Corned beef is a classic. that is a perfect choice for St. Patrick’s Day, and it can be made ahead of time when you know you’re going to have a busy day.
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In fact, if you have leftovers from your St. Patrick’s Day feast, they are perfect for making corned beef sandwiches.
The best part about that leftover corned beef is that it makes the sandwiches taste even better than they did the first time around!
But what kind of appetizers should you serve with those delicious corned beef sandwiches?
Let’s dig into some ideas in this blog post.
What are corned beef sandwiches?
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A corned beef sandwich is a sandwich that consists of thin slices of corned beef, typically on rye bread.
The meat is usually accompanied by mustard, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
The sandwich is generally served cold or at room temperature.
The term “corned beef” refers to the pickling process that the meat undergoes prior to consumption.
In this process, the meat is soaked in a brine solution with salt and spices for about two weeks before it is dried or smoked.
This process was developed by Irish immigrants in the United States who wanted a way to preserve the meat they brought over during the 19th-century potato famine in Ireland.
The corned beef sandwich became popular among Jewish delis during this time period due to its affordability compared with other types of meat options available at their establishments (such as brisket).
It has spread throughout many different cultures in America due to its popularity among immigrants from other countries such as Poland and Germany who settled here during that same era.
Corned beef sandwiches are also a good way to make use of leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day.
What to consider when choosing an appetizer for corned beef sandwiches?
There are some things to keep in mind when choosing an appetizer for corned beef sandwiches and they will help you pick the best dish to enjoy before heading into the sandwich:
Consider the occasion
If you’re serving them at a party, go with something light and refreshing so it doesn’t weigh down your guests’ stomachs before they start eating their main course.
If you’re serving them as an after-school snack or on a lazy weekend afternoon, then it’s okay to go with something that has more substance—but still be mindful of keeping things healthy.
And finally, if this is a potluck where everyone will be bringing different dishes, keep in mind what other people are bringing and make sure there’s some variety!
Consider the flavor profile of corned beef sandwiches
6 best appetizers to serve with corned beef sandwiches
Here we come to the list of the six best appetizers for you to choose from to pair with corned beef sandwiches:
Colcannon (Irish mashed potatoes)
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There are good reasons why corned beef is so frequently paired with potatoes.
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potato, cabbage, and scallions.
The corned beef is salty and meaty, and the colcannon provides a soft, creamy, and flavorful base that contrasts nicely with the hearty meat.
The colcannon can be served as an appetizer or on its own as a side dish.
Even if you’re not serving corned beef sandwiches, this recipe will make your dinner table feel like St. Patty’s day year-round.
Soda bread
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Soda bread is made by mixing flour, salt, and baking soda (instead of yeast) together before adding buttermilk and butter to form the dough which gets shaped into rounds and then baked in the oven until golden brown.
Soda bread is great for snacking on while watching sports games or just hanging out at home with friends and family – they’re also delicious dipped in butter!
If you’re looking for an appetizer that complements the flavors of corned beef without being too heavy or filling, soda bread should be your go-to choice!
Irish cheese and crackers
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Irish cheese and crackers are a great appetizer for corned beef sandwiches because this combination helps you stretch your corned beef and also makes for a nice, light palette cleanser in between bites.
The cheese and crackers can also be used as a base for the meal itself, or they can be eaten alongside the sandwich.
You can serve this appetizer in any number of ways and with any variety of cheeses and crackers.
If you’re hosting a big party, fill multiple bowls with each type of dish so guests can make their own plates—this way everyone gets what they want!
Cucumber salad
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If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s easy to prepare and serve, cucumber salad is the way to go.
It’s a classic side dish that goes with everything from corned beef sandwiches to grilled cheese sandwiches (and even burgers).
This simple recipe comes together in about just a few minutes.
Simply peel and thinly slice one English cucumber, toss with salt and sugar, then let sit for 10 minutes before draining off any liquid that has accumulated.
Add dill pickles, sliced red onions, and sour cream or mayonnaise; season with fresh cracked pepper and serve cold.
Shepherd’s pie
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Shepherd’s pie is a great appetizer for corned beef sandwiches because it’s hearty and filling.
The meat in the pie will give you an energy boost, so you can take on your corned beef sandwich without feeling sluggish or sick from the richness of the meat.
Shepherd’s pie also has a lot of vegetables, which makes it healthy and nutritious.
You’ll feel like you’re giving your body what it needs to help you digest large amounts of corned beef.
Irish chips
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Irish chips are actually Irish-inspired potato chips.
They make a great appetizer for corned beef sandwiches because of their unique flavor, which complements the salty, savory taste of corned beef.
The saltiness of the chips will awaken your taste buds, making you more receptive to the flavors of the corned beef when it arrives.
The savory taste of the corned beef complements the saltiness of the chip and makes it easier to enjoy.
Moreover, Irish chips add a nice crunch to your meal, and everyone at the table will really enjoy the crunchy sound of each bite.
Conclusion
With plenty of options for appetizers, you can serve corned beef sandwiches on St. Patrick’s Day without worrying about what to eat with them.
Just remember that some people may prefer different types than others – so be sure to ask your guests beforehand what their preference is!
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