What Goes on a Corned Beef Sandwich? 17 Must-Try Toppings and Fillings

Corned beef sandwiches are an absolute classic. With its salty, savory and delightfully tender meat layered between two slices of bread, it’s no wonder this sandwich has stood the test of time.

But a simple corned beef sandwich can get boring fast That’s why getting creative with toppings and fillings is key to taking this iconic sandwich to new heights

In this article, we’ll explore 17 mouthwatering ingredients that can transform your corned beef sandwich into a truly unforgettable feast. From savory sauces to sweet jams, tangy pickles to creamy cheeses, read on for inspiration on what goes on a corned beef sandwich.

Traditional Must-Haves for a Corned Beef Sandwich

First, let’s look at some of the classics that you just can’t go wrong with when making a corned beef sandwich:

Corned Beef

Obviously, you need some high-quality, thinly sliced corned beef as the star of the sandwich. Opt for a good deli corned beef brisket that’s been cured and cooked to tender perfection.

Rye Bread

The tangy, robust flavor of rye bread is the perfect match for salty corned beef. Opt for marble rye or Jewish rye bread. Toast it up for extra crunch.

Swiss Cheese

Nutty, melty Swiss cheese pairs impeccably with corned beef. Use sliced Swiss or baby Swiss to get that essential gooey cheese factor.

Russian Dressing

With its blend of mayo, ketchup, horseradish and spices, Russian dressing adds creamy tang and heat that complements corned beef brilliantly.

Sauerkraut

For a hit of salty, zesty flavor, you can’t go wrong by topping your sandwich with sauerkraut. Its sour tang offsets the rich meat.

Deli Mustard

Complete the sandwich with a schmear of deli-style mustard. Yellow, spicy brown or whole grain mustards all work well.

Mix It Up: Creative Toppings for Corned Beef Sandwiches

Now, let’s get creative with unique toppings and fillings to take your corned beef sandwich up a notch!

Coleslaw

Give your sandwich crunch with tangy coleslaw. An easy homemade coleslaw of shredded cabbage, carrots, vinegar and mayo does the trick.

Pickles

For flavor and crunch, you can’t go wrong with pickles! Dill pickle chips are classic. For variety, try bread & butter pickles.

Onions

Raw red onion slices lend bite, while caramelized onions offer sweetness. Both pair well with corned beef.

Horseradish Sauce

For serious spice-lovers, add some zing with prepared horseradish sauce or freshly grated horseradish root.

Honey Mustard

Drizzle on some honey mustard for a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the corned beef.

Thousand Island Dressing

Creamy Thousand Island dressing makes a tasty, tangy alternative to Russian dressing.

Barbecue Sauce

A smoky, sweet and acidic barbecue sauce is an unexpected but delightful pairing with corned beef.

Green Apple Slices

For a refreshing twist, add thin slices of tart green apple. It cuts through the saltiness perfectly.

Peppadew Peppers

Mildly spicy Peppadew peppers lend a tangy kick and pop of color to the sandwich.

Arugula

Peppery arugula leaves add a pleasant bitterness that stands up well to the rich corned beef.

Avocado

Creamy, buttery avocado slices bring a cool richness and nutty flavor to balance the corned beef.

Bacon

Crispy cooked bacon complements the saltiness of the corned beef and adds irresistible crunch.

Fried Egg

A runny fried egg takes the sandwich up a notch with its rich, fatty yolk. Heavenly!

Pesto

Herby pesto sauce provides a fresh garlic and basil flavor that works well with corned beef.

Pepper Jack Cheese

For a spicy sandwich, use sliced pepper jack cheese. Its heat pairs well with the meat.

Caramelized Onions

Sweet, savory caramelized onions add heaps of rich flavor to elevate your sandwich.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes lend a concentrated, umami flavor and pleasant chewiness.

Elevate Your Sandwich Game

A humble corned beef sandwich deserves exciting toppings and fillings to make it next-level amazing. With the ideas above, you’re sure to discover new flavor combinations that will upgrade this classic sandwich.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients to create your own signature stuffed corned beef sandwich. From hot melty versions to cold crunchy options, the possibilities are truly endless.

With quality corned beef, fresh bakery rye bread and inventive toppings, you just can’t fail. Your tastebuds will thank you!

So next time you’re craving a corned beef sandwich, step up your sandwich-making game with these sensational extras. Get ready to fall in love with this iconic sandwich all over again.