Your Guide to Amazing Sides for Corned Beef & Cabbage

Unlocking the Perfect Pairings for Corned Beef and Cabbage

There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a classic plate of corned beef and cabbage. It’s a dish steeped in tradition, especially around St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s delicious any time of year. While the star protein and leafy green are fantastic on their own, the right side dishes can truly elevate your meal from good to absolutely unforgettable. Think about adding different textures, flavors, and colors to create a truly balanced and delightful spread. Let’s dive into some fantastic ideas for what to eat with corned beef and cabbage to make every bite a celebration!

Classic Comfort: Potatoes, Glorious Potatoes!

You can’t go wrong with potatoes when serving corned beef and cabbage. They’re versatile, absorbent, and provide that comforting carb factor everyone loves.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A timeless favorite! Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up all those savory juices from the corned beef.
• Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Cut potatoes into wedges or cubes, toss with olive oil, herbs (like rosemary or thyme), salt, and pepper, then roast until golden brown and crispy. They offer a delightful textural contrast.
• Boiled Baby Potatoes: Simple and straightforward, boiled new potatoes (or larger potatoes cut into chunks) let the main dish shine while adding a wholesome element.
• Colcannon: An authentic Irish staple! This creamy blend of mashed potatoes and cabbage (or kale) with butter and sometimes green onions is a perfect thematic fit and incredibly flavorful.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, roasted sweet potatoes offer a lovely contrast to the savory corned beef.
• Potato Pancakes (Latkes): If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, crispy potato pancakes can add a unique, satisfying crunch to your plate.
• Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce offer a decadent and hearty side.
• Potato Salad: Whether served warm or cold, a tangy potato salad (creamy or vinaigrette-based) can be a refreshing counterpoint, especially if your meal is heavy.

Green Goodness & Earthy Roots: Delightful Vegetables

Beyond the cabbage already on your plate, a variety of other vegetables can bring freshness, crunch, and added nutrients to your meal.

• Roasted Carrots: Sweet and tender, roasted carrots caramelize beautifully and add a pop of color.
• Green Beans: Steamed, sautéed with garlic, or roasted, green beans offer a fresh, slightly crisp texture.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: When roasted until slightly charred, Brussels sprouts develop a nutty, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully.
• Glazed Carrots: A classic preparation, carrots gently simmered in butter and a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup are irresistible.
• Parsnips and Turnips: These root vegetables, roasted alongside your potatoes or carrots, offer earthy, slightly sweet notes that complement the meat well.
• Roasted Asparagus: A simple, elegant choice, roasted asparagus spears bring a tender-crisp texture and vibrant green.
• Sautéed Spinach or Collard Greens: Quick and easy, these leafy greens offer a healthy, slightly bitter counterpoint, especially delicious with a hint of garlic.
• Creamed Spinach: For a richer option, creamed spinach adds a luxurious, comforting touch.

Hearty & Wholesome: Breads that Complete the Meal

A good piece of bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices on your plate and adding a rustic touch.

• Irish Soda Bread: This traditional, dense, and slightly crumbly bread is a natural partner, especially for a St. Patrick’s Day feast.
• Rye Bread: Its hearty texture and slightly sour tang stand up well to the richness of corned beef.
• Irish Brown Bread: Similar to soda bread but often with a nuttier, whole-grain flavor, it’s a wonderful, wholesome choice.
• Crusty Dinner Rolls: A simple, soft dinner roll or a crusty baguette is always welcome at the table.
• Cornbread: For a touch of Southern comfort, slightly sweet cornbread offers a delicious contrast.

Light & Refreshing: Soups and Salads

If you’re looking for a starter or a lighter accompaniment, a soup or salad can be just the thing to balance out the meal.

• Potato Leek Soup: A creamy, comforting potato leek soup makes an excellent warm appetizer.
• Irish Stew (as a lighter portion): While typically a main course, a small serving of a lighter, broth-based Irish stew can be a flavorful side.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing, palate-cleansing element.
• Coleslaw: Whether creamy or vinegar-based, coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor.
• Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers in a light dressing offer a cool, refreshing contrast.
• Beet Salad: Earthy beets, perhaps with goat cheese and walnuts, can add vibrant color and depth of flavor.

A Sweet Ending: Delightful Desserts

After a hearty meal, a little something sweet is always a welcome treat.

• Guinness Chocolate Cake: Rich, moist, and subtly flavored with stout, it’s a truly indulgent and thematic choice.
• Irish Apple Cake: A classic, comforting dessert featuring tender apples baked into a moist cake.
• Bread Pudding: Warm and custardy, bread pudding is a delightful way to finish your meal.
• Irish Coffee: A warm, boozy coffee topped with cream can serve as both a beverage and a dessert.
• Crème Brûlée: For an elegant touch, the creamy custard and caramelized sugar crust of a crème brûlée provide a sophisticated end.

Cheers to the Meal: Beverages

The right drink can truly enhance the flavors of your corned beef and cabbage.

• Beer: A classic pairing is a dry stout like Guinness. Other options include Irish red ale or a crisp hard cider.
• Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, can stand up well to the richness of the beef.
• Irish Whiskey: Enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Irish whiskey offers a warming, traditional pairing.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a twist of lemon, lemonade, or a good ginger ale are refreshing options.

Tips for Serving Your Feast

To make your corned beef and cabbage meal truly spectacular, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Cabbage should be tender-crisp, not mushy. It retains more flavor and nutrients this way.
• Balance Your Plate: Aim for a mix of textures and flavors. If you have a rich main, pair it with a lighter side.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients truly makes a difference in the final taste.
• Presentation Matters: A neatly arranged plate with varying colors and textures is much more appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corned Beef & Cabbage

What exactly is corned beef and cabbage?

Corned beef is beef brisket that has been cured in a salt brine, often flavored with spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, and allspice. It’s typically slow-cooked until tender and served with boiled or steamed cabbage, potatoes, and other root vegetables.

What makes corned beef and cabbage taste so good?

The deliciousness comes from the flavorful brine that tenderizes and seasons the beef, combined with slow cooking which results in incredibly tender meat. The simple addition of cabbage and other vegetables cooked in the same flavorful broth creates a harmonious and deeply satisfying meal.

What do you drink with corned beef and cabbage?

Many people enjoy a dark stout or Irish red ale with corned beef and cabbage. Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot also pair well. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water, lemonade, or ginger ale are great choices.

Is corned beef and cabbage a healthy meal?

It can be! While corned beef can be high in sodium and fat, portion control and preparation methods play a role. Pairing it with plenty of fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes makes it a more balanced meal. You can also opt for leaner cuts of brisket.

What is a traditional Irish dessert to serve?

Traditional Irish desserts often include comforting, homey options like Irish apple cake, bread pudding, or even a rich Guinness chocolate cake. Irish coffee is also a popular choice that combines coffee, whiskey, and cream for a delightful after-dinner treat.

Enjoy Your Feast!

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a hearty, comforting meal, corned beef and cabbage with the perfect accompaniments is always a winner. Experiment with these suggestions to find your favorite combinations, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable dining experience!