Ultimate Corned Beef Sandwich with Homemade Coleslaw

Welcome to your new favorite lunch! This incredible corned beef sandwich with coleslaw offers a delightful twist on a classic. We take tender, savory corned beef and elevate it with a bright, tangy homemade coleslaw that adds unparalleled crunch and flavor. Perfect for using up leftovers or assembling a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe makes building a gourmet sandwich simple and fun.

Why You’ll Love This Corned Beef Sandwich with Coleslaw

This recipe transforms a simple sandwich into a memorable meal, ideal for busy parents and beginners alike. You’ll find yourself craving this delightful combination again and again.

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The rich, salty corned beef perfectly complements the creamy, zesty coleslaw.
• Wonderful Textural Contrast: Enjoy the tender slices of beef alongside the satisfying crunch of fresh cabbage and carrots.
• Quick and Easy Assembly: You can whip up this gourmet sandwich in minutes, especially if your corned beef is already cooked.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: It is fantastic for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a picnic.
• Simple to Customize: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste, making it truly your own.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your homemade coleslaw and the ultimate corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. Using quality components makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

For the Homemade Coleslaw:

• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1/3 cup shredded purple (red) cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1 green onion, chopped (including the green tops)

Beyond its crunch and flavor, cabbage, a key ingredient in coleslaw, offers a range of impressive health benefits.

• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 4 dashes salt
• 3 dashes ground black pepper

For the Corned Beef Sandwich:

• 4 slices wheat sandwich bread
• 2 servings sliced cooked corned beef
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 3 teaspoons prepared grated horseradish
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1-1/2 cups Homemade Coleslaw (prepared from the ingredients above)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust these ingredients to fit your pantry and preferences for your perfect corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. Experiment to find your favorite combinations.

• Cabbage Types: Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for convenience, or shred your own green, red, or napa cabbage for freshness.
• Mayonnaise Alternatives: Opt for light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing, or a vegan mayonnaise alternative.
• Bread Options: Rye bread, sourdough, pumpernickel, or even a soft brioche bun work wonderfully with this sandwich.
• Other Meats: Try pastrami, sliced turkey, or even roast beef for a different flavor profile.
• Horseradish and Mustard: Adjust the amount of horseradish for more or less kick. Dijon or spicy brown mustard can replace yellow mustard.
• Pickles or Onions: Add sliced dill pickles, red onion, or pickled onions for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to assemble this delicious corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. Most items you likely already have on hand.

• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Toaster oven or skillet (for toasting bread)

Instructions

Creating this flavorful corned beef sandwich with coleslaw is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal.

For the Homemade Coleslaw

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and chopped green onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth. This creates your tangy dressing.
3. Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture in the larger bowl.
4. Mix everything thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. For best flavor and texture, chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

For the Corned Beef Sandwich

1. Spread the prepared horseradish and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise evenly on one slice of bread for each sandwich you are making.
2. Layer the sliced cooked corned beef generously over the horseradish-mayonnaise spread.
3. Place three slices of Swiss cheese on top of the corned beef, ensuring good coverage.
4. Put the plain bread slices and the bread slices topped with corned beef and cheese into a toaster oven. Toast them until the bread is golden brown and the Swiss cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey.
5. While the bread toasts, spread the yellow mustard onto the remaining plain slice of toasted bread.
6. Once the cheese is melted, spoon a generous 1-1/2 cups of the chilled homemade coleslaw over the melted Swiss cheese.
7. Carefully place the mustard-spread piece of bread on top of the coleslaw, completing your sandwich.
8. Slice the magnificent corned beef sandwich with coleslaw in half, either diagonally or straight down the middle. Serve immediately and savor every bite.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Ensure your corned beef sandwich with coleslaw is perfect every time with these helpful tips. These tricks make assembly easy and prevent common pitfalls.

• Tender Corned Beef: If cooking corned beef from scratch, simmer it slowly until fork-tender. This ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Prevent Soggy Sandwiches: Always drain your coleslaw well before adding it to the sandwich. This prevents excess moisture from making the bread soggy.
• Toast Level: Adjust your toaster oven settings for your preferred level of crispness. A light toast works beautifully with this hearty sandwich.
• Warm Corned Beef: For an extra cozy sandwich, gently warm the sliced corned beef in a skillet or microwave before layering. This enhances its flavor.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile corned beef sandwich with coleslaw adapts beautifully to various meals and can be stored thoughtfully to maintain freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Crisps and Fries: Pair your hearty sandwich with classic potato chips or crispy french fries for a satisfying meal.
• Dill Pickles: A crunchy dill pickle spear on the side provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors.
• Simple Green Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing for a balanced meal.

Storage Instructions

• Coleslaw Storage: Store any leftover homemade coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Corned Beef Storage: Keep cooked corned beef slices in a separate airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Assemble Fresh: For the best possible taste and texture, assemble your sandwich just before serving. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

Variations

• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, muenster, or even a sharp cheddar for diverse flavor.
• Artisan Bread: Elevate your sandwich experience by using artisan rye, sourdough boules, or ciabatta rolls.
• Pickled Additions: Introduce pickled red onions or traditional sauerkraut for an extra layer of tangy complexity.
• Spicy Mustard: Swap yellow mustard for a gourmet spicy brown, whole grain, or honey mustard to customize the kick.

Nutrition Information

This homemade corned beef sandwich with coleslaw offers a substantial meal, with ingredients contributing to a filling and flavorful experience. Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes used. This information is an estimate.

For a comprehensive understanding of the components in quality deli meats, explore the nutritional details for corned beef from trusted suppliers.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use store-bought coleslaw?

Yes, absolutely! While homemade coleslaw is fantastic, store-bought coleslaw is a convenient time-saver for this corned beef sandwich with coleslaw.

What kind of corned beef is best?

Any pre-cooked, thinly sliced corned beef from your deli or leftover from a home-cooked brisket works perfectly. Choose a lean cut if you prefer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It is best to assemble the sandwich right before serving to prevent sogginess. You can prepare the coleslaw and slice the corned beef in advance.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Ensure your coleslaw is well-drained and avoid over-dressing it. Assembling the sandwich just before eating also helps maintain bread crispness.

Is this similar to a Reuben sandwich?

This sandwich is similar, featuring corned beef and often Swiss cheese. However, this recipe uses a fresh, creamy coleslaw instead of sauerkraut and omits Russian dressing.

Conclusion

This ultimate corned beef sandwich with coleslaw truly stands out as a delicious and easy meal solution. Combining tender, savory corned beef with a bright, crunchy homemade coleslaw creates an explosion of flavors and textures you will adore. It is perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or an impressive contribution to any gathering. We encourage you to try this recipe and discover your new favorite way to enjoy a classic.

Ultimate Corned Beef Sandwich with Homemade Coleslaw

A hearty and flavorful corned beef sandwich featuring homemade coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and a zesty horseradish-mayonnaise spread, all toasted to perfection.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 2 sandwiches

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Homemade Coleslaw

• 1 cup green cabbage shredded (or thinly sliced)
• 1/3 cup purple cabbage shredded (or thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup carrots chopped
• 1 green onion chopped (including the green tops)
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 4 dashes salt
• 3 dashes ground black pepper

Sandwich Assembly

• 4 slices wheat sandwich bread
• 2 servings sliced cooked corned beef
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 3 teaspoons prepared grated horseradish
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1-1/2 cups Coleslaw

Equipment

• medium size bowl
• toaster oven

Method

 

Coleslaw Preparation

1. Combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, green onion, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; mix well and set aside.

Sandwich Assembly & Toasting

1. Spread horseradish and mayonnaise on one slice of bread for each sandwich, then layer with sliced corned beef and Swiss cheese.
2. Place plain bread slices and the assembled corned beef and cheese slices into a toaster oven, toasting until the bread is golden and cheese is melted.
3. Spread mustard on the plain toasted bread. Layer the melted Swiss cheese with coleslaw, then top with the mustard-spread bread slice.
4. Slice the finished sandwich in half and serve warm immediately.

Notes

For best results, allow the coleslaw to chill for at least 30 minutes before assembling the sandwiches to let the flavors meld.