What To Serve With Corned Beef: Our 15 Best Side Ideas

What kind of sides for corned beef are you hoping to add to Sunday dinner? Here are a few ideas, some maybe surprising, some traditional, for you to consider when it’s time to round out your next corned beef meal. 

What makes corned beef “corned”? It has been marinated in a seasoned brine that uses large-grained rock salt, or salt “corns.” 

And it is salty. I give ours a good rinse before adding it to the slow cooker, and even then it’s salty enough to flavor all the potatoes and cabbage, too.

While corned beef makes a wonderful hash and adds the star quality to Reuben sandwiches, our list below will get your mouth set for something amazing to serve alongside the freshly cooked sliced corned beef roast.

1. Scalloped Potatoes

This classic side melds beautifully with your corned beef entree, thanks to its rich and creamy sauce. 

Seasoned with fresh thyme, garlic, and onion, the recipe has a golden brown color on the top and a soft and delicate mouthfeel on the inside. 

The tender, thinly sliced potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth.

2. Cheesy mashed potatoes

Corned beef is tender, juicy and when you pair it with mashed potatoes filled with lots of cheesy goodness? A FEAST fit for a king, indeed!

The recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use mozzarella, blue, or goat in case you’re running out of the ingredient. 

If you want to make it aromatic, add fresh or dried chives and chopped green onions into the potato dish.

3. No-mayo Carolina Coleslaw

This version of coleslaw has sweet, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory mouthfeel of your corned beef. 

It’s different from the classic slaw you usually use to make at home. 
Despite the absence of the homestyle mayonnaise dressing, the recipe still has that extra flavor punch from celery seeds, cabbage, kale leaves, carrots, and onions. 

These vegetables perfectly mix with cider vinegar and mustard, resulting in a nice flavorful crunch.

4. Pinto Beans

These pinto beans are seasoned with chopped onion, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper, but you can always use seasonings to your liking to make the side more suitable for your taste. 

The tenderness and aroma of these beans also pair harmoniously with the juiciness and savoriness of the corned beef, making them a great duo!

The best part? You can cook them in three different ways: on a stovetop, in an instant pot, and a slow cooker!

5. Oven-Roasted Carrots

With its simplicity, you won’t believe how these roasted carrots elevate your corned beef. 

Made in just 35 minutes, the recipe combines fresh baby carrots, balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme, and garlic. 

Experiment with different flavors such as fresh or dried rosemary or simply salt and pepper. 

The options are endless, really.

6. Steamed Green Beans

Aside from corned beef, these steamed green beans pair well with main dishes, ranging from lasagna to baked chicken thighs. 

One of the keys to cooking the green beans is to make sure you don’t overcook them.

If cooked properly, they should have a slight crunch, bright green color, and deep flavor.

7. Jiffy Corn Casserole

Jiffy corn casserole and corned beef are born together.

The idea of digging into a juicy corned beef combined with this casserole is beyond imagination!

The casserole has that consistency of pudding and creaminess of mashed potatoes so it cuts the brine.

8. Roasted Cabbage Steaks

When it comes to corned beef sides, these roasted cabbage steaks are always included in my menu. 

Why? The dish is easy and versatile enough plus it only features six ingredients yet the flavors and textures are suitable for the entree. 

What’s more, storing and reheating the side is possible. 

Simply place them in an airtight container, pop into your fridge, and just reheat when they’re ready to serve!

9. Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

If you’re on a search for sides for corned beef, look no further as these buttermilk biscuits should get you started!

These fluffy biscuits with a Southern twist pack a nice aroma from a combination of butter, heavy cream, and buttermilk. 

They’re delicious when served with cheese, chives, or bacon, but you can opt for sugar, cinnamon, or dried fruit if you want something sweet besides your corned beef.

10. Traditional Irish Soda Bread

What goes with corned beef? Soda bread!

This delicious Irish spin on soda bread is made with pantry staples, so you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.

Plus it isn’t yeast bread so you don’t need to wait around for the dough to rise, meaning you have more time prepping that juicy corned beef!

11. Easy Black Eyed Peas

If you’re wondering what to eat with corned beef, this is it!

The dried black-eyed beans in this recipe are simmered with broth and water until tender. 

They’re then soaked with a special creamy sauce filled with different seasonings, resulting in a creamy and smoky side for easy entertaining!

12. Southern Fried Okra

Every bite of this Southern-inspired fried okra can take your favorite main entree up a notch!

The recipe features fresh okra breaded in a flavorful chili-based coating then fried to golden brown perfection, creating that crunchy and irresistible texture!

If you’re not into spicy foods, remove red chili powder and add the seasonings that suit your taste.

13. Irish Colcannon Potatoes

The creaminess of these Irish colcannon potatoes will cut through the salty and sour flavors of the corned beef, making the dish an ideal side!

In this version, creamy mashed potatoes are combined with scallion-infused milk, tender greens like cabbage and kale, and butter. 

Apart from corned beef, this dish tastes great with sausages.

14. Guinness and Irish Cheddar Macaroni And Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese get a delicious Irish spin with creamy flavors and lots of yummy texture. 

This side dish is made from a blend of Guinness stout, sharp Irish cheddar, and a touch of dijon mustard then seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and salt. 

To balance out the consistency, it’s recommended to include crunchy breadcrumbs at the last minute of the prep.

15. Irish Potato Pancakes

If you’re still confused about what side dish to serve with corned beef in spite of those recipes I’ve mentioned above, this contender might be the one to clear your mind!

Behold, the Irish potato pancakes. 

These pancakes have that crunchy goodness and rich potato flavor that are complementary with your savory main dish. 

The secret to making these pancakes ultimately good is that making sure the oil is at a perfect temperature for frying. 

Pro tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying as this can lead to a greasy and soggy mess.

The bottom line

There’s a lot to love about this rich beef entree, and all you need to do is pair a corned beef brisket with the perfect side or two, and you’re set. 

We hope you enjoyed our list of sides from around the web and a couple of our own tried-and-true recipes, too. 

Which ones are your new favorites?