Corned beef sandwiches are an old-timey classic, but they don’t have to be bland and boring.
If you’re looking for new things to put on your corned beef sandwich, here are 22 great toppings that will take your sandwich from ho-hum to incredible!
Read Also: Top 20 Corned Beef Sandwich Recipes That’ll Change Your Life
But before we jump in, what goes on a corned beef sandwich?
The most common ingredients on a corned beef sandwich include mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese. The meat is typically served on rye bread or on a Kaiser roll. The sandwich can also be served with sauerkraut and/or coleslaw.
Keep scrolling for more ideas!
22 Best Corned Beef Sandwich Toppings
So what are you waiting for?
Go out there and start putting these things on your corned beef sandwiches!
1. Lettuce
Lettuce adds a nice crunchy texture and freshness that is perfect with the meaty taste of corned beef.
Plus, it’s super low in calories—you can’t go wrong! (Note: If you’re looking for something with more of a crunch factor than lettuce provides, try adding crisp bacon pieces or crumbled potato chips.)
2. Tomato
This one is pretty self-explanatory—the sweetness of the tomato pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the meat and creates an amazing balance that makes your mouth sing! (Note: You can also add ketchup if you like!)
3. Pickle
Now this one might seem weird at first (I mean… pickles?), but trust me when I say this combination is SO GOOD!
The tanginess of the pickle really brings out all those flavors in the corned beef and creates an explosion of deliciousness in your mouth.
4. Mustard
Mustard is a classic topping for corned beef sandwiches, and I’m sure you know how delicious it tastes.
But if you want something with a little bit of heat, try mixing in some hot sauce with your mustard—it’s an easy way to add some spice to your meal!
5. Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese is one of my favorite cheeses because it’s so versatile!
It’s perfect for sandwiches because it melts so easily and has such a rich flavor.
You can even use it as a base for grilled cheese sandwiches!
6. Onions
Onions are a must-have topping for any kind of meat sandwich—they add crunch and flavor without being too overpowering or taking over the whole dish!
7. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is the perfect topping because it adds a salty, vinegary kick to your sandwich.
It also adds a crunchy texture that goes perfectly with the tender corned beef.
8. Potato chips
Potato chips add a nice crunchy bite to the otherwise soft, chewy sandwich.
And if you want to get really crazy, try adding some sour cream or dip your potato chip in some ketchup!
9. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is another one of those things I can never get enough of—it’s so versatile and delicious on everything from sandwiches to burgers to chicken wings!
10. Bacon
Bacon is a classic topping that you can’t go wrong with, but it’s also the easiest to mess up.
You don’t want to make the bacon too crispy, or else it will fall apart and make your sandwich soggy.
Also, if you’re not careful with your cooking time and temperature, the fat will render out and make your sandwich greasy.
11. Avocado
Avocado is another great classic topping for corned beef sandwiches that many people love—but it does have its drawbacks.
If you don’t cut up the avocado beforehand and just add slices to your sandwich, it may turn brown during cooking or break apart as you bite into it later on in the day (when it’s cold).
This means that if you want to put avocado on your sandwich, be sure to cut it into slices ahead of time and then add them once everything else has already been assembled!
12. Guacamole
Guacamole is delicious on just about anything, so why not put it on your corned beef?
The avocado-y goodness will complement the salty flavors in the meat and add another dimension to your overall taste experience.
13. Barbecue sauce
I love a good barbecue sauce, and I like to put it on my corned beef sandwich.
The tangy sweetness of the sauce complements the saltiness of the meat and the bread, and it really helps you enjoy your meal even more!
It’s also not too expensive, so if you’re on a budget, it can be a great way to add flavor without spending too much money.
14. Sauteed mushrooms
Mushrooms can be cooked in all kinds of ways, but sauteing them brings out the best in them by making them tender and juicy while still retaining their earthy flavor.
To saute mushrooms, simply heat some butter or oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the sliced mushrooms and seasonings (salt and pepper work great).
Cook until they begin to soften up and turn brown around the edges – then serve hot on top of your corned beef sandwich!
15. Thousand Island dressing
This one might surprise you because it’s not technically “on” your corned beef sandwich—but putting Thousand Island dressing on the side can really take this sandwich from good to great!
It’s rich enough not to overpower the flavors of corned beef or other toppings but flavorful enough that it adds another layer onto what would otherwise be an ordinary meal.
16. Ketchup
I like to put ketchup on my sandwich because it’s the perfect combination of sweet, sour, and tangy.
It also adds a level of flavor that really complements corned beef.
If you don’t want to use ketchup, try using barbecue sauce instead!
17. Relish
I love relish on my sandwich because it adds a little bit of crunch and a lot of flavor—and it’s just so darn colorful!
If you don’t want to use relish, try using sauerkraut instead!
18. Green onions
Green onions are an amazing addition to your sandwich because they add a subtle onion flavor without making your mouth taste like onion all day long (if that’s something that bothers you).
If you don’t like green onions or want something different, consider adding pickles instead!
19. Chives
I will typically add chives to any type of flatbread or pita bread sandwich I have, particularly one that is made with corned beef or pastrami.
They add a nice peppery flavor that really complements the meat.
20. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another common topping for many types of sandwiches, and it goes well with corned beef as well.
The texture of the cabbage mixed with the mayonnaise makes it both creamy and crunchy at the same time—a very satisfying combination!
21. Peppers (sliced)
If you love spicy foods like me then I’m sure that peppers will be one of your favorite toppings for your corned beef sandwich!
These spicy little guys add so much flavor and heat that no one else will be able to resist their charms either.
22. Celery
I love putting celery on my sandwich because it adds a nice crunch, and it’s great for cutting through the richness of the corned beef.
It’s also a good way to get more veggies into your diet without having to think about it too much!
How to Make Your Corned Beef Sandwich Better with Toppings
Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like a killer corned beef sandwich—but if you’re not careful, all that salty goodness can leave you feeling a little heavy.
Here are some tips for making your corned beef sandwich better with toppings:
1. Try Adding Some Cheese
Cheese is a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your sandwich.
You can use any kind you like—I recommend shredded cheddar or mozzarella, but American or Swiss would also work well.
Just sprinkle it on top of your meat before adding your bread and let it melt in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or until golden brown).
2. Get Creative with Condiments
Condiments are another easy way to add flavor without too much effort—just think outside the box!
I recommend mustard, horseradish sauce, mayo/mustard mix, barbecue sauce (try using tomato paste instead), and ketchup (just make sure you don’t use too much!).
You could also try adding pesto or olive tapenade if you want something different than what everyone else is doing!
3. Add Some Veggies
If you want to add some vegetables to your corned beef sandwich without making it too heavy, try adding lettuce or tomato slices!
These will add moisture and texture while still keeping the meal light enough that it won’t weigh down your stomach later on in the day—making it perfect for breakfast or lunchtime snacking!
22 Best Corned Beef Sandwich Toppings
Ingredients
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickle
- Mustard
- Swiss cheese
- Onions
- Sauerkraut
- Potato chips
- Mayonnaise
- Bacon
- Avocado
- Guacamole
- Barbecue sauce
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Thousand Island dressing
- Ketchup
- Relish
- Green onions
- Chives
- Coleslaw
- Peppers (sliced)
- Celery
Instructions
- Pick any amount of toppings from this list to put on your sandwich.
- Prepare the rest of your delicious meal.
- Be ready to munch in no time!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.