cut through the fattiness of corned beef with their bright acidity. Both crunchy dill pickles and sweet bread and butter pickles pair wonderfully.

Look for refrigerated pickles rather than jarred for superior crispness and flavor. A few pickle chips layered on the sandwich add pops of tangy flavor in every bite. For extra crunch, try swapping in pickled jalapenos.

Tomato & Leafy Greens Freshen It Up

Adding tomato slices or lettuce leaves gives a burst of freshness and moisture that perfectly balances the richness of corned beef. Beefsteak tomatoes, sliced thin, offer juicy sweetness. For lettuce, crispy romaine or butter lettuce work well.

Watercress, arugula and spinach are other great fresh add-ins. The peppery notes of the greens complement the meat. To keep these ingredients from getting soggy, add them last after other sauces and toppings.

Creative Extras: Coleslaw, Kimchi, Avocado & More

If you like to load up your sandwich, get creative with extra fillings! A layer of cool, crunchy coleslaw or spicy kimchi cabbage kicks things up a notch. Sliced avocado provides creaminess.

Bacon or pastrami add even more meaty flavor. Fried onion rings deliver satisfying crunch. Pepperoncini peppers and banana peppers bring heat.

The options for unique add-ins are endless. How you top your corned beef sandwich is ultimately up to your personal preferences.

Condiment Combos: Russian Dressing & Mustard, BBQ Sauce & Mayo

Combining condiments allows you to create more complex and compelling flavors. As noted, Russian dressing and mustard is a top pairing. Barbecue sauce mixed with mayo or sour cream makes a zesty special sauce.

To give yellow mustard more depth, mix in a little maple syrup, brown sugar or honey. Boost the tang by blending in grated horseradish. Mayonnaise can also be infused with lemon juice, herbs and spices.

Toasted Bread & Melty Cheese Takes it Over the Top

One final tip for making an incredible corned beef sandwich is toasting the bread and melting the cheese. This simple extra step yields huge rewards in terms of texture and flavor.

On the stovetop, melt a bit of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sauce-spread bread slices and cook until lightly browned and crispy on both sides. Top with cheese and corned beef, then continue cooking until the cheese melts.

The hot melted cheese binds the ingredients together for perfect cohesive bites. You can also toast under a broiler or in a sandwich press to achieve deliciously crispy edges.

Putting It All Together for Sandwich Greatness

As you can see, the options for amazing corned beef sandwich toppings and add-ins are nearly endless. While traditional ingredients like sauerkraut, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese deliver classic flavor, don’t be afraid to get creative.

Find your perfect blend of meats, cheeses, veggies, crunch elements, creamy sauces and zesty condiments. Pile everything high on toasted rye or a crusty baguette.

Taking the time to thoughtfully build each component yields a sensational sandwich that pays homage to this timeless favorite while also making it your own. A stellar corned beef sandwich demands quality ingredients – so seek out the best locally-sourced items available.

With the guidelines and suggestions above, you are armed with the knowledge to create the ultimate hearty, crave-worthy corned beef sandwich. Get ready to wow lucky guests or savor sensational sandwiches solo!