Corned beef is a hearty and comforting dish that is popular to eat around St. Patrick’s Day. While corn beef and cabbage may be the classic pairing, there are many delicious sides that can complement the salty, fatty flavors of corned beef. In this article, we will explore 15 amazing side dishes to serve with corned beef.
Traditional Sides for Corned Beef
Some traditional sides for corned beef include:
-
Cabbage – Cabbage is the most classic pairing with corned beef. It can be boiled, roasted, sautéed, or made into things like colcannon. The slightly sweet flavor balances the saltiness.
-
Potatoes – Potatoes pair well with the rich flavors of corned beef. Try making mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato cakes, or gratins.
-
Carrots – Glazed or roasted carrots add a pop of color and natural sweetness. Their subtle flavor doesn’t overpower the corned beef.
-
Bread – Fresh baked bread like soda bread, rolls, or biscuits soak up the delicious juices and sauces from the corned beef.
Creative Ways to Use Cabbage
While boiled cabbage is traditional, there are more exciting ways to enjoy this veggie:
-
Make a cabbage slaw with thinly sliced cabbage, carrot, vinegar, oil, and seasonings.
-
Roast wedges of cabbage with lemon and garlic for caramelized edges.
-
Sauté cabbage with butter, garlic, and white wine.
-
Combine cabbage and mashed potatoes for an Irish colcannon.
-
Simmer cabbage in Guinness and balsamic for a sweet and tangy side
Satisfying Potato Dishes
Potatoes pair perfectly with corned beef. From mashed to fried, here are tasty spud sides:
-
Garlic herb skillet potatoes – Crispy, garlicky roasted potatoes.
-
Mashed potatoes – Creamy mashed russets or try a fast Instant Pot version.
-
Potato cakes – Pan fry mashed potato patties for a crispy outside.
-
Potato gratin – Sliced potatoes baked in a cheesy cream sauce.
-
Twice baked potatoes – Baked potatoes stuffed with cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
Colorful Vegetable Sides
Don’t forget your veggies! Brighten up your plate with:
-
Honey glazed carrots – Sweet and delicious.
-
Roasted broccoli – Simple and healthy.
-
Green beans – Go classic with an almondine preparation.
-
Asparagus – Quickly roast or grill for a pop of green.
-
Brussels sprouts – Toss in oil, balsamic, garlic, and bacon bits.
Sauces and Breads
Bring even more flavor to your corned beef with:
-
Mustard sauce – Yellow mustard mixed into a creamy sauce.
-
Horseradish sauce – Grated horseradish, mayo, and lemon make a zesty condiment.
-
Rolls or biscuits – Warm, soft bread is perfect for soaking up juices.
-
Soda bread – An Irish quick bread with great texture.
Creative Corned Beef Side Dishes
Looking for something different? Try these unexpected sides:
-
Pesto pasta salad – Fusilli pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella.
-
Warm German potato salad – Potatoes with bacon and tangy vinaigrette.
-
Coleslaw – Crunchy cabbage slaw in a creamy dressing.
-
Citrus beet salad – Pickled beets with orange segments and watercress.
-
Fried okra – Crispy, breaded okra fingers.
Tips for Pairing Sides
When selecting sides for corned beef:
-
Seek balance. Bright flavors and crunchy textures contrast the rich meat.
-
Vary cooking methods. Roasted, sautéed, grilled, or raw veggies.
-
Add color. Red, orange, green sides make the meal more appetizing.
-
Consider leftovers. Mashed potatoes or coleslaw store well.
-
Watch the salt. Many sides already include salt so be careful with seasonings.
-
Make ahead. Casserole sides can be prepared in advance.
With so many options, you can enjoy flavorful and creative sides along with your corned beef. Cabbage and potatoes are classics, but don’t be afraid to also try roasted vegetables, vegetable salads, quick breads, and sauces. A delicious meal is all about balance and contrast. With a variety of complementary textures, flavors, and colors you can take your St. Patrick’s Day corned beef up a notch.
This is what I call comfort food! – much needed when I had a cold | Easy Corned Beef Hash
FAQ
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.
How are you supposed to eat corned beef?
Traditionally, hot corned beef is served very simply, sliced and accompanied by boiled or steamed vegetables and a white sauce flavoured with horseradish. Cold corned beef is eaten sliced with salad or on sandwiches, often with mustard.
What’s the best way to eat canned corned beef?
Slice and fry the corned beef in a skillet, and serve with eggs, grits, potatoes, or rice! Or put the corned beef on bread with mustard, and have a sandwich! You can also make potatoes and cabbage with the corned beef!
What is a good side dish for beef brisket?
Consider pairing your brisket with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread. For a twist, try serving your brisket with unique sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, or grilled asparagus. Don’t forget about sauces and condiments!
What side dishes go with corned beef?
Creamy mashed potatoes, salads, and the most delicious roasted vegetables. These side dishes pair with all your favorite corned beef recipes. Whether you’re making Smoked Corned Beef, Slow Cooker Glazed Corned Beef or this Instant Pot Corned Beef. You’re guaranteed to find a new favorite side dish for St. Patrick’s day here!
What to eat with corned beef?
Glazed carrots offer a little bit of sweetness to cut through the salty and sour flavors of the corned beef. Carrots are already slightly sweet on their own, but adding a glaze will make them even sweeter to compliment the strong flavor of the meat. This side dish is simple, easy, and excellent! 5. Blanched Green Beans
Can you use canned corned beef as a side dish?
The recipe often calls for canned corned beef, but you can serve it as a side dish for your home cooked meat for the same (or a better) effect. The creamy sauce has dijon mustard, dill relish, and celery seeds, so the flavor profile is the ideal accompaniment to corned beef. What to do with leftover corned beef?
How do you eat corned beef sandwich?
28 Ways to Eat Corned Beef (That Aren’t Just Reuben Sandwiches) Slice the beef across the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Transfer them to the platter with the vegetables, and spoon a few ladles of stock over the meat and vegetables. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with mustard and/or horseradish sauce.
What to serve with corned beef Spuds?
The garlic flavor in this recipe is good enough that the spuds could carry a meal by themselves, but pairing them with tender corned beef will take both components to the next level. A few sliced potatoes, some butter and herbs, and 30 minutes are all it takes to create this ideal side dish. Recipe: Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes 4.
Can you eat corn salad with corned beef?
Corn salad may not be a side dish you’re too likely to find at an Irish restaurant, but that doesn’t mean it can’t make a good accompaniment to your corned beef. This corn salad features several other flavorful vegetables, giving it an enticing and exciting flavor.