What to eat with corned beef? Here are seven classic choices: roasted vegetables, corn casserole as an appetizer, Irish soda bread as a traditional table breading, potatoes (always best when they’re mashed), sauerkraut to cut back on the salt in the beef, and Irish oatmeal cake if you’re in the mood for something sweet. Corned beef can also be great in a hot cabbage soup. Want more suggestions? Here’re 27+ of them:
Corned beef is a cherished meal for many especially around St. Patrick’s Day. The salty tangy flavor of the beef is robust and satisfying. But what really takes corned beef to the next level is pairing it with complementary side dishes.
The right sides can enhance the flavors of the meat, provide texture contrast add color to the plate and give you a well-rounded meal. After testing endless options, I’ve compiled my 15 favorite pairings that never disappoint.
1. Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Smooth creamy mashed potatoes are a classic for good reason. They soak up the juices from the corned beef beautifully. I love adding roasted garlic and chives for bonus flavor. A pat of herb butter melting on top seals the deal.
2. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
For a crispy potato option, cubed red or yellow potatoes roasted in the oven are fantastic. The high heat helps crisp up the exterior while keeping the insides fluffy. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and rosemary before roasting.
3. Tangy Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, made from fermented cabbage, adds a delicious sour note that complements corned beef perfectly. Its salty, tangy crunch stands up well to the strong flavored meat. Choose from traditional styles or fun flavored varieties like ginger apple.
4. Caramelized Cabbage
Instead of boiling cabbage, try caramelizing it in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, and onions. The browning adds a wonderful sweetness that offsets the saltiness of the corned beef. Toss in some mustard seeds or bacon for even more flavor.
5. Sweet Glazed Carrots
For some color contrast, glazed carrots can’t be beat. The natural sugars caramelize during cooking, becoming deliciously sweet. Butter, honey, and a splash of lemon make a simple yet tasty glaze. The sweetness balances the acidity of the beef.
6. Traditional Irish Soda Bread
Warm, homemade Irish soda bread serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious juices of corned beef. The bread uses baking soda as the leavening agent rather than yeast, giving it a signature coarse, rustic texture.
7. Leafy Green Salad
A simple green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette cools things down. Mix peppery greens like arugula, watercress and radicchio for a nice bite. Tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion lend freshness.
8. Oven-Baked Fries
Crispy oven-baked fries provide irresistible crunch and starchy comfort. Let the fries get really crispy and golden for maximum texture contrast with the tender beef. Offer ketchup, ranch and hot sauce for dipping options.
9. Buttered Corn
When kernels are sweet and juicy, simple steamed or boiled corn on the cob can’t be improved upon. Slather with butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and squeeze over some lime juice. Corn’s subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with corned beef.
10. Colcannon Potatoes
This traditional Irish dish smashes potatoes with shredded kale or cabbage and milk or cream. Often, bacon and scallions are cooked right into the dish. The potatoes get creamy while the greens offer texture.
11. Braised Red Cabbage
For a less sour take on cabbage, try braised red cabbage slowly cooked with apples or red wine. The mellow sweetness pairs flawlessly with corned beef. Toss in some caraway seeds to complement the rye spice flavors.
12. Bacon & Chive Smashed Potatoes
Make mashed potatoes even richer by folding in crispy cooked bacon bits, chopped fresh chives, and sour cream or cream cheese. The bacon adds a smoky saltiness that enhances the corned beef’s flavor.
13. Roasted Root Vegetables
Beyond potatoes, try roasting carrots, parsnips, turnips and celery root. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs like rosemary or thyme. The natural sugars caramelize while the veggies soak up the meaty juices.
14. Guinness Irish Lamb Stew
For an Irish-inspired one-pot meal, make a hearty Guinness and lamb stew. Sear lamb shoulder chops then simmer with veggies like potatoes, carrots and onions in a rich Guinness broth. The stew’s deep, meaty flavors pair perfectly.
15. Spiced Red Cabbage Slaw
For a flavorful slaw, red cabbage tossed with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and caraway or cumin seeds is fantastic. The spices complement corned beef while the vinegary crunch cuts through the richness.
With so many delightful options, from crispy and crunchy to creamy and comforting, you can create an incredible meal to showcase your tasty corned beef. Vary textures and flavors and balance richness with acidity. A feast of corned beef awaits!
What To Serve With Corned Beef – Vegetable Side Dish Suggestions
A mix of brightly colored vegetables that have been roasted just right goes well with the rich corned beef. The vegetables that have been caramelized add a healthy crunch that will get you excited. This is the perfect thing to serve with corned beef.
You can learn the direct way to cook such a perfect oven-baked veggie dish in the video above!
Corned Beef Hash Soup
Welcome to a hearty bowl of Corned Beef Hash Soup! This soup has diced potatoes, corned beef, and a variety of vegetables in a tasty broth. Each spoonful is like a warm, comforting hug that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of tasty comfort food soup you’ll crave on a chilly day. Don’t miss out on this comforting bowl of deliciousness!.
EASY Corned Beef and Cabbage #food
FAQ
What do the Irish eat with corned beef?
How is corned beef traditionally eaten?
Which side of corned beef goes up when cooking?
What are the best side dishes for corned beef?
Veggies, potatoes, bread and more. Today I’m sharing the most popular and best sides for 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.
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?
Shred or chop your tender corned beef, and fry it in with some diced boiled potatoes and some peas to add color. Top it off with a runny sunny side up egg or a poached egg. This is great if you have some leftover corned beef, too. 11. Rye Bread and Cheese
What to serve with corned beef brisket?
Beer A glass or bottle of stout beer like Guinness, an Irish lager, or a red ale are the best beers to serve with corned beef brisket. 28. Wine Fruit red wines such as Pinot Noir or medium-bodied reds like Zinfandel or Cabernet Franc are perfect for your Irish dinner.