Corned beef sandwiches are a beloved classic for good reason. When you have tender, salty, perfectly spiced corned beef stacked high between two slices of bread or a roll, you’ve got the makings of a truly satisfying sandwich. But the possibilities don’t stop there – with the right toppings, you can take your corned beef sandwich from great to extraordinary.
In this article, we’ll explore 21 of the tastiest toppings and additions to consider to make your next corned beef sandwich really stand out From creamy sauces to crunchy vegetables to melty cheeses, there are so many options to customize this sandwich to your liking Trust us, your tastebuds will thank you!
The Classics You Can’t Go Wrong With
Let’s start with some classic toppings that pair wonderfully with corned beef’s distinctive salty and peppery flavor.
Tangy Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut might just be the most iconic topping for a corned beef sandwich. The crunchy, fermented cabbage provides a hit of acidity to cut through the rich meat. Grab a forkful of sauerkraut in each bite for a traditional Reuben-style sandwich.
Oozy Swiss Cheese
You can’t go wrong with adding melty Swiss cheese to your corned beef sandwich. Its smooth, nutty flavor and stretchy texture takes the sandwich to comfort food heaven. Grilled cheese oozing out with every bite is a must.
Zesty Russian Dressing
Made with a blend of mayo, ketchup, horseradish and spices, Russian dressing is a zesty condiment that pairs perfectly with corned beef’s robust flavor. Slather it on for added creaminess and a kick of flavor.
Toasted Rye Bread
Rye bread is the quintessential base for a corned beef sandwich. Its faintly sour, earthy taste and hearty texture make it a flawless match for piled-high pastrami. Toast your rye for an extra touch of crunch and warmth.
Creamy Sauces and Spreads
Who doesn’t love a creamy, rich sauce on their sandwich? Try one of these delectable condiments to take your corned beef over the top.
Thousand Island Dressing
This classic salad dressing also makes a wonderful sandwich spread. Its creamy, tangy flavor with hints of sweetness from chopped pickles plays off the salty corned beef beautifully.
Spicy Brown Mustard
For those who like a little kick, a smear of spicy brown mustard is a must. Its punch of heat and tang enhances corned beef’s robust spice blend.
Horseradish Cream
Whipping horseradish into mayonnaise or Greek yogurt makes for a cool, creamy condiment that delivers a wasabi-like heat. It’s an ideal match for corned beef’s pepperiness.
Olive Tapenade
Chopped olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil blended into a spreadable tapenade makes a bold, briny addition to any sandwich. The intense, salty flavor pairs perfectly with corned beef.
Crunchy Vegetables For Freshness
Don’t forget the veggies! Adding some crunch and freshness makes a corned beef sandwich even more crave-worthy.
Crisp Lettuce
A few leaves of cool, crisp lettuce adds a refreshing contrast to the hot corned beef. Romaine, iceberg or butter lettuce all work well. Just don’t skimp on the meat!
Juicy Tomato Slices
Fresh tomato is another corned beef sandwich essential. When you bite into a slice and get an explosion of sweet, acidic juice, it balances the rich meat beautifully.
Tangy Pickle Spears
For an extra vinegary crunch, you can’t go wrong tucking some pickle spears like dill, bread & butter, or hot garlic into your sandwich. Their bright acidity complements corned beef perfectly.
Peppery Arugula
Peppery, bitter arugula is an underrated addition that wakes up your tastebuds. Its spicy kick pairs fantastically with corned beef’s robust seasoning.
Melty Cheeses For Ooey Gooey Bites
Want to take your corned beef sandwich over the top? Pile on some melted cheese for mouthwatering flavor and texture.
Sharp Cheddar
Classic sharp cheddar adds a delightfully tangy, nutty flavor when melted. Its creamy texture takes the sandwich to new levels of decadence.
Pepper Jack
For spice lovers, melty pepper jack ramps up the heat while also providing gooey, stringy goodness in every bite. Its kick complements corned beef beautifully.
Oaxy Blue Cheese
Crumbled blue cheese melts into the most savory, umami-rich creaminess. Spread some on before toasting your sandwich for bold flavor.
Smoked Gouda
The smoky, nutty essence of gouda cheese makes it a fantastic match for smoky, salty corned beef. Its creamy meltiness is irresistible.
Savory Extras For Depth of Flavor
Amp up the flavor even more with these umami-packed additions.
Caramelized Onions
Sweet, supple caramelized onions are a revelation on a corned beef sandwich. Their rich jammy flavor balances the spices and enhances the meatiness.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Meaty, earthy mushrooms sautéed in butter or olive oil add a deeply savory element. Their richness pairs perfectly with corned beef’s hearty flavor.
Fried Egg
A fried egg takes any sandwich to new heights. When you bite into that golden yolk, it provides an explosion of creamy, fatty richness that’s unbeatable.
Avocado Slices
Creamy, nutty avocado is more than just a healthy addition. Its lush mouthfeel and flavor mellows out the saltiness of corned beef for perfect balance.
Sweet and Fruity Options
A touch of sweetness can make corned beef sing. Try these fresh toppings.
Apple Slices
Thinly sliced tart green apples provide crunchy sweetness to balance the rich meat. They also add juice and great texture.
Berry Jam
A schmear of strawberry, raspberry or blueberry jam tastes surprisingly amazing with corned beef. The sweet jam offsets the salt and spice.
Cranberry Sauce
More than just a holiday condiment, tart cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with corned beef. Spread some on for sweet and tangy flavor.
Maple Glazed Bacon
Because everything is better with bacon! Crispy maple-glazed bacon crumbles provide smoky flavor, crunchy texture and subtle sweetness.
Hot and Spicy Ingredients
If you like heat, kick your sandwich up a notch with these fiery additions.
Hot Peppers
Slices of spicy banana peppers, jalapeños or Cubanelle peppers bring sweat-inducing heat that pairs perfectly with robust corned beef.
Spicy Brown Mustard
As mentioned before, a schmear of spicy brown mustard amps up the spice level. The punch of heat enhances the meat’s robust seasoning.
Chili Flakes
A sprinkle of red chili flakes over sauerkraut or Russian dressing gives your sandwich a building slow burn. Start with a pinch and work your way up.
Sriracha
A few dashes of garlicky, tangy sriracha sauce adds addictive heat to any sandwich. It’s an ideal match for hearty corned beef.
To Sum It Up…
A stellar corned beef sandwich starts with high-quality sliced corned beef. From there, the possibilities are endless for customization. Sautéed mushrooms, creamy Russian dressing, melty Swiss cheese, crispy sauerkraut – whatever your heart desires can take your sandwich to new heights of flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix and match toppings or spread both slices of bread with different condiments. With all these options for additions, your perfect corned beef sandwich awaits. Get creative and take a simple classic to sandwich stardom!
What To Put On A Sliced Corned Beef Sandwich?
The best part is that you can swap out ingredients. Be sure to continue reading. I have some delicious suggestions below.
- Deli sliced corned beef
- Kaiser buns
- Sliced cheese
- Jarred sauerkraut
- Grainy mustard
- Mayonnaise
Making A Deli-Style Sandwich At Home
Trust me, you got this. All you have to do is slice and layer. You don’t even have to cook!
- Mix the mustard and mayo together.
- Slice the buns and spread with the mayonnaise blend.
- Layer on the corned beef slices.
- Layer the sliced cheese on top of the meat.
- Pile on the sauerkraut.
- Add the top of the bun, cut and enjoy.
How easy was that? I mean, seriously the last time I checked the deli they wanted $12 for a cold corned beef sandwich. Not happening, especially when you can make this at home for a lot less money.
Do you know what else you can make at home with the help of store-bought ingredients? Cheater pizza!
Bread – I used Kaiser buns for this savoury sandwich. What is the best bread for corned beef sandwiches? You can use whatever you like. Any kind of bun works. Rye or sourdough bread is a great alternative.
Cheese – I used smoked cheddar. The choices here are endless. Swiss, Old Cheddar, Gruyere, Edam, whatever your heart desires. There is no wrong cheese in my books.
Sauerkraut – Always the perfect pairing with corned beef. Not a fan? Try sliced pickles instead.
Mustard – I used hot whiskey mustard. Any mustard will work. I love the texture of grainy mustard on sandwiches. By all means use regular yellow mustard, dijon or any flavoured mustard you like. If you prefer, Thousand Island Dressing is a great alternative, then you don’t even need the mayonnaise.
Deli Meat – You can use pastrami or Montreal smoked meat in this sandwich too. You can adjust the amount of meat too. More or less. You decide.
Want to make this ahead of time? No problem. Simply wrap with plastic or foil and place in the fridge.
Want to heat it up? Yes, you can. Wrap in foil and place in a moderate-temperature oven for several minutes. The meat will warm, and the cheese will melt and you will love it. I often have these waiting in the fridge to reheat for a quick weeknight meal.
Absolutely. Grab a fork and enjoy. If you rinse it, be sure that it is drained really well. Keep in mind rinsing will also remove the healthy probiotics.
It all comes down to the cut, spice blend and cooking of the meat. Here is a great article that explains the differences between these popular deli meats.
A classic Reuben sandwich consists of thinly sliced corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and either Thousand Island or Russian dressing. This is traditionally served grilled.
Still looking for more delicious sandwiches to try? Here are a few:
- Tomato and Cheese open-faced sandwich is easy, and the presentation is perfect.
- Egg Salad Wrap takes the classic to a whole new level.
- Christmas Morning Sandwiches our family tradition for decades.
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich | Get Cookin’ | Allrecipes
FAQ
What goes well with corned beef in a sandwich?
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 condiments go with 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 condiments go on a beef sandwich?
- Mayonnaise.
- Freshly grated horseradish (yes, you can use it prepared in a jar)
- Sea salt and pepper.
- Worcestershire sauce.
- Aioli.
- Mustard.
- Chimichurri.
What cheese do you put on a corned beef sandwich?
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YouTube · Lounging with Lennyhttps://m.youtube.comCorned Beef Sandwich Recipe by Lounging with Lenny – YouTubeJul 31, 2021 — Reuben Sandwich. Today I will show you how to make the best corned beef sandwich recipe. Reuben sandwich is very easy to make. Best Reuben Sandwich …
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Quorahttps://www.quora.comWhat are the best recipes to make a corned beef sandwich? – QuoraNov 16, 2017 — Usual ingredients: Rye bread, shaved corned beef, sauerkraut (rinsed and wrung dry), Russian or Thousand Island dressing, sliced Swiss Cheese (or wh…