If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful sandwich that’s both satisfying and easy to make, a corned beef sandwich is a fantastic choice. This classic deli favorite combines tender, savory corned beef with tangy and creamy accompaniments, all nestled between slices of toasted bread. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you make a corned beef sandwich that’s bursting with flavor.
What You’ll Need for a Corned Beef Sandwich
Before diving into the assembly, gather these key ingredients:
– Corned beef (preferably cooked and thinly sliced)
– Bread (rye bread is traditional, but sourdough or a hearty sandwich bread works well)
– Mustard (Dijon or spicy brown mustard adds a nice kick)
– Swiss cheese (for a melty, creamy layer)
– Coleslaw or sauerkraut (adds crunch and tang)
– Thousand Island dressing (optional, for a Reuben-style twist)
– Butter (for toasting the bread)
These ingredients create a balanced sandwich with savory, tangy, and creamy elements that complement the corned beef perfectly.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Corned Beef Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef
If you’re starting with a corned beef brisket, cook it until tender. A simple method is to roast it in the oven at 325°F, covered tightly with foil and a bit of water, for about 3.5 to 4 hours until fork-tender. Let it cool, then slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
If you have leftover corned beef, simply slice it thinly and it’s ready to use.
Step 2: Make the Coleslaw or Prepare Sauerkraut
For a fresh crunch, toss shredded cabbage with a simple dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of honey, onion powder, and salt. This homemade coleslaw is a great alternative to sauerkraut if you prefer a milder flavor.
Alternatively, use sauerkraut for a traditional Reuben-style sandwich.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Butter both sides of your bread slices lightly. Toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until golden and crispy. This adds a lovely crunch and helps the sandwich hold up against the juicy fillings.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
– Spread mustard on one side of each toasted bread slice.
– Layer 4 to 5 slices of corned beef on four bread slices.
– Add a generous amount of coleslaw or sauerkraut on top of the meat.
– If you like, drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the slaw for extra flavor.
– Top with Swiss cheese.
– Close the sandwich with the remaining bread slices.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Warm the Sandwich
Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the sandwich is warmed through. Alternatively, grill the sandwich in a skillet, pressing gently and flipping until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your sandwich in half and serve with classic sides like dill pickle spears and potato chips or your favorite crunchy snack. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy slaw, melty cheese, and toasted bread is irresistible.
Tips for the Best Corned Beef Sandwich
– Use quality corned beef: Whether homemade or store-bought, tender, well-seasoned corned beef makes all the difference.
– Slice thinly: Thin slices ensure every bite is tender and flavorful.
– Customize your toppings: Don’t hesitate to swap coleslaw for sauerkraut or add extra mustard if you like more tang.
– Toast for texture: Toasting the bread adds crunch and helps prevent sogginess.
– Make ahead: Cook the corned beef a day or two in advance to let flavors deepen and make sandwich assembly quicker.
Variations to Try
– Classic Reuben: Add sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread.
– Corned Beef French Dip: Serve the sandwich with warm au jus (broth from the cooked beef) for dipping.
– Swiss and Coleslaw Combo: Skip the sauerkraut and use homemade coleslaw for a fresher taste.
Making a corned beef sandwich is simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. With tender meat, tangy toppings, and melty cheese, it’s a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Enjoy crafting your delicious corned beef sandwich!