Best Cheeses To Pair With Corned Beef

Corned beef is a popular dish, especially around St. Patrick's Day, and there are many ways to enjoy it. A common way to eat corned beef is in a sandwich, and the type of cheese you use can make a big difference. The best cheeses to use in a corned beef sandwich are those that can stand up to the bold flavour of the meat, such as cheddar, Swiss, provolone, Havarti, muenster, and pepper jack. Corned beef grilled cheese sandwiches are also a popular choice, with the addition of caramelised onions and tangy sauces like Russian dressing, mustard, or mayo.

Provolone, Swiss, or Mozzarella cheese

Corned beef is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and when it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with it, you can't go wrong with Provolone, Swiss, or Mozzarella. Each of these cheeses offers a unique flavour and texture that can enhance the taste of corned beef and take it to the next level.

Let's start with Provolone, a cheese with Italian origins dating back to the 19th century. Provolone is typically made from cow's milk and aged for two to three months, developing a range of varieties from mild Dolce to sharp Piccante. When used in a corned beef sandwich, Provolone adds a nice mild complement to the beef and pairs well with mustard, caramelized onions, and rye bread.

Swiss cheese is another excellent choice, commonly found in the traditional Reuben sandwich. It has a distinctive flavour that works well with corned beef, especially when paired with sauerkraut and Russian dressing. If you're looking for a more classic combination, Swiss cheese and corned beef are a match made in heaven.

Mozzarella cheese, known for its melting capability, is a fantastic option for corned beef sandwiches. Its stretchy, gooey texture adds a delightful creaminess to the sandwich. When paired with sourdough bread, corned beef, and pickles, Mozzarella creates a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

When deciding between Provolone, Swiss, or Mozzarella cheese for your corned beef dish, consider your personal preference for flavour and texture. All three cheeses have their unique characteristics, but ultimately, any of them can elevate your corned beef experience and make it even more mouthwatering.

So, whether you choose to go with the mild and creamy Provolone, the classic Swiss, or the stretchy and gooey Mozzarella, you're sure to create a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.

Rye bread

When making a corned beef sandwich on rye bread, you can butter the bread and grill it in a skillet or on a panini press until it is golden brown and toasted. You can also add condiments such as mustard, mayo, or Russian dressing, and toppings like coleslaw, sauerkraut, or pickles.

• Spread your choice of condiment on the rye bread. You can use mustard, mayo, Russian dressing, or a combination of these.
• Place a slice of Swiss cheese on the bread. You can also use other types of cheese such as provolone, cheddar, or Havarti.
• Add the corned beef. You can use sliced or shredded corned beef, depending on your preference.
• Top with your choice of toppings. Popular options include coleslaw, sauerkraut, and pickles.
• Add another slice of cheese, if desired.
• Place the second slice of rye bread on top.
• Grill the sandwich in a skillet, panini press, or oven until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
• Serve the sandwich with a pickle spear and crunchy kettle chips on the side.

Caramelised onions

To make caramelised onions, you will need:

• Butter or olive oil
• Brown or white sugar
• Thinly sliced onions
• Salt and pepper
• A splash of beer (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Mustard (optional)
• Caraway seeds (optional)

Start by melting butter or heating oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become soft and transparent. Then, add a couple of tablespoons of sugar and continue cooking for 20-40 minutes. Stir the onions every few minutes to ensure even cooking. If the onions start to burn or stick to the pan, reduce the heat or add a splash of water.

For extra flavour, you can also add beer, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and caraway seeds to the onions while they are cooking.

Once the onions are deeply brown and caramelised, spread them on your corned beef sandwich or melt. They pair well with various types of cheese, such as provolone, Swiss, or cheddar. Enjoy your delicious corned beef creation!

Spicy mayo

For a spicier version, horseradish sauce or spicy mustard can be added to the mayo. Horseradish has a more intense, pungent flavour, while spicy mustard will add a sharp, hot kick. Horseradish mayo is a great pairing with corned beef, providing a creamy texture and a tangy taste.

If you prefer a milder spice level, plain mayo or regular mustard can be used instead. This will still add a nice tang to the sandwich without being too overpowering.

The corned beef sandwich is a versatile meal, and you can add other ingredients to suit your taste. Corned beef sandwiches typically include cheese, pickles or relish, coleslaw, and a sauce. For cheese, mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone are great options, melting nicely and complementing the other flavours. Sourdough or rye bread is a good base, and the sandwich can be grilled for a golden, crispy finish.

Corned beef is a delicious, salty meat that pairs well with the tang of spicy mayo. The sandwich is a great way to use up leftover corned beef, creating a tasty, hearty meal.

Sauerkraut

To make a corned beef and sauerkraut sandwich, start by draining the sauerkraut. On a slice of dark rye bread, arrange a layer of Swiss cheese, a few slices of hot corned beef, and sauerkraut. Spread with your favourite mustard and top with another slice of dark rye.

If you want to cook your own corned beef, there are a few methods you can use:

• Slow-cook the corned beef in a crockpot with spices and water.
• Boil the corned beef in a large pot or Dutch oven with the spices that come in the package and plenty of water.
• Oven braise the corned beef by placing it in a Dutch oven or roasting pan and baking it in the oven with aluminium foil on top to keep it juicy.

You can also add other ingredients to your sandwich, such as bacon, or a tangy sauce like Dijon mustard or spicy Sriracha mayonnaise.

Frequently asked questions