What to Serve with Corned Beef: 35 Delicious Pairings for Your Next Meal

Corned beef is a classic comfort food that is popular to serve around St. Patrick’s Day. While corned beef and cabbage may be the most well-known pairing, there are plenty of other delicious sides that can complement the rich, salty flavor of corned beef. This article will explore 35 tasty side dish ideas to serve with corned beef.

Traditional Favorites

Some traditional Irish and American sides are perfect matches for corned beef’s robust flavor. Here are a few classics to consider:

• Cabbage – Try roasted wedges or braised in stout for more flavor.
• Potatoes – Mashed, roasted, or scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully.
• Carrots – Glazed or simmered carrots add a pop of color.
• Soda bread – This authentic Irish quick bread soaks up juices.
• Colcannon – A hearty mix of cabbage, potatoes, and cream.
• Mustard – Spicy mustard cuts through the fattiness.

These traditional pairings highlight the classic flavors we’ve come to associate with corned beef meals, Feel free to give them a twist by using new seasonings or cooking methods,

Vegetables and Salads

Beyond just potatoes and carrots, all kinds of fresh vegetables can complement corned beef’s salty intensity. Here are some more veggies to incorporate:

• Brussels sprouts – Roast or sauté with garlic for a delicious side.
• Broccoli – Roast plain or give a lemon-garlic kick.
• Green beans – Sauté green beans almondine for crunch.
• Asparagus – Quickly grill or roast spears for a spring pairing.
• Cauliflower – Make cauliflower “rice” or roasted florets.
• Spinach – Sautéed spinach with garlic is fast and healthy.
• Lettuce – A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts the richness.
• Cucumber – Fresh cucumber salad adds a cool, crisp texture.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with whatever vegetables are in season. The lighter flavors will balance the heavy corned beef.

Beyond Potatoes: More Starch Side Ideas

Potatoes are a natural fit, but consider rounding out your plate with these other tasty starches too

• Rice – Try garlic rice or rice pilaf for a simple starchy base.
• Polenta – Cheesy baked polenta is comforting and hearty.
• Pasta – Pastas like rigatoni or penne work nicely as a base.
• Farro – Nutty, toothsome farro makes a more unique grain side.
• Barley – Beefy mushrooms give this wholesome grain a boost.
• Cornbread – A southern classic that pairs well flavor-wise.
• Rolls – Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up juices.

Starches like these will happily stand in for potatoes now and then.

Cozy Baked Dishes

Some oven-baked sides provide indulgence and richness that pairs perfectly with savory corned beef

• Mac and cheese – An all-time comfort food favorite.
• Potato gratin – Sliced potatoes and cream baked to perfection.
• Scalloped potatoes – Potato slices baked in a cheesy cream sauce.
• Twice-baked potatoes – Potatoes stuffed with cheese, bacon, etc.
• Potato croquettes – Mashed potatoes breaded and baked into bites.
• Au gratin vegetables – Try cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or cabbage.
• Casserole – Mix meat, potatoes, veggies, and cheese.

Feel free to get creative with your own cheesy baked potato or vegetable casserole combination.

Fresh Breads and Rolls

Warm bread is great for dipping into juices or piling high with corned beef. Consider these tasty options:

• Irish soda bread – The quintessential choice with its signature crust.
• Dinner rolls – Parker House, cloverleaf rolls, or biscuits.
• Cornbread – For a comforting southern touch.
• Focaccia – Top with herbs and garlic for fantastic flavor.
• Rye bread – To make perfect Reuben sandwiches.
• Bagels – Boiled then baked New York style bagels.
• Naan – Fluffy, soft Indian flatbread to soak up sauce.

Freshly baked bread can make your meal feel extra cozy and satisfying.

Sauces and Condiments

Don’t forget sauces and condiments to add zip to your corned beef and sides:

• Mustard – Spicy, brown, or whole grain varieties.
• Horseradish – Freshly grated horseradish packs some heat.
• Pickles – Tangy pickled vegetables like sauerkraut or kimchi.
• Gravy – Beef or mushroom gravy for topping potatoes and meat.
• Chutneys – Try cranberry or apple chutney for a fruit kick.
• Salsa – Tomato salsa, pico de gallo, or guacamole add freshness.
• Hot sauce – A few dashes can spice up any bite.

Use condiments to customize your meal just the way you like it.

Sweet Endings

While corned beef meals are often savory, a touch of sweetness can make for a pleasant contrast. Consider these desserts:

• Apple pie – Nothing more classically American after an Irish-American dinner.
• Bread pudding – Stale Irish soda bread takes on new life.
• Gingerbread – Dense, molasses-sweetened cake with whipped cream.
• Baked apples – Filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins, and nuts.
• Cookies – Choose Irish favorites like shortbread or oatmeal.
• Chocolate cake – The rich sweetness pairs well with corned beef.
• Cheesecake – Top your favorite with caramel, cherries, or chocolate.

Satisfy your craving for something sweet after all that salty savory meat and veg.

What to Drink with Corned Beef and Cabbage

Beverage choices can really complement your corned beef meal. Here are apt options:

• Beer – Irish stout like Guinness or a nice lager.
• Whiskey – Irish whiskey, neat or on the rocks.
• Wine – Dry red or white varietals work well.
• Cider – Dry or sparkling apple cider.
• Iced tea – Refreshing when dishes are heavy.
• Coffee – Serve Irish coffee with whiskey and cream.
• Soda bread – Coke, ginger ale, or root beer.

Pick drinks that won’t overwhelm the flavors but will cleanse your palate between bites.

Tips for Serving Corned Beef

• Allow 3-4 hours for corned beef to simmer until fork tender.
• Cook vegetables like cabbage alongside the corned beef to infuse flavors.
• Let roasted vegetables and quick breads bake while waiting on the meat.
• Prepare any dairy-based sauces, gravies, or chutneys ahead.
• Set aside choice pickles, mustards, and horseradish in serving dishes.
• Keep cooked meats and vegetables warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
• Bake or simmer potatoes first when making mashed varieties.
• Slice cooked corned beef across the grain before serving for tenderness.

Proper planning and timing ensures all elements of your meal come together perfectly cooked.

Satisfying and Flexible

While corned beef and cabbage has its place, there are so many possibilities beyond this single combination. With 35 delicious sides ranging from tradition to innovation, potatoes to veggies, quick breads to desserts, you’re sure to discover new favorite pairings for corned beef.

Be creative and choose recipes based on preferences, seasonality, and what you have on hand. Just about anything can fit with corned beef’s distinctive salt-cured taste. Whether you stick with the classics or venture into new territory, your meal will be satisfying.