If you're looking for inspiration for what to serve with corned beef and cabbage, we have so many great ideas for you here!
Corned beef and cabbage is a delicious meal that is traditionally eaten by the Irish. Corned beef starts out as beef brisket and is brine-cured. It's named for the size of the salt crystals used in the curing process.
This recipe became a tradition for the Irish celebrating St. Patrick's Day in America. It was said to come about becausebeef and cabbage were less expensive than pork and potatoes for Irish immigrants. Whether you're serving this for special occasions like a St. Patty's day celebration or just a weekday dinner, this a delicious recipe with different flavors that are a nice switch from normal beef dinner recipes.
Corned beef and cabbage is a salty, spiced, sour, and meaty recipe and you might be wondering what to serve with this main dish. It has such a distinct flavor and finding a great side dish might seem tough. I put together a list of twenty-five of the best side dishes to serve with a corned beef and cabbage recipe main course. All of these side dishes are a great way to make a complete meal.
25 Dishes to Serve with Corned Beef and Cabbage
1. Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes
These crispy smashed baby potatoes are so easy and so delicious. Potato sides are the perfect addition to a corned beef and cabbage recipe. Sometimes you'll see potatoes cooked in with the corned beef and cabbage. But if you want your potatoes to have a different flavor, make them as a side dish instead. These are my kids' favorite potato recipe. There's even a garlic creamy cheese sauce recipe you can add to take them to another level.
2. Southern Squash Casserole
This is a nice savory side dish for your corned beef and cabbage recipe. It's cheesy and full of flavor, plus is a good option for making this meal heartier. The squash adds a flavorful veggie to the meal and the cheesy filling and buttery crushed ritz crackers on top of the casserole make this a delicious side dish. This dish could easily stand alone, so it makes a very hearty meal when paired with a main dish.
3. Roasted Russet Potatoes
These easy and inexpensive roasted russet potatoes are seasoned with chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt for a very simple and very tasty side that the entire family with love. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Pro tip: leave the skin on these potatoes. It makes prep way easier and the skin gets crispy and delicious.
4. Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
These fresh parmesan roasted green beans are a simple recipe to keep your easy corned beef and cabbage meal light and add a healthy touch. Just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes of cook time make this a good choice for a busy weekday night. Use fresh shredded parmesan or even grated parmesan if that's all you have on hand. Either way, this will be enjoyed by all!
5. Slow Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese
Who doesn't love a good homemade mac and cheese? Slow cooker mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and best of all, easy. There's nothing like the flavor of slow cooker mac and cheese. Prep just takes 15 minutes and the cooking process is hands off. Your whole family will love the combo of three cheeses and the bold flavor of bacon cooked slowly together for the flavors to blend well.
6. Classic Green Bean Casserole
This is a classic casserole side dish that is usually enjoyed at Thanksgiving but can be thoroughly enjoyed with all sorts of main dishes all year long. It's a nice creamy and savory dish that will taste great with corned beef and cabbage. This six ingredient recipe is just a toss together and bake kind of easy recipe, which is a great thing for a hearty meal on a busy evening.
7. Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes With Bacon
These incredibly soft and flavorful sweet potatoes with bacon are cooking the slow cooker for 3 hours. They melt in your mouth and add a savory flavor to any meal. Slow cooker sweet potatoes with bacon only take ten minutes to prep so they're easy and stress free to prepare and enjoy.
8. Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes
These slow cooker cheesy scalloped potatoes are drenched in cheesy sauce and cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. All you need is ten minutes prep and a slow cooker and you'll have yourself a yummy side for your corned beef and cabbage.
9. Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Deviled egg potato salad is one of those sides that is refreshing and delicious, even more so as leftovers the next day. It's a rich and filling side that is a great complement to the corned beef and cabbage flavor. This comes together in 35 minutes and will be a big hit at the dinner table and even for lunch the next day.
10. Cheddar Cheese Zucchini Bread
Bread is a great side to any meal and this cheddar cheese zucchini bread is no exception. It's soft and hearty and a nice way to finish off a corned beef and cabbage meal. This bread has a flavor similar to Red Lobster's cheddar biscuits but it's not as crumbly, it's more dense and hearty. It would be great as an old side dish but also a good addition with a casserole or veggies.
11. Easy Homemade Drop Biscuit Recipe
These soft buttery biscuits are easy. Biscuits can be intimidating if you're new to making them, but these are a great first-time biscuit maker recipe. They're just as delicious as a regular biscuit but don't require rolling and cutting of the dough. These are great with any meal and pair perfectly with corned beef and cabbage.
12. Easy Mushroom Risotto Recipe
Risotto is a recipe I avoided for a long time because I thought it was difficult and labor-intensive. It turns out that not only is it pretty easy, but it's also absolutely delicious and everyone loves it! This recipe can be changed up with seasonal vegetables to suit your tastes.
13. Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Corned beef and cabbage is a vegetable that starts off as a blank slate. You can create a ton of flavor by adding your favorite seasoning and roasting it for the best results. You can also change this up by adding your favorite cheese instead of parmesan. Sharp cheddar cheese or gouda would be delicious too.
14. Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables
Oven roasted vegetables are a go-to side dish in our house. They pair perfectly with literally any main meal and the seasoning can be adjusted to fit in best. They're also easy, quick, and a healthy choice to serve with dinner.
15. Easy Greek Roasted Potatoes
You might be thinking Greek and Irish food don't seem like a good fit, but the seasoning on these potatoes is actually a great match for corned beef and cabbage. These potatoes are great dipped in sour cream and they are actually a great side dish for St. Patrick's day and beyond.
16. Cheddar Chive Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that's known to go with basically anything. The sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives just give these mashed potatoes a little extra flair and flavor. Actually, they're bursting with flavor and the best part is, they're super easy to make. Anyone who loves mashed potatoes will love these cheddar chive mashed potatoes.
17. Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
These potatoes are the perfect golden brown, crispy, and fluffy texture with a bold onion and parmesan flavor. These are seasoned with a spice packet of onion soup mix and fresh parmesan cheese.
18. Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
If you've had enough of white potatoes for a while, chop up some sweet potatoes and toss them in some simple spices to roast in the oven. You can roast these soft or crispy to fit your preferences. The light and mild flavor make these a good side dish for any meal.
19. Perfectly Roasted Lemon Greek Potatoes
These roasted mini red potatoes have a slight lemon flavor and are roasted to perfection making them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Red potatoes and the tangy lemon flavor will taste great with the sour taste of corned beef and cabbage.
20. Balsamic Roasted Potatoes
This tangy balsamic roasted potatoes recipe just takes a little time and minimal effort. It's just another example of all the different ways we can eat potatoes as side dishes. This flavorful recipe will be another favorite at your house like it is at mine.
21. Maples Oven Roasted Carrots
Oven roasted carrots are a little bit sweet and savory but still a nice light side dish. They're a good idea if you want to keep your corned beef and cabbage meal on the lighter side. These are a very popular side dish so make sure to make plenty to go around!
22. Cheesy Corn Casserole
You can't go wrong with this cheesy corn casserole, also sometimes called corn pudding. This is a classic dish that compliments any meal. Enjoy this with your corned beef and cabbage for a filling and savory meal.
23. Pesto Potato Salad With Green Beans
Potato salad is a great side for a summer meal but it still works great year round for a fresh take on a classic recipe. Pesto potato salad is a great twist on the classic potato salad flavor. This healthy side is a combo of creamy and crunchy and full of flavor.
24. Crispy Baked Onion Rings
This healthier onion ring option only takes 20 minutes and they're crispy, satisfying, and guilt-free. Panko bread crumbs give these onion rings a nice crunchy texture that will make you forget all about your old favorite deep fried onion rings.
25. Slow Cooker Succotash Recipe
Succotash is a veggie side dish that I grew up eating and is one of my favorite go-to side dishes. This corn, lima bean, and tomato combination is full of flavors that blend together in the crock pot and make a great side dish for any meal.
FAQs
What happens if you don't Rinse corned beef before cooking? ›
Do You Rinse Corned Beef Before Cooking? Yes, it's best to rinse it before cooking it. Rinsing it helps remove the extra salt, so you don't end up with a dish that's way too salty. Don't worry about rinsing off all the flavor!
How many pounds of corned beef do you need per person? ›How much Corned Beef do I need? Around 1/2lb per person. A 2-3lb corned beef should serve 4-6 people. Today's corned beef, cooked properly, should not shrink a significant amount.
Do you drain liquid from corned beef and cabbage? ›To make the corned beef, open the sealed package right over the slow cooker, because you want to include the brine in the cooking liquid. Don't discard the brine.
Should I rinse packaged corned beef before cooking? ›Always Rinse Corned Beef Before Cooking It
That's why the very first thing you should do is rinse the uncooked piece of meat several times under cool running water to remove this residual salt. Many recipes don't include a step for rinsing the meat, but it's worth doing it anyway.
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Corned beef is often served with good ol' English mustard made right at home: Begin by pouring a bit of dry, ground mustard into a small mixing bowl.
Does corned beef need to be submerged in water? ›One of the keys to simmering corned beef correctly is the amount of water in the pot. When there's not ample liquid to cover the meat, your dreams of tender corned beef may be replaced by a tough, chewy result. Instead: Start by filling a large pot with enough water so the corned beef is completely submerged.
Do you boil corned beef fat side up or down? ›Is Corned Beef Cooked Fat Side Up Or Down In The Crockpot? Corned Beef Brisket should be placed in the crockpot / pot with the fat side up. The fat insulates and protects the meat and helps the corned beef from drying out as it cooks.
Should you bring corned beef to room temperature before cooking? ›Here's how we recommend warming it up... 1. Remove your corned beef brisket from its package and let rest at room temp for about 30-60 minutes.
How many people will 4 lb corned beef feed? ›When buying a brisket for corned beef, plan on about 3/4 pounds per person, or up to one pound per person if you want to make sure there are leftovers for things like sandwiches and hash.
How much corned beef and cabbage per person? ›
Cook's notes: Corned beef shrinks while cooking, so plan on ¾ to 1 pound per person to allow for some leftovers. You'll need an oversize Dutch oven or pot with a tight-fitting lid; it should be large enough to hold the beef and vegetables plus water to cover.
How many will a 3 lb corned beef feed? ›Keep in mind that depending on the cut, corned beef will shrink by as much as one-third during cooking. A 3-pound brisket should feed four to six people if served with vegetables.
Can you overcook corned beef and cabbage? ›Yes, you can. It will be tough and chewy: a complete anticlimax to the meal you were hoping for. Common mistakes that yield overcooked corned beef is cooking it over high heat or cooking it for too long.
Does corned beef have to be covered in water in slow cooker? ›A Slow Cooker Corned Beef Recipe
To properly braise the corned beef you only want the liquid to come up about halfway over the corned beef, not covering it. Completely covering the corned beef would produce a boiled corned beef, which isn't what we are looking for in this recipe.
The corned beef and vegetables should all be fork tender . Internal temperature should be at least 160°F for food safety; for optimal tenderness, cook to an internal temperature of 190°F. and let rest for 5 – 10 minutes. Slice across the grain.
Do you use juice from corned beef? ›Editor: Jane, yes — you may have to add a little more water or stock if the broth is very salty, but it will make a delicious soup. Here are a few more ideas for reusing leftover corned beef braising liquid: → What Can I Do With Leftover Braising Liquid?
What is the red liquid in corned beef package? ›According to the American Meat Science Association, proteins in the muscle fibers lose their grip on water over time, and as that water is expelled, it carries with it myoglobin, the same protein responsible for the red coloration in that ribeye.
Do you add oil when cooking corned beef? ›Procedure: In a non-stick pan, heat oil and add corned beef. Cook over moderate heat, stirring from time to time, for about 12 minutes or until dry and toasted.
What is considered a signature dish? ›A signature dish is a recipe that identifies an individual chef or restaurant. Ideally it should be unique and allow an informed gastronome to name the chef in a blind tasting. It can be thought of as the culinary equivalent of an artist finding their own style, or an author finding their own voice.
What is a signature side dish? ›A "Signature" dish in a restaurant is usually something a bit different from the normal, so they consider it "their" own creation. Thus, it has their "signature" on it.
How many sides should you have for dinner? ›
With a big party, five sides not only fuels the meal but makes sure that everyone (no matter their dietary preference) has something to enjoy. A salad, a vegetable dish and a starch are a decent place to start, leaving you two dishes to play around with. Salad: Average 1 to 1½ cups of salad per person.
Is it better to steam or boil corned beef? ›Patrick's Day, chances are good that you boil it with the spices that often come with the meat. But there's more than one way to cook corned beef. Steaming works especially well with a fatty cut of meat like corned beef because the steam actually melts the fat, so some of it drips off during steaming.
Why do you put mustard on meat before cooking? ›The mustard actually works to tenderize the meat and you will notice little more than a thin crust of it over the surface of the meat. In fact, mustard can help to produce the crust that is so sought after in traditional barbecue.
Should corned beef be covered while simmering? ›Pour in enough water to cover the beef, then bring the water to a boil on the stovetop. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pot. A 3-pound corned beef could take three hours or more to become perfectly tender. Check the meat occasionally, adding more water if necessary.
Why is corned beef served with cabbage? ›Because corned beef was a big part of their culture in Ireland and new home in America, they would eat corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. And as for pairing cabbage with corned beef, it was simply one of the cheapest vegetables available to Irish immigrants, so it was a side dish that stuck.
Is corned beef a junk food? ›For those who keep to the Irish-American tradition, the bad news is this: the meal is not exactly healthy. Corned beef contains about 285 calories for a four-ounce portion and is packed with a whopping 1,286 milligrams of sodium per serving. That's more than half of the sodium you're supposed to have all day.
Why do we eat corned beef and cabbage? ›What has become a tradition of eating corned beef and cabbage to celebrate St. Patrick's Day likely grew out of the fact that those foods were less expensive for immigrants who came to America. They substituted beef for pork and cabbage for potatoes.
Why do you soak corned beef in water? ›Soak the corned beef for at least 2 hours in warm water prior to cooking. This will help to draw out large amounts of salt, used during corned beef process. We recommend letting it soak 30 minutes for every pound.
What makes corned beef taste better? ›Cover the corned beef with water. Add several tablespoons of pickling spices, or make your own blend with bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, mustard seeds, juniper berries, allspice berries and whole cloves.