What to Serve With Corned Beef and Cabbage – 15 Best Sides

What to Serve With Corned Beef and Cabbage, you ask?

So, I gotta admit, I’m a big fan of corned beef and cabbage.

But you know what really takes it to the next level?

The sides.

Trust me, when you pair that tender, flavorful meat with some classic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or even a slice of Irish soda bread, it’s a match made in food heaven.

And that’s just the beginning. I’ve got 15 amazing side dish ideas that will make your St. Patrick’s Day feast absolutely unforgettable.

Let’s dig in!

Classic Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a side of creamy mashed potatoes to complement your corned beef and cabbage. The velvety texture and rich flavor of mashed potatoes perfectly balance the hearty and savory taste of the main dish.

I love to make my mashed potatoes with Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, milk, and a touch of garlic for that extra kick. The potatoes are boiled until tender, then mashed until smooth and creamy.

They are the ultimate comfort food and add a comforting element to the meal. Whether you choose to top them with gravy or enjoy them as is, creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice that will never disappoint.

Roasted Carrots

For a delicious and healthy addition to your meal, try roasting some carrots alongside your corned beef and cabbage.

Roasted carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the corned beef and cabbage. I love how the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and gives them a slightly caramelized exterior.

The tender and slightly crisp texture adds a delightful contrast to the softness of the corned beef and cabbage. To make roasted carrots, simply toss them in some olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer, and roast them in the oven until they are golden brown.

It’s a quick and easy way to elevate your meal and impress your guests.

Irish Soda Bread

When making Irish soda bread, don’t forget to add a generous amount of butter for a rich and indulgent flavor. I love baking this traditional bread, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. The combination of the buttery taste and the slightly sweet, dense texture is simply irresistible.

The best part is how easy it is to make. Just mix together flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk, and knead the dough until it comes together. Then, shape it into a round loaf and cut a cross on top before baking it in the oven. The result is a beautiful, golden-brown bread with a crispy crust and a soft, tender interior.

It’s perfect for slathering with even more butter or enjoying with a bowl of hearty soup.

Creamy Coleslaw

Don’t forget to add a dollop of mayonnaise to make this creamy coleslaw extra indulgent.

Creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish to pair with corned beef and cabbage. It adds a refreshing and tangy element to the meal.

To make this coleslaw, start by shredding some cabbage and carrots. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Then, pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables and toss until everything is well coated. The mayonnaise adds a creamy texture that balances out the crunchiness of the cabbage and carrots.

This coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser and will complement the flavors of the corned beef and cabbage perfectly.

Buttered Cabbage

To make buttered cabbage, simply melt some butter in a pan and sauté the shredded cabbage until it becomes tender and slightly caramelized. The butter adds a rich and savory flavor to the cabbage, and the slight caramelization adds a touch of sweetness.

It’s the perfect side dish to serve with corned beef or any other hearty meal. The cabbage becomes soft and melt-in-your-mouth, and the butter gives it a luxurious texture. I like to season it with a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy cabbage, and it always receives rave reviews from my family and friends.

Colcannon

After discussing the deliciousness of buttered cabbage, let’s move on to another mouthwatering side dish to serve with corned beef and cabbage: colcannon.

Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and either kale or cabbage. As a lover of mashed potatoes, this side dish is a personal favorite of mine.

The creamy and buttery mashed potatoes combined with the slightly bitter taste of the kale or cabbage create a perfect harmony of flavors. It adds a comforting element to the meal and complements the corned beef perfectly.

Whether you choose to use kale or cabbage, colcannon is a hearty and satisfying side dish that will leave everyone at the table begging for seconds.

Mustard-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

I’m sure you’ll love the tangy and flavorful addition that mustard-glazed Brussels sprouts bring to any meal.

These little green gems are a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with corned beef and cabbage.

To make them, I start by trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts. Then, I toss them in a mixture of Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

After roasting them in the oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized, the sprouts are ready to be enjoyed.

The mustard adds a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the corned beef, while the roasting process brings out their natural sweetness.

Trust me, these mustard-glazed Brussels sprouts will take your St. Patrick’s Day feast to the next level.

Parsley Potatoes

The parsley potatoes are a simple and flavorful side dish that pairs well with any main course. I love making these potatoes because they are so easy to prepare and they always turn out delicious.

To start, I scrub and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Then, I boil them until they are fork-tender.

While the potatoes are cooking, I chop up some fresh parsley and melt some butter in a skillet. Once the potatoes are done, I drain them and add them to the skillet with the melted butter. I sprinkle in the chopped parsley, along with some salt and pepper for seasoning.

I toss everything together until the potatoes are coated in the butter and parsley mixture. The end result is a side dish that is packed with flavor and adds a pop of green to any plate.

Irish Cheddar and Guinness Dip

Now, let’s talk about another delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with corned beef and cabbage – Irish Cheddar and Guinness Dip. This creamy and flavorful dip adds a rich and tangy element to the meal.

To make this dip, I start by melting Irish cheddar cheese in a saucepan. Then, I add a splash of Guinness beer, which gives it a distinct Irish flavor. As the dip simmers, the cheese and beer blend together, creating a smooth and velvety texture.

I like to serve the Irish Cheddar and Guinness Dip with warm slices of toasted bread or crispy potato chips. The combination of the cheesy dip and the crunch of the bread or chips is absolutely irresistible.

It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that adds a touch of indulgence to the traditional corned beef and cabbage meal.

Guinness-Braised Onions

For a flavorful addition to your meal, try making Guinness-braised onions. These onions are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with corned beef and cabbage.

To make them, start by melting some butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Then, pour in a bottle of Guinness beer and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the onions to soak up all the rich and malty flavors.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. The result is a tender and caramelized onion dish that is bursting with the bold flavors of Guinness.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to your St. Patrick’s Day feast!

Irish Champ

To make Irish Champ, start by boiling potatoes until they are tender. Then, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Add some butter and warm milk, and mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

As a lover of comfort food, Irish Champ is one of my favorite side dishes to serve with corned beef and cabbage. The creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the flavors of the corned beef, and the hint of butter adds a richness that just melts in your mouth.

It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings a taste of Ireland to any meal. Trust me, once you try Irish Champ, you’ll be hooked!

Glazed Baby Carrots

Once you’ve boiled the baby carrots until tender, glaze them with a mixture of butter, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon for a deliciously sweet side dish.

I love making glazed baby carrots to serve alongside corned beef and cabbage. They add a pop of color to the plate and their natural sweetness balances out the savory flavors of the main dish.

The process is simple and the end result is absolutely worth it. After boiling the carrots, I melt some butter in a pan and add honey and a pinch of cinnamon. I let the glaze simmer and thicken before tossing the carrots in it.

The buttery glaze coats each carrot perfectly, creating a caramelized and irresistible side that enhances the meal.

Roasted Garlic Green Beans

You can easily roast garlic green beans by tossing them in olive oil, sprinkling with salt and pepper, and baking in the oven until they are tender and slightly crispy.

I love making this dish because it adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

First, I preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then, I wash and trim the green beans before tossing them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I make sure all the beans are coated evenly with the seasoning.

Next, I spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked to my desired tenderness.

The garlic adds a delicious aroma and enhances the overall taste.

These roasted garlic green beans are the perfect side dish for any occasion!

Irish Whiskey Glazed Carrots

After enjoying the deliciousness of roasted garlic green beans, it’s time to move on to another mouthwatering side dish to accompany your corned beef and cabbage.

One of my personal favorites is Irish Whiskey Glazed Carrots. These sweet and savory carrots are a delightful addition to the traditional Irish meal. The carrots are cooked until tender, then glazed with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and a generous splash of Irish whiskey. The result is a rich, caramelized coating that perfectly complements the flavors of the corned beef.

The sweetness of the carrots balances out the saltiness of the meat, creating a harmonious combination of tastes. With every bite, you’ll savor the tender carrots and the hint of whiskey, making this side dish a true winner.

Horseradish Cream Sauce

The horseradish cream sauce adds a tangy and creamy element to your Irish Whiskey Glazed Carrots. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition that takes these carrots to a whole new level.

I love how the tanginess of the horseradish cuts through the sweetness of the glaze, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The creaminess of the sauce also adds a smooth and velvety texture to the dish, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

The horseradish cream sauce is incredibly easy to make too. Just mix some horseradish, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of lemon juice together, and you’re good to go.

Trust me, once you try these carrots with the horseradish cream sauce, you’ll never want to have them any other way.