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Our Corned beef sandwich is a really tasty Irish sandwich, especially when it is made with our homemade Russian dressing! Just one bite and your luck will change for the better!
Table of Contents
- My Personal Twist on a Classic
- Ingredients for the Best Corned Beef Sandwich
- How to Make the Best Corned Beef Sandwich
- Delicious Additions and Substitutions
- What is Russian Dressing?
- Reviews About this Sandwich
- Questions About Corned Beef Sandwiches
- Using Leftover Corned Beef
- How to Store a Corned Beef Sandwich
- More St. Patrick’s Day Favorites ☘️
- Corned Beef Sandwich Recipe
My Personal Twist on a Classic
If you’re craving a corned beef sandwich, let me tell you—I’ve got a game-changing version for you! This sandwich is packed with flavor, texture, and a bit of my own personal twist that makes it stand out. Corned beef is a staple in many homes, especially around St. Patrick’s Day, and this sandwich is a great way to enjoy it in a new and delicious way. Whether you’re making it with fresh corned beef or using up leftovers, this sandwich will quickly become a favorite in your household. Plus, with just a few easy steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering sandwich that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
If you prefer a more traditional Reuben sandwich, simply swap out the coleslaw for sauerkraut. Personally, I’m not a fan of sauerkraut (my husband loves it, but I think it tastes rotten!), so I use coleslaw and sliced pickles instead. That way, I actually enjoy my sandwich, and I think you will too!
Why This Corned Beef Sandwich is the Best
Corned beef sandwiches are even better with our Homemade Coleslaw and Russian Dressing. The creamy, tangy dressing takes this sandwich to the next level, balancing the rich, tender meat and the crunch of fresh coleslaw. Every bite is packed with incredible flavor!
Ingredients for the Best Corned Beef Sandwich
This sandwich is perfect whether you’re using leftover corned beef or making it fresh. Just a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have the most mouthwatering sandwich ever.
- Bread – Dark rye, marbled rye, or black pumpernickel for an authentic, bold flavor.
- Corned Beef – Use sliced or shredded corned beef for the juiciest, most flavorful bites.
- Cheese – Swiss cheese gives the perfect creamy texture and slightly nutty taste.
- Coleslaw – Freshly made or store-bought coleslaw adds crunch and sweetness.
- Pickles – Sliced pickles add a tangy, crisp bite.
- Russian Dressing – Our homemade dressing brings it all together.
How to Make the Best Corned Beef Sandwich
This sandwich comes together in just a few easy steps, making it the perfect lunch or dinner option.
- Broil – Place the corned beef on a slice of bread and top with Swiss cheese. Broil until the cheese melts.
- Assemble – Remove from the oven and top the melted cheese with coleslaw and sliced pickles. Spread Russian dressing on the other slice of bread.
- Serve – Put the sandwich together and enjoy!
- Optional: Grill It! – If you want a crispy, toasted sandwich, butter the outer slices of bread and grill over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
Delicious Additions and Substitutions
Want to customize your sandwich? Try these tasty variations:
- Corned Beef Brisket – Perfect for using up leftovers!
- Pastrami – A great alternative to corned beef.
- Condiments – Add mustard, horseradish, or Dijon for an extra zing.
- Caramelized Onions – Sweet and savory, they add depth to every bite.
- Tomatoes – Fresh tomato slices brighten up the sandwich.
- Potato Chips – Serve on the side or in the sandwich for the ultimate meal combo.
What is Russian Dressing?
Russian dressing is a creamy, zesty sauce made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. It’s similar to Thousand Island dressing but with a little kick. Fun fact: Despite its name, Russian dressing actually originated in New Hampshire! It’s a staple for Reubens and corned beef sandwiches alike.
Quick Substitution: If you don’t have all the ingredients, mix 2 parts mayonnaise with 1 part ketchup—it’s a quick and tasty alternative!
Reviews About this Sandwich
“This corned beef sandwich is the BEST lunch recipe! I love making this for a heartier lunch!”
-Valentina
“I had forgotten to buy the rye bread, but I had tortillas, so I simply made quesadillas, the only other thing I did was to throw a few jalapenos on each one as well. They were so good!”
-Karen
Questions About Corned Beef Sandwiches
A Reuben includes corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. My version swaps sauerkraut for coleslaw and includes pickles for extra crunch.
Traditionally, it’s served hot, with melty cheese and toasty bread. You can enjoy it cold, but heating it up makes it extra delicious.
You can make your own using our Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe, or you can buy it at your local deli. I have been able to find it at the deli in most grocery stores.
Make it a meal with chips, an extra side of coleslaw, a side salad, tater tots, fries, or grapes.
Yes, just sub the bread out for your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread.
Using Leftover Corned Beef
This sandwich is the best way to use up leftover corned beef, especially after St. Patrick’s Day! If I’m making this, I usually grab some fresh rye bread and Swiss cheese from the store to complete the meal.
How to Store a Corned Beef Sandwich
This sandwich is best eaten fresh, but if you need to store it, here’s how:
- Wrap the assembled sandwich in plastic wrap and foil. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Store condiments separately.
- Keep the bread in the pantry until you’re ready to make another sandwich.
- Reheat the corned beef before assembling a fresh sandwich.
More St. Patrick’s Day Favorites ☘️
Looking for more festive recipes? St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy delicious Irish-inspired meals with friends and family! Try these tasty ideas:
- Irish Pasties – A hearty, traditional meal.
- Mint Julep – A refreshing green drink.
- Shamrock Shakes – A fun copycat dessert shake.
- Mini Grasshopper Cheesecakes – A delicious, minty treat.
- Hearty Irish Beef Stew – loaded with meat and potatoes.
- Donovan’s Irish Pasties Recipe – a favorite tradition in our family.
- Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage – a classic dish.
- More St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas – so many ideas for a fun holiday.
Corned Beef Sandwich
Video
Ingredients
- 8 slices dark rye bread or black pumpernickel
- ½ pound sliced corned beef
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 1 cup coleslaw (click the link for our homemade coleslaw)
- 6 pickles sliced
- ½ cup Russian dressing (click the link for our homemade Russian dressing)
Instructions
- On one slice of bread, layer the corned beef and top with cheese. Place under the broiler in the oven until cheese just starts to melt.
- Remove from oven and top the cheese with coleslaw and sliced pickles. Spread Russian dressing over the other slice of bread.
- Put the two slices together and enjoy!
- Optional: To serve grilled, make a sandwich and butter outside slices of bread. Place in a skillet at medium heat to medium-high heat. Grill until the bread is golden brown on both sides.
Nutrition Information
This corned beef sandwich is a must-try for lunch or dinner. Whether you make it my way or tweak it to your taste, I know you’ll love every bite! Let us know below how your sandwich turned out! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this delicious recipe, and enjoy a taste of Irish-inspired goodness. ☘️
After I melt the cheese, can I assemble the sandwiches and serve them the next day? I want to serve them at a luncheon for 25 people.
I would not suggest making these the day before. They will be very soggy.
I shouldn’t be looking at this, at lunch time! Looks mouthwatering!! Love everything in it!
We love Corned Beef Sandwiches! These look SO GOOD! Can’t wait to try them!
This corned beef sandwich is the BEST lunch recipe! I love making this for a heartier lunch!
I had forgotten to buy the rye bread, but I had tortillas, so I simply made quesadillas, the only other thing I did was to throw a few jalapenos on each one as well.
They were so good!
Gross. Why don t you just put ketchup on your corned beef?
Jewish deli’s here in Michigan always serve the corned beef sandwiches with Russian Dressing and/or horseradish sauce, but never ketchup(?) Maybe you’ve not experienced a true CB sandwich. You should try it!
what coleslaw is used on the cornbeef sandwich?
There’s a link to it on the post in the paragraph above the recipe. Or you can copy and paste the address here: https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/coleslaw-tastes-just-like-kfc/
Oh this reubben sandwich looks tasty. Can’t wait to give it a try.
Thank you, Victoria!
What kind of pickles do you recommend?
I like kosher dill slices.