Corned beef and cabbage is a classic dish, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. This hearty meal, filled with savory and slightly tangy flavors, begs the question: what goes well with corned beef and cabbage to create a balanced and satisfying dining experience? In this guide, we’ll delve into the best dishes, drinks, and desserts that perfectly complement corned beef and cabbage. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a comforting meal at home, these pairings will enhance your culinary adventure.
What Goes Well with Corned Beef and Cabbage?
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Corned Beef and Cabbage?
Side dishes can make or break a meal. They provide balance, add texture, and complement the main dish’s flavors. Let’s explore some classic and unique side dishes that pair wonderfully with corned beef and cabbage.
Classic Side Dishes
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and Comforting
Mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with corned beef and cabbage. Their creamy texture and mild flavor complement the savory beef and tender cabbage, creating a comforting, well-rounded meal.
Irish Soda Bread: Crusty and Soft
Irish soda bread, with its crusty exterior and soft, slightly sweet interior, is a traditional accompaniment to corned beef and cabbage. It’s perfect for sopping up the flavorful juices from the dish.
Unique Side Dishes
Roasted Carrots: Sweet and Savory
Roasted carrots bring a sweet and savory element that enhances the flavors of corned beef and cabbage. The caramelized edges and tender centers add a delightful contrast to the dish.
Colcannon: Rich and Flavorful
Colcannon, a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage, is a rich and flavorful side that pairs beautifully with corned beef and cabbage. It’s a comforting and hearty addition to the meal.
How to Make Classic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
- Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Table of Classic and Unique Side Dishes
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy, comforting | Complements savory beef and cabbage |
| Irish Soda Bread | Crusty, soft | Sops up flavorful juices |
| Roasted Carrots | Sweet, savory | Adds delightful contrast |
| Colcannon | Rich, flavorful | Hearty addition to the meal |
What Drinks Complement Corned Beef and Cabbage?
Classic Drink Pairings
Guinness: Bold and Rich
Guinness, with its bold, rich flavor, is a classic pairing for corned beef and cabbage. The dark, malty beer complements the savory beef and cabbage perfectly, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Irish Whiskey: Smooth and Robust
Irish whiskey offers a smooth, robust flavor that pairs beautifully with corned beef and cabbage. Its slightly sweet, oaky notes balance the savory dish wonderfully.
Unique Drink Pairings
Hard Cider: Crisp and Refreshing
Hard cider, with its crisp, refreshing taste, provides a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of corned beef and cabbage. The slight sweetness of the cider complements the savory dish perfectly.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: Light and Bright
Sparkling water with a splash of lemon is a light, bright option that refreshes the palate. It’s a great non-alcoholic choice that pairs well with the hearty meal.
How to Make a Classic Irish Coffee
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 shot Irish whiskey
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Pour hot coffee into a mug.
- Stir in brown sugar until dissolved.
- Add Irish whiskey and stir.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve immediately.
Table of Classic and Unique Drink Pairings
| Drink | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Guinness | Bold, rich | Enhances savory flavors |
| Irish Whiskey | Smooth, robust | Balances with sweet, oaky notes |
| Hard Cider | Crisp, refreshing | Contrasts rich flavors |
| Sparkling Water with Lemon | Light, bright | Refreshes the palate |
What Desserts Pair Well with Corned Beef and Cabbage?
Classic Desserts
Bread Pudding: Sweet and Comforting
Bread pudding, with its sweet, comforting flavors, is a classic dessert that pairs well with corned beef and cabbage. The rich, custardy dessert provides a delightful contrast to the savory meal.
Apple Pie: Tart and Sweet
Apple pie, with its tart and sweet flavors, is another classic dessert that complements corned beef and cabbage beautifully. The flaky crust and tender apple filling are a perfect ending to the meal.
Unique Desserts
Bailey’s Cheesecake: Creamy and Indulgent
Bailey’s cheesecake offers a creamy, indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with corned beef and cabbage. The slight hint of Irish cream adds a festive touch to the dessert.
Guinness Chocolate Cake: Rich and Decadent
Guinness chocolate cake is a rich, decadent dessert that complements the flavors of corned beef and cabbage. The bold chocolate and stout flavors create a luxurious end to the meal.
How to Make Classic Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cubed bread in a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour mixture over bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Serve warm.
Table of Classic and Unique Desserts
| Dessert | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Bread Pudding | Sweet, comforting | Contrasts savory meal |
| Apple Pie | Tart, sweet | Complements with flaky crust |
| Bailey’s Cheesecake | Creamy, indulgent | Adds festive touch |
| Guinness Chocolate Cake | Rich, decadent | Creates luxurious end |
What Appetizers Complement Corned Beef and Cabbage?
Classic Appetizers
Deviled Eggs: Creamy and Tangy
Deviled eggs, with their creamy and tangy filling, are a great appetizer to serve alongside corned beef and cabbage. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Potato Pancakes: Crispy and Savory
Potato pancakes, with their crispy exterior and savory flavor, are a classic appetizer that pairs well with corned beef and cabbage. They add a delightful crunch to the meal.
Unique Appetizers
Smoked Salmon Bites: Fresh and Flavorful
Smoked salmon bites, with their fresh and flavorful ingredients, are a unique appetizer that complements corned beef and cabbage. The smoky salmon adds a delicious contrast to the meal.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory and Rich
Stuffed mushrooms, with their savory and rich filling, are a unique and delicious appetizer that pairs beautifully with corned beef and cabbage. They’re a great way to start the meal.
How to Make Classic Deviled Eggs
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions:
- Hard boil the eggs and cool them in ice water.
- Peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Remove the yolks and place them in a bowl.
- Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites.
- Sprinkle with paprika and serve chilled.
Table of Classic and Unique Appetizers
| Appetizer | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Deviled Eggs | Creamy, tangy | Easy and crowd-pleasing |
| Potato Pancakes | Crispy, savory | Adds delightful crunch |
| Smoked Salmon Bites | Fresh, flavorful | Adds delicious contrast |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | Savory, rich | Great way to start meal |
Conclusion
Corned beef and cabbage is a versatile and beloved dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, drinks, desserts, and appetizers. From classic mashed potatoes and Guinness to unique roasted carrots and Bailey’s cheesecake, the possibilities are endless. By exploring these pairings, you can create a balanced and satisfying meal that showcases the best of corned beef and cabbage. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match and elevate your culinary experience.
FAQs
What side dishes go well with corned beef and cabbage?
Mashed potatoes, Irish soda bread, roasted carrots, and colcannon are excellent choices.
What drinks pair well with corned beef and cabbage?
Guinness, Irish whiskey, hard cider, and sparkling water with lemon complement the dish beautifully.
What desserts go well with corned beef and cabbage?
Bread pudding, apple pie, Bailey’s cheesecake, and Guinness chocolate cake are delicious options.
What appetizers go well with corned beef and cabbage?
Deviled eggs, potato pancakes, smoked salmon bites, and stuffed mushrooms make excellent starters.
Can corned beef and cabbage be served for breakfast?
Yes, corned beef hash is a popular breakfast dish that uses leftover corned beef and pairs well with eggs and toast.