Craving a truly satisfying meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table without fuss? Meet the classic corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. This recipe combines savory, thinly sliced corned beef with a vibrant, tangy homemade coleslaw, all nestled between slices of your favorite bread. For those curious about its background, understanding the historical origins of corned beef can add another layer of appreciation to this classic dish. It is surprisingly easy to assemble and bursting with deliciousness. Get ready to create a meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Corned Beef Sandwich with Coleslaw
This delightful sandwich offers an irresistible blend of textures and tastes you won’t want to miss. It truly makes a satisfying meal.
- Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The savory corned beef perfectly complements the creamy, tangy coleslaw.
- Quick and Easy to Assemble: You can whip up this delicious corned beef sandwich with coleslaw in no time.
- Perfect for Using Leftover Corned Beef: An ideal solution for transforming holiday leftovers into a new favorite.
- Satisfying for Lunch or Dinner: Hearty enough for any meal of the day.
- Customizable to Taste Preferences: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s liking.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create your incredible homemade corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. Fresh ingredients make all the difference!
- 1 cup shredded (or thinly sliced) green cabbage
- 1/3 cup shredded (or thinly sliced) purple (red) cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots
- 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
- 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 (prepared using ingredients above)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe with what you have on hand or prefer. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Cabbage: Save time by using pre-shredded coleslaw mix, or try Napa cabbage for a softer texture.
- Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, use light mayo, or choose a vegan alternative.
- Bread: Many enthusiasts prefer classic options, and exploring the best breads for sandwiches often highlights traditional deli breads like rye as a perfect complement for corned beef. Sourdough or brioche buns are also delicious choices.
- Cheese: Provolone or sharp cheddar cheese make excellent substitutes for Swiss.
- Spreads: Adjust the amount of horseradish or mustard to control the heat and tanginess.
- Corned Beef: Deli-sliced corned beef works perfectly. For a richer flavor, use homemade leftovers.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy corned beef sandwich with coleslaw.
- Medium mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Toaster oven or skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious corned beef sandwich with creamy coleslaw. You’ll have a fantastic meal ready in minutes!
For the Homemade Coleslaw
Prepare your fresh, tangy coleslaw first. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- In a medium size bowl, add the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, chopped carrots, and chopped green onion.
- Next, add the rice vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Mix all coleslaw ingredients thoroughly until the vegetables are well coated in the dressing.
- Set the coleslaw aside. You can chill it in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the sandwich.
Assembling the Perfect Corned Beef Sandwich
Now, let’s build your amazing corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. It comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.
- Take two slices of bread for each sandwich. Spread the prepared horseradish and mayonnaise evenly on one slice of bread.
- Layer the sliced corned beef generously over the horseradish-mayo spread.
- Place three slices of Swiss cheese on top of the corned beef.
- Put the plain slice of bread and the slices with the corned beef and cheese in a toaster oven or a skillet. Toast until the bread is golden and the cheese melts perfectly.
- While the bread toasts, spread yellow mustard onto the other plain bread slice.
- Once toasted, carefully pile the chilled coleslaw onto the melted Swiss cheese layer.
- Finally, place the mustard-side bread slice on top of the coleslaw.
- Slice the finished corned beef sandwich with coleslaw in half diagonally for easy eating.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade creation.
Pro Tips for the Best Corned Beef Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich experience with these simple tricks. They ensure maximum flavor and texture every time.
- Chill Coleslaw for Optimal Flavor: Allowing the coleslaw to chill for at least 15-30 minutes enhances its tanginess.
- Slice Corned Beef Thinly: Thinly sliced meat against the grain makes for a more tender and enjoyable bite.
- Toast Bread to Golden: Aim for a light golden toast, not burnt, to add a satisfying crunch without overpowering.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust condiment amounts to achieve your preferred balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes.
- Prevent Sogginess: Assemble your sandwich right before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy from the coleslaw.
- Consider a Press: For a melty, crispy perfection, press your sandwich lightly in a panini press or a hot skillet.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile corned beef sandwich with coleslaw offers many ways to enjoy it and keep it fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your delicious sandwich with classic sides for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside crunchy potato chips or crispy french fries.
- Enjoy with dill pickles or a fresh green side salad.
- Pair it with a hearty bowl of tomato soup or split pea soup.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage keeps your components fresh for future sandwiches.
- Store leftover coleslaw separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate any unused sliced corned beef in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.
- Assemble sandwiches fresh each time for the best texture and to prevent soggy bread.
Recipe Variations
Get creative and customize your corned beef sandwich with coleslaw to suit different tastes.
- Meat: Try smoked turkey, pastrami, or roast beef for different flavor profiles.
- Cheese: Experiment with provolone, white cheddar, or muenster cheese.
- Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the coleslaw for a kick.
- Grilled: Butter the outside of the bread and grill the sandwich like a classic Reuben for extra crispiness.
- Open-faced: Serve the corned beef and coleslaw on a single slice of toasted bread for a lighter option.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this tasty sandwich.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1400 mg |
*Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making this fantastic corned beef sandwich with coleslaw.
- Can I use store-bought coleslaw? Absolutely! Using store-bought coleslaw is a great time-saver if you are in a rush.
- How should I reheat corned beef? Gently reheat sliced corned beef in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or microwave briefly until warm.
- What is the best bread for this sandwich? While wheat bread is listed, rye bread is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with corned beef.
- Is this considered a Reuben sandwich? No, a traditional Reuben includes sauerkraut and Russian dressing, not coleslaw and mustard.
- Can I make this sandwich gluten-free? Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread to enjoy this recipe.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create the ultimate corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. This recipe truly delivers on flavor, ease, and satisfaction, making it a perfect choice for beginners and busy home cooks alike. The savory corned beef perfectly complements the fresh, tangy coleslaw for an unforgettable meal. Give this recipe a try today; you’ll love how simple and delicious it is! We always love hearing from you, so please share your creations and rate the recipe.
Classic Corned Beef Sandwich with Creamy Coleslaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine green and purple cabbage, carrots, green onion, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; mix well and set aside to create the creamy coleslaw.
- For each sandwich, spread horseradish and mayonnaise on one slice of bread. Top this with sliced corned beef and Swiss cheese.
- Place the plain bread slice and the bread with corned beef and cheese into a toaster oven. Toast until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Spread yellow mustard on the plain toasted bread slice. Top the melted Swiss cheese with the prepared coleslaw, then place the mustard-coated bread slice on top.
- Slice the finished sandwich and serve warm.