Delicious Corned Beef Sandwich with Homemade Coleslaw

Craving that classic deli taste from the comfort of your kitchen? Get ready to build the ultimate corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. For a glimpse into the origins of this iconic meal, explore the rich history of the corned beef sandwich. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an incredibly satisfying meal. The star of the show, homemade coleslaw, adds a burst of fresh, tangy crunch. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this flavor-packed sandwich, perfect for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Corned Beef Sandwich

This delightful corned beef sandwich is a total game-changer for several reasons:

• It’s the perfect way to use up leftover corned beef from a holiday meal.
• You can whip up this hearty sandwich in under 20 minutes for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Each bite offers a wonderful mix of savory meat, tangy dressing, and crunchy slaw.
• This versatile sandwich works for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or a weekend treat.
• It’s a satisfying, family-friendly meal that everyone will eagerly enjoy.

Ingredients

Creating this amazing corned beef sandwich with coleslaw starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to build your masterpiece:

For the Homemade Coleslaw:

• 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

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 prepared coleslaw (from above)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences! For the coleslaw, feel free to use pre-shredded cabbage mix to save time. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can replace rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup work instead of granulated sugar for a different sweetness. When it comes to cheese, provolone or cheddar are tasty alternatives to Swiss. Rye bread or sourdough bread are fantastic choices if you prefer a different base for your corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. You can even try pastrami or turkey as a delicious alternative to corned beef.

Equipment

Gathering your tools beforehand makes the cooking process smoother. Here is what you will need for your corned beef sandwich with coleslaw:

• Medium mixing bowl
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toaster oven or a large skillet
• Spatula (for spreading)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. We’ll start with the vibrant, fresh coleslaw, then move on to assembling and toasting the perfect sandwich.

Prepare the Homemade Coleslaw

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and chopped green onion. Ensure all vegetables are well distributed.

2. Next, add the rice vinegar, mayonnaise, and sugar to the bowl. These ingredients form the creamy, tangy base of your coleslaw dressing.

3. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Start with the recommended dashes and adjust if needed.

4. Using a spoon or spatula, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Set the coleslaw aside for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and for the cabbage to soften slightly, enhancing the texture of your corned beef sandwich with coleslaw.

Assemble the Corned Beef Sandwich

1. For each sandwich, spread a mixture of prepared horseradish and mayonnaise evenly on one slice of wheat bread. This creates a flavorful, zesty base.

2. Layer the sliced cooked corned beef generously over the spread. Follow this with two to three slices of Swiss cheese on top of the corned beef.

3. Carefully place the plain slice of bread and the bread slices loaded with corned beef and cheese into a toaster oven. Alternatively, you can toast them in a hot skillet.

4. Toast the bread until it turns golden brown and the Swiss cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

5. While the bread is toasting, spread yellow mustard on the other plain toasted slice of bread. This adds a classic tangy kick to your corned beef sandwich with coleslaw.

6. Once toasted, spoon a generous amount of your freshly made coleslaw over the melted Swiss cheese on the corned beef side. Don’t be shy with the slaw!

7. Finally, top the coleslaw with the mustard-coated bread slice. Gently press the sandwich together to secure all the layers.

8. Using a sharp knife, slice the sandwich in half diagonally. This makes it easier to handle and showcases all the delicious layers.

9. Serve your warm, assembled corned beef sandwich with coleslaw immediately and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect corned beef sandwich with coleslaw is simple with a few smart techniques. For perfectly crispy toasted bread, ensure your toaster oven or skillet is preheated properly and don’t overcrowd it. If shredding your own cabbage, use a mandoline for thin, uniform slices, or chop it finely with a sharp knife. When mixing the coleslaw, make sure every piece of vegetable gets coated evenly with dressing for balanced flavor in every bite. To prevent a soggy sandwich, try not to over-dress the coleslaw, and assemble the sandwich just before serving. If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of horseradish or omit it entirely.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This incredible corned beef sandwich with coleslaw pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside crunchy dill pickles or your favorite potato chips for a classic deli experience. For a lighter meal, enjoy it with a simple green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup. It’s ideal for a quick, satisfying lunch or a casual, hearty dinner.

Storage Tips

To keep everything fresh, it’s best to store the components of your corned beef sandwich with coleslaw separately. Keep any leftover homemade coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For detailed guidelines on how long various foods, including prepared salads, can be safely stored, consult official food safety resources. Store cooked corned beef slices in a separate sealed container in the fridge. For optimal taste and texture, always assemble the sandwich fresh right before you plan to eat it.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your corned beef sandwich with coleslaw! Transform it into a Reuben-style sandwich by adding sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing. Include pickled onions or extra relish for an added tangy bite. Experiment with different mustards like spicy brown or Dijon for a flavor twist. You can also mix in fresh dill or parsley into the coleslaw for herbaceous notes. For parties, build miniature slider versions, perfect for appetizers.

Nutrition

This corned beef sandwich with coleslaw offers a hearty meal with a good balance of macronutrients. It provides protein from the corned beef and cheese, carbohydrates from the bread and vegetables, and healthy fats from the mayonnaise and cheese. The homemade coleslaw also contributes beneficial fiber and vitamins from the fresh cabbage and carrots. To lighten the recipe, you can opt for light mayonnaise, whole wheat bread, or reduce the amount of cheese. Making it from scratch gives you complete control over all ingredients and their quantities.

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

What kind of corned beef is best for this recipe?
Use thinly sliced, cooked corned beef. Leftover homemade corned beef works perfectly, or you can purchase deli-sliced corned beef.

Can I use pre-made coleslaw for my corned beef sandwich?
Absolutely! While homemade is best, quality pre-made coleslaw can save time and still taste great. Just ensure it’s a creamy, tangy style.

How do I slice corned beef thinly?
For best results, chill your cooked corned beef thoroughly, then use a very sharp knife to slice it against the grain. This makes it tender and easier to eat.

Is this sandwich good cold?
This sandwich is best served warm with melted cheese. The contrast of warm meat and cool slaw is part of its charm.

Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator; the flavors will meld even more.

What if I don’t like horseradish?
No problem! Simply omit the horseradish from the mayonnaise spread. The sandwich will still be incredibly flavorful.

Conclusion

You now have all the tools and knowledge to create a truly spectacular corned beef sandwich with coleslaw. This recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated, even for busy parents and beginners. The combination of savory corned beef, gooey melted cheese, and fresh, tangy homemade coleslaw is simply irresistible. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a perfect deli-style meal at home. Don’t forget to share your comments and ratings once you’ve whipped up this delicious sandwich!

Delicious Corned Beef Sandwich with Homemade Coleslaw

Enjoy a classic deli-style experience at home with this delicious corned beef sandwich, perfectly complemented by a vibrant, homemade coleslaw. Toasted bread, melted Swiss cheese, and a zesty horseradish-mayonnaise spread complete this satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 sandwiches

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Homemade Coleslaw

• 1 cup green cabbage shredded (or thinly sliced)
• 1/3 cup purple (red) 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. In a medium bowl, combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, green onion, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper; mix thoroughly and set aside.

Sandwich Assembly & Toasting

1. For each sandwich, spread horseradish and mayonnaise on one slice of bread, then layer with corned beef and Swiss cheese.
2. Place both the plain bread slices and the prepared corned beef and cheese slices into a toaster oven; toast until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
3. Apply mustard to the plain toasted bread slice, top the melted Swiss cheese with the homemade coleslaw, then place the mustard-coated bread on top.
4. Slice the assembled sandwich and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, prepare the coleslaw a bit in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning to your preference.