What to Serve With Corn Beef: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhancing the flavors of corned beef can be easily accomplished with the perfect side dishes. Mashed potatoes provide a creamy contrast, while colcannon—a blend of potatoes and kale or cabbage—brings a traditional Irish flair. Roasted carrots add a touch of sweetness, and steamed cabbage retains its nutrients and color. Irish soda bread offers a tangy balance, and red cabbage slaw introduces a zesty crunch. Creamed spinach delivers velvety goodness, and honey mustard sauce adds a tangy twist. Finally, garlic roasted potatoes bring hearty and aromatic notes to the table. Discover how these sides can elevate your corned beef feast.

Mashed Potatoes

thanksgiving side dish classic

Mashed potatoes serve as a classic and complementary side dish for corned beef, enhancing the meal with their creamy texture and subtle flavor.

The buttery texture of the mashed potatoes makes them an excellent gravy pairing, creating a harmonious balance with the savory notes of corned beef.

This combination guarantees a comforting and satisfying dining experience, appealing to a wide array of palates.

Colcannon

irish dish with potatoes

Colcannon, a traditional Irish dish, combines creamy mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage to create a flavorful and hearty accompaniment to corned beef.

Rooted in Irish traditions, this comfort food brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

The combination of buttery potatoes and tender greens provides a delightful texture and taste, making it an ideal side dish for celebrating with family and friends.

Roasted Carrots

textural details of vegetable

Roasted carrots, with their natural sweetness and caramelized edges, provide a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs excellently with corned beef.

Exploring different carrot varieties, such as rainbow or baby carrots, can enhance your dish's visual appeal and taste.

Simple roasting techniques, like tossing carrots in olive oil and seasoning before roasting at high heat, bring out their best flavors.

Steamed Cabbage

cabbage cooked with care

Steamed cabbage, with its tender texture and subtle flavor, serves as a classic and complementary side dish to corned beef.

Packed with health benefits, it is rich in vitamins and low in calories. For perfect results, cook the cabbage until just tender, ensuring it retains its vibrant color and nutrients.

This simple preparation highlights the natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with corned beef.

Irish Soda Bread

yeast free traditional bread recipe

Complementing the tender and subtly flavored steamed cabbage, Irish soda bread offers a hearty and slightly tangy addition to your corned beef meal.

This traditional recipe, made with baking soda instead of yeast, guarantees a quicker preparation.

For the best results, consider these baking tips: use cold butter for flakiness, and avoid over-mixing to keep the bread light and airy.

Glazed Carrots

cooked carrots with honey

A vibrant addition to your corned beef meal, glazed carrots offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Using different carrot varieties, these bright orange gems are cooked to tender perfection and coated with a delightful orange glaze.

The glaze enhances their natural sweetness, creating a dish that complements the savory richness of corned beef, making your meal both visually appealing and delicious.

Boiled Potatoes

warm comfort food choice

Boiled potatoes, with their simple yet hearty flavor, serve as a classic and versatile accompaniment to corned beef. Potato varieties like Yukon Gold and Red Bliss are excellent choices.

For perfect results, season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley. Consider adding garlic or a splash of olive oil for extra flavor. These straightforward seasoning tips guarantee a delicious side dish.

Horseradish Cream

delicious condiment for steaks

Why not elevate your corned beef with the tangy and bold flavors of horseradish cream? This beef pairing adds a zingy, creamy touch that complements the savory meat perfectly.

To create this condiment recipe, simply blend sour cream, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

The result is a delightful, easy-to-make sauce that will enhance your corned beef experience.

Braised Cabbage

savory and seasoned dish

Braised cabbage, with its tender texture and rich flavor, is an ideal accompaniment to corned beef. This dish enhances the meal by adding a depth of flavor reminiscent of hearty cabbage soup.

The slow-cooking process brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, making it a delightful partner to the savory corned beef. Consider it a simpler alternative to intricate cabbage rolls.

Green Bean Almondine

delicious green beans recipe

Green Bean Almondine, with its crisp-tender beans and nutty almond slices, offers a sophisticated and textural contrast to corned beef.

The nutty flavor of the almonds blends beautifully with the fresh beans, enhancing the dish's appeal.

This side dish not only delights the palate but also adds a vibrant presentation to the meal, making it both a delicious and visually appealing choice. Its combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors creates a harmonious balance that pairs well with a variety of main courses. If you’re wondering what goes with Italian beef, this dish is a standout option, complementing the rich, savory notes of the meat with its refreshing taste. Whether served at a casual gathering or a formal dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Potato Gratin

vegetarian comfort food dish

Potato Gratin, with its layers of tender potatoes and creamy cheese sauce, provides a rich and comforting complement to corned beef. This dish showcases a delightful cheese pairing that melts beautifully with each bite.

The golden breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall texture. Together, these elements create a side dish that is both indulgent and harmonious with corned beef.

Red Cabbage Slaw

colorful and crunchy dish

For a invigorating contrast to the richness of Potato Gratin, Red Cabbage Slaw offers a crisp, tangy side that brightens up the plate and complements the savory notes of corned beef.

The vinegar dressing adds a delightful zing, enhancing the overall flavor, while the crunchy texture provides a revitalizing bite.

This side dish not only balances the meal but also adds vibrant color.

Creamed Spinach

delicious side dish option

With its rich, velvety texture, creamed spinach serves as an indulgent accompaniment to corned beef, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and a touch of elegance to the meal.

Reminiscent of a comforting spinach dip or a luscious spinach lasagna, this side dish enhances the savory notes of the corned beef while adding a creamy, nutritious element that delights the palate.

Honey Mustard Sauce

tangy and sweet flavor

Often celebrated for its tangy sweetness, honey mustard sauce provides a delightful contrast to the savory richness of corned beef.

For dipping options, this sauce is perfect, enhancing every bite with its unique flavor. Pairing suggestions include drizzling it over the corned beef or serving it on the side.

It's a versatile addition that elevates the meal, making it more flavorful and satisfying.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

delicious side dish recipe

Complementing the zesty honey mustard sauce, garlic roasted potatoes offer a hearty and aromatic side dish that pairs beautifully with corned beef. Seasoning variations, such as adding rosemary or thyme, can enhance their flavor.

For serving suggestions, consider placing them alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded meal that satisfies both the palate and the appetite.