7 Perfect Sides You Do Serve With Corned Beef
You can’t go wrong serving corned beef with classic Irish colcannon mashed potatoes that blend creamy potatoes and cabbage.
Old-fashioned scalloped potatoes make for a rich, cheesy side that pairs perfectly with this traditional dish.
Add roasted cabbage wedges for a caramelized crunch, or lemon garlic green beans to brighten the plate.
Crispy smashed potatoes bring texture, while mashed potato rolls and slow-cooked loaded baked potatoes round out the hearty spread.
Explore these sides to elevate your corned beef dinner every time.
Each option complements the flavors of corned beef and adds a unique twist to your meal!
Traditional Irish Colcannon

While you might already enjoy mashed potatoes with your corned beef, trying traditional Irish Colcannon will elevate your meal.
Irish Colcannon blends creamy mashed potatoes with tender green cabbage, butter, and cream, creating a rich, comforting side.
Creamy mashed potatoes combined with tender green cabbage, butter, and cream create a rich, comforting Irish classic.
Adding chopped scallions gives it a fresh, mild onion aroma that beautifully complements the dish’s savory profile.
This traditional Irish dish has deep roots, often served during festive occasions like St. Patrick’s Day.
Its velvety texture and subtle flavors pair perfectly with hearty corned beef, making your meal more authentic and satisfying.
Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes

When serving corned beef, old-fashioned scalloped potatoes make a perfect side dish.
This cheesy casserole features thinly sliced potatoes layered with butter, cream, and shredded cheese, creating a rich, creamy texture.
You’ll bake it until the top turns golden brown and the cheese melts into a bubbly, savory crust.
Sometimes onions or bits of ham add extra flavor, but the classic version shines on its own.
Scalloped potatoes bring a comforting, hearty balance to your meal, pairing beautifully with the saltiness of corned beef.
Plus, you can prepare this dish ahead and bake it just before serving, making your dinner prep easier.
This timeless comfort food never fails to please at any gathering.
Roasted Cabbage Wedges

Because roasted cabbage wedges hold their shape well, cutting the cabbage into large wedges with the core intact is key to preparing this simple side.
You’ll drizzle the wedges with olive oil, season them with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or paprika.
Then roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
This easy side dish transforms cabbage into a healthy option featuring crispy cabbage edges and tender, caramelized interiors.
The roasting process brings out a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with corned beef.
So, these roasted vegetables make for an ideal corned beef side.
When served, these roasted cabbage wedges add a vibrant vegetable side that balances the richness of your meal.
Their natural sweetness and satisfying texture really shine through!
Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Roasted cabbage wedges bring warmth and sweetness to your plate.
But pairing them with a crisp, bright side like lemon garlic green beans adds a fresh contrast.
You’ll blanch the green beans until tender but still crunchy.
Then, sauté them in olive oil with minced garlic and a splash of lemon juice.
This quick, healthy side dish bursts with bright flavor and retains its vibrant color.
Adding lemon zest and parsley lifts the citrusy, herbal notes, balancing the richness of corned beef perfectly.
| Step | Ingredient | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Blanch | Green beans | Tender-crisp |
| Sauté | Olive oil, garlic | Flavor infusion |
| Finish | Lemon juice | Bright acidity |
| Garnish | Lemon zest, parsley | Fresh aroma |
Crispy-Edged Smashed Potatoes
When small potatoes are boiled until tender and then gently smashed before baking, they develop irresistibly crispy edges that perfectly complement the soft interior.
These crispy-edged smashed potatoes start with boiled potatoes, usually baby reds or new potatoes, to keep the skin intact and add texture.
After smashing, you season them with salt, pepper, garlic, and your favorite herb seasoning.
Then, roast them at a high heat until golden brown and the crunchy exterior forms, typically around 425°F for 20-30 minutes.
This simple technique creates a side dish that balances a soft interior with a satisfying crunch, making it an ideal partner for rich corned beef. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top enhances both flavor and presentation.
Easy Mashed Potato Rolls
If you want a soft, tender bread that complements your corned beef perfectly, try making Easy Mashed Potato Rolls.
This bread recipe uses simple ingredients like mashed potatoes, flour, and yeast to create fluffy potatoes-infused rolls with a subtle, savory flavor.
You’ll knead the dough until smooth, let it rise, then shape it into individual rolls before baking them to golden perfection.
These mashed potato rolls offer a unique texture that pairs beautifully with the rich corned beef, making them an easy side dish to elevate your meal.
Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time and simply reheat when ready, saving you effort without sacrificing taste.
These rolls truly bring warmth and softness to any hearty Irish feast.
Super Slow-Cooked Loaded Baked Potato
Mashed potato rolls bring softness to your corned beef meal, but you can also enjoy potatoes in a different way with super slow-cooked loaded baked potatoes.
By baking whole potatoes at a low temperature for several hours, you’ll get a loaded baked potato with a fluffy interior and crispy skin that’s simply irresistible.
Top these slow-cooked baked potatoes with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a burst of flavor and richness.
The slow cooking process melds the flavors perfectly, creating a tender, hearty side dish that complements your corned beef beautifully.
Plus, you can prepare them ahead and keep warm in the slow cooker, making your meal effortless and gourmet.
This customizable side adds comfort and style to any corned beef feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a Good Side Dish With Corned Beef?
You’ll love serving boiled potatoes, cabbage, and carrots with corned beef.
Add Irish soda bread or a fresh salad for balance.
Don’t forget pickles or mustard for an extra kick that complements the savory flavors perfectly.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Go With Corned Beef?
You’ll want to serve boiled potatoes, cabbage, and carrots with your corned beef.
Add sautéed green beans or Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes,
and a slice of Irish soda bread for a perfect, hearty meal.
What Do the Irish Eat With Corned Beef?
You’ll find the Irish embracing corned beef with hearty cabbage, tender carrots, and red potatoes, all simmered together like a warm hug.
Don’t forget mustard sauce and soda bread to complete that cozy, rustic meal experience.
What Meal to Make With Corned Beef?
You can make a classic corned beef and cabbage meal with boiled potatoes and carrots.
Add Irish soda bread and mustard sauce for extra flavor.
It’s hearty, simple, and perfect for a cozy, satisfying dinner.
Conclusion
When you plate up your corned beef with these seven perfect sides, you’re not just serving food—you’re creating a feast that sings with flavor.
Each dish brings its own melody, turning a simple meal into a symphony for your taste buds.
So don’t hold back; mix and match these sides to keep your table vibrant and your guests coming back for an encore.
With these recipes, your corned beef dinner will always hit the right note!
In conclusion, serving corned beef with the right sides can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
These seven sides not only complement the rich flavors of corned beef but also add variety to your dining experience.
So go ahead, experiment with these delicious combinations and watch as your guests delight in every bite.
Your corned beef dinner will surely be a memorable feast that keeps everyone coming back for more!