The Perfect Potatoes to Pair with Corned Beef

Corned beef and cabbage is a classic Irish-American dish that has become a staple during St Patrick’s Day celebrations While the corned beef is undoubtedly the star, the humble potato plays an important supporting role in rounding out this comforting meal. But with so many potato varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to settle on the perfect pairing. In this article, we’ll explore the top potato contenders to serve alongside delicious, tender corned beef.

Russet Potatoes – The Classic Choice

Russet potatoes, sometimes called Idaho potatoes, are likely the first variety that comes to mind when thinking of potatoes. Their starchy, fluffy texture and mild flavor make them an ideal blank canvas for soaking up the rich, salty juices of corned beef.

When preparing russet potatoes with corned beef, boiling is a simple and traditional cooking method. Dice the potatoes leaving the skins on for added texture and nutrients. Boil them until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and serve them alongside a healthy portion of sliced corned beef and steamed cabbage wedges.

For a creamier take, try mashing your boiled russet potatoes with butter, milk, and seasonings like garlic powder and parsley. The smooth, velvety potatoes contrast nicely with the shredded or sliced corned beef.

Yukon Golds – A Butter-Loving Spud

With their creamy, buttery flavor and dense, waxy texture, Yukon gold potatoes are excellent for soaking up the rich juices of corned beef. Their flavor hints at butter and their flesh stays firm when boiled or roasted.

Try slicing Yukon golds into wedges, tossing with olive oil and herbs like rosemary, and roasting them in the oven until crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. The crispy edges pair wonderfully with tender, juicy corned beef. Or, boil and mash them with lots of butter for a decadent, smooth potato side.

Baby Red Potatoes – Colorful and Tender

An eye-catching alternative to standard white potatoes, baby red potatoes offer a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and creamy yet waxy bite. Their petite size and tender red skins make them ideal for serving whole alongside corned beef.

After washing the potatoes, leave them whole and boil them for 10-15 minutes until just fork tender. Then drain and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Roast at high heat, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy. The combination of creamy interior and crispy skins makes these colorful potatoes the perfect pairing for savory corned beef.

Fingerling Potatoes – Fun and Nutty

Thanks to their thin, oblong shape, fingerling potatoes can be a fun and elegant potato choice to serve with corned beef. Their skin is delicate and their flesh dense and creamy. Fingerlings have an earthy, nutty flavor that pairs well with the seasoning of corned beef.

Try boiling and mashing fingerlings for a chunkier, more rustic twist on traditional mashed potatoes. For a flavor boost, fry bacon pieces and caramelize onions to fold into the mashed fingerlings. You can also roast them whole after tossing with oil and herbs – their unique shape makes them eye-catching alongside slices of corned beef.

Sweet Potatoes – A Colorful, Nutritious Twist

Want to sneak extra nutrition into your corned beef dinner? Swap out standard white potatoes for vibrant orange sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture pair wonderfully with the saltiness of corned beef.

Dice sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks, toss with oil and seasoning, and roast them in the oven until lightly browned and tender. The natural sugars will caramelize on the outside for delicious flavor. You can also boil and mash sweet potatoes with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet, comforting accompaniment to your savory corned beef.

Perfectly Paired Potatoes Elevate Your Meal

Corned beef is certainly delicious on its own, but served with the right potatoes, it becomes an exceptional, well-rounded meal. Russets and Yukon golds both offer classic appeal, while colorful fingerling and baby red potatoes can help brighten your holiday table. Don’t be afraid to also try a nourishing twist with sweet potatoes. However you choose to prepare them, the perfect potatoes can soak up delicious corned beef flavor while adding their own unique flair.