What Side Dishes Go With Corned Beef: The Ultimate Guide

Corned beef is a salty, savory cured meat that’s a staple in many cultures. Though it originated in Ireland, it has become popular fare across America, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Its rich, robust flavor stands out as the star of any meal. But what should you serve alongside it to round out the plate? With so many options, it can be tricky to settle on the perfect pairings. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the ultimate guide to side dishes that complement corned beef wonderfully.

The Classics

Some side dishes have become so strongly associated with corned beef over the years that they’re now considered classic pairings. These sides highlight and balance the flavors of the meat beautifully

Cabbage

Cabbage is the quintessential partner for corned beef Its slight bitterness and crunch balance the meat’s heaviness Try serving it raw in a slaw or cooked as braised red cabbage. Sauerkraut, made from fermented cabbage, also makes a tangy, probiotic-rich accompaniment.

Potatoes

Potatoes are another classic corned beef pairing. Their starchy mildness soaks up the meat’s juices perfectly. Mashed roasted, or boiled potatoes colcannon (mashed with cabbage), and potato pancakes are all excellent choices. For an extra flavor punch, top your spuds with horseradish sauce.

Carrots

The subtle sweetness of carrots balances the salty tang of corned beef. They’re delicious glazed, roasted, or served in a medley of roasted vegetables. For a truly iconic Irish meal, serve them with potatoes as Champ – mashed together with green onions.

Bread

Bread is a hearty, comforting partner for corned beef. Irish soda bread, rye, and wheat breads are traditional choices. They all soak up meat juices nicely. For an extra kick, try beer bread or caraway seed rye.

Beyond the Basics

Once you’ve mastered the classics, try some more unique sides to liven up your corned beef plates:

Pickles

From tangy dill pickles to sweet gherkins, pickled vegetables add a bright, acidic crunch that cuts the meat’s richness.

Steamed Vegetables

Lighter options like asparagus, broccoli, and green beans steam up nicely and provide a fresh contrast to salty corned beef.

Pasta Salad

A scoop of pasta salad, like bowtie pasta with vegetables in a vinaigrette, makes a flavorful room temperature side.

Barley

Nutty, toothsome barley or farro salads have an enjoyable chew that stands up well to corned beef.

Coleslaw

Cool, crunchy coleslaw with a zesty dressing provides the perfect peppery tang.

Beans

Protein-packed beans, especially pinto and kidney varieties, complement corned beef’s richness.

Corn

Whether creamed, sautéed, or roasted, sweet corn’s delicious crunch and flavor pair well with the meat.

Eggs

Serve corned beef with eggs for breakfast, like corned beef hash or eggs Benedict with the meat.

Fruit

For a unique match, serve fresh fruit alongside the meat. Tart apples, berries, or citrus cuts the saltiness pleasantly.

Sauces and Condiments

Amp up the flavor of your sides – and the corned beef itself – with zesty sauces and condiments:

• Mustard – Especially hot, whole grain, or honey mustard.

• Horseradish Sauce – Fresh grated horseradish in mayo or cream is ideal.

• Thousand Island Dressing – Great on salads and slaws.

• Pickled Vegetables – Sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles provide tang.

• Hot Sauce – A dash adds welcomed heat and acidity.

Meal Ideas

Here are some full meal ideas featuring delicious corned beef sides:

• Corned Beef Special – Corned beef, rye bread, sauerkraut, roasted carrots, creamy horseradish sauce.

• Irish Breakfast – Corned beef hash with potatoes, fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, Irish soda bread.

• Southwestern – Corned beef, pinto beans, roasted corn, avocado, tortillas, hot sauce.

• Spring Picnic – Sliced corned beef, dill potato salad, asparagus, fruit salad, lemon bars.

• Sunday Supper – Sliced corned beef, mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage, biscuits, baked apples.

With this guide under your belt, you’re ready to serve up stunning sides with your corned beef. So get cooking! Let the savory meat star in hearty classics or experiment with unique flavor combinations. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be mouthwateringly delicious.