Ultimate Grilled Corned Beef Sandwich: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe
Prepare to savor the ultimate grilled corned beef sandwich, a delightful creation that brings together an incredible array of textures and flavors. Imagine generous layers of tender, savory salt-cured beef, perfectly paired with irresistibly melty mozzarella cheese. Add to that the satisfying crunch of tangy dill pickle chips and the bold, zesty kick of spicy horseradish mayo, all nestled between two slices of golden-brown, perfectly toasted sourdough bread. Grilled until crispy and warm, this isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both easy to master and incredibly versatile. While it shares some comforting similarities with its famous cousin, the Reuben sandwich, our distinct corned beef sandwich proudly stands on its own, offering a unique flavor profile that makes it truly special and a must-try for any sandwich enthusiast.
Why This Homemade Corned Beef Sandwich Recipe Works So Well
Our corned beef sandwich recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary experience meticulously designed for maximum flavor, satisfying textures, and surprisingly minimal fuss. This recipe truly shines because it expertly balances a symphony of complementary tastes and textures in every bite. You get the rich, savory depth of the salt-cured corned beef, complemented by the creamy, luxurious melt of mozzarella cheese. The crisp, tangy dill pickle chips provide a crucial textural contrast and cut through the richness, while the spicy horseradish mayo adds an exciting, zesty zing that awakens the palate and ties all the elements together.
Traditionally, corned beef sandwiches, often found in iconic Jewish delis, consist of melty cheese, pickle chips or relish, sometimes coleslaw, and a signature sauce. They’re cherished for their robust flavors and satisfying nature. What makes this particular recipe stand out, however, is its incredible adaptability and straightforward preparation. It’s an absolutely perfect solution for transforming leftover corned beef into something extraordinary, preventing food waste while creating a brand new, exciting meal. But even if you’re starting from scratch, the steps are incredibly simple and quick, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch.
The intentional use of sourdough bread is a game-changer. Its distinct tangy flavor provides a delightful counterpoint to the rich corned beef, and when grilled, it develops an incredible golden-brown crust and a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire sandwich beyond a typical deli offering. This thoughtful combination of classic ingredients with a few modern twists ensures a gourmet-quality sandwich that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. It truly is a respectable and utterly delicious sandwich all on its own, and today, we’re thrilled to share Antoine’s absolute favorite way to assemble this scrumptious, must-try creation!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Perfect Corned Beef Sandwich
Crafting this incredible corned beef sandwich requires just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture, ensuring a truly satisfying meal. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a convenient printable version of this recipe that you can keep handy in your kitchen, please refer to the dedicated recipe card located at the very end of this blog post. Here’s a closer look at the essential ingredients you’ll need to gather:
Ingredient Spotlight: Tips & Substitution Suggestions for Your Corned Beef Sandwich
Let’s dive deeper into the key components of this mouthwatering sandwich. Understanding each ingredient and its potential substitutions will empower you to customize this recipe to perfectly suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
CORNED BEEF: The Heart of the Sandwich
This sandwich is an absolutely perfect opportunity to make the most of leftover corned beef from a previous meal. Its tender, savory goodness is already cooked and seasoned, making assembly a breeze and providing a quick, delicious way to repurpose leftovers. If you don’t happen to have any leftovers, don’t worry at all! You can often find high-quality, pre-cooked, thinly sliced corned beef readily available in the deli section of most major grocery stores. Look for it near the other luncheon meats; many delis offer it sliced to your desired thickness. For those who prefer a completely homemade touch or are preparing a larger quantity, you can always cook a raw brisket from scratch. We have fantastic, easy-to-follow recipes for this: try our Instant Pot Corned Beef for a quick and incredibly tender result, or our classic Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe prepared in a traditional stockpot. Either method will yield succulent, flavorful corned beef that forms the delicious foundation of this sandwich.
BREAD: The Essential Foundation
The choice of bread is crucial for a great grilled sandwich, and the tangy chewiness of Sourdough Bread pairs exceptionally well with the rich, savory flavor of corned beef. It provides a delightful contrast in taste and, most importantly, it holds up beautifully to grilling. This results in a wonderfully crispy, golden exterior and a soft, yielding interior that cradles all the delicious fillings. This choice also serves to differentiate our sandwich from the more traditional Reuben, which typically features a specific kind of rye bread. However, if sourdough isn’t your preference or is unavailable, you have other excellent options. A classic marbled rye, a lighter rye, or even a dark rye bread would all make fantastic substitutes, offering their own distinct flavors and textures that complement corned beef wonderfully. The key is to choose a sturdy bread that can withstand the grilling process and securely encase all those mouthwatering ingredients.
ADDITIONS & CUSTOMIZATIONS: Making It Uniquely Yours
This is where you can truly personalize your corned beef sandwich. Each addition contributes to the overall flavor and texture, and there’s plenty of room to adapt to your taste!
- The Kick: Horseradish Mayo. We’ve opted for a zesty horseradish mayo to impart a fantastic, slightly spicy kick that truly elevates the sandwich. The subtle heat and pungent flavor of horseradish beautifully complement the savory beef. If you’re someone who loves a bolder, spicier experience, feel free to try a stronger horseradish sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to regular mayo. For those who prefer a milder approach, a simple plain mayonnaise or a classic yellow or Dijon mustard would also work wonderfully. You can even create your own blend of mayo and mustard, or add a dash of hot sauce!
- The Crunch and Tang: Pickles. The addition of crunchy dill pickle chips is, for us, non-negotiable! They provide a much-needed textural contrast and a refreshing burst of tangy, briny flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the meat and cheese. However, if dill pickles aren’t your favorite, or if you’re looking for a different kind of tang, you can easily substitute them. Consider a spoonful of sweet pickle relish for a softer texture and a hint of sweetness, or even a layer of crisp, creamy coleslaw for added moisture and crunch, which is a popular deli addition.
- The Melt: Cheese Choices. For our recipe, we’ve chosen creamy, readily melting mozzarella cheese. Its mild flavor allows the robust corned beef to truly shine, and it creates a wonderfully satisfying, gooey texture when warm. That said, if you’re aiming for a more traditional deli vibe, or simply prefer its nutty, slightly sweet notes, you can absolutely swap the mozzarella with classic Swiss cheese. Other great melting cheeses like provolone or white cheddar could also work well, offering different nuances to the sandwich.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with these suggestions to create a corned beef sandwich that’s perfectly tailored to your individual taste buds and what you’re craving at the moment!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Delicious Grilled Corned Beef Sandwich
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through the entire process, helping you visualize exactly how to make this delightful recipe with ease. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply jump to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Bread: Begin by buttering one side of each slice of sourdough bread evenly and generously. The butter is crucial for achieving that beautiful, deep golden-brown crust and wonderfully crispy texture when grilled. Once buttered, place the slices buttered-side down onto a piece of waxed paper or a clean cutting board while you prepare the delicious fillings.
- Warm the Beef and Melt the Cheese: Heat your preferred cooking oil (such as olive oil or a neutral vegetable oil) in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add your thinly sliced corned beef to the skillet. Gather it together into a compact pile, mirroring how it will sit on the sandwich. Immediately top this warm beef with two slices of mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and allow the cheese to melt quickly and evenly, becoming perfectly gooey and luxurious. Once the cheese is fully melted, carefully remove the beef and cheese to a plate and set aside to keep warm while you proceed with the next steps.
- Assemble the First Layer of the Sandwich: Place one slice of the buttered sourdough bread, buttered side down, directly into the heated skillet over medium heat. This will be the bottom of your sandwich. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the warm, cheesy corned beef from the plate onto this slice of bread in the skillet. Ensure all the delicious, melted cheese stays with the beef, creating a cohesive, flavorful layer.
Perfectly warmed corned beef and melted mozzarella in the skillet, ready for assembly. - Add the Zesty Toppings: Now, it’s time for the vibrant additions. Generously arrange the crisp dill pickle chips over the corned beef and melted cheese. Their refreshing crunch and tangy flavor will provide a delightful contrast to the rich meat. Next, dollop or drizzle a good tablespoon of spicy horseradish mayo evenly over the pickles. This adds the perfect amount of creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy richness, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
All the delicious fillings layered on the bottom slice of bread, ready for the top. - Complete the Sandwich: Carefully place the second slice of sourdough bread on top of the sandwich, with its buttered side facing up. This ensures that both sides of your sandwich will get that desirable golden and crispy texture when grilled, creating a perfect crust.
- Grill to Golden Perfection: Continue to grill the sandwich in the skillet over medium heat until the bottom slice is beautifully golden brown, toasted, and firm. Keep a close eye on it to prevent any burning. Once the first side is perfectly browned, carefully flip the sandwich using a wide spatula to grill the other side. Cook until it, too, achieves that irresistible golden-brown hue and the cheese inside is completely melted and gloriously gooey. Serve your freshly grilled corned beef sandwich immediately and prepare to enjoy every last bite!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Your Corned Beef Sandwich
While both feature the deliciousness of corned beef, the main difference lies in a few specific ingredients and their traditional preparations. A classic Reuben sandwich is very particular: it *must* include marbled rye bread, corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and either Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing. It’s a distinct combination that creates its signature flavor profile. A corned beef sandwich, however, is much more versatile and open to interpretation. It typically involves corned beef, along with a choice of pickles (chips or relish) or sometimes coleslaw, a type of cheese (often Swiss, but as we show, mozzarella works beautifully and melts wonderfully), and a condiment sauce like spicy mayo, regular mayo, or mustard. This recipe leans into that versatility, offering a delicious variation that distinguishes it from a traditional Reuben by using sourdough bread and mozzarella, allowing different flavors and textures to truly shine.
While you technically *can* use cold corned beef, we highly recommend warming it first in the skillet. Warming the beef not only enhances its flavor and tenderness, making it more palatable, but it also helps the cheese melt beautifully and quickly. This ensures all the components integrate into a cohesive, delicious bite without waiting for the cheese to slowly warm through. Using cold corned beef might result in a less satisfying texture and a longer cooking time to achieve that perfect melted cheese gooeyness.
To bring a leftover corned beef sandwich back to its golden, crispy glory, avoid the microwave at all costs – it will make the bread soggy! The best method is to reheat it in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crispy again, about 3-5 minutes per side. You can also use a toaster oven or an air fryer at around 300-325°F (150-160°C) for 5-10 minutes, checking periodically, to achieve that desirable crunch and ensure the cheese is re-melted.
Classic pairings that perfectly complement the rich flavors of this sandwich include crispy potato chips, golden french fries, a refreshing and creamy coleslaw, or a simple crisp green salad. For an extra kick, a small ramekin of additional horseradish mayo for dipping is always a fantastic and popular hit! These sides provide the perfect balance to the savory and robust flavors of the sandwich, making for a complete and utterly satisfying lunch or dinner.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Grilled Corned Beef Sandwich:
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: A good, even layer of softened butter on the outside of your bread slices is absolutely key to achieving that perfectly golden, crispy crust. It not only ensures even browning but also adds a wonderful, rich depth of flavor to the bread.
- Medium Heat is Your Friend: Grilling your sandwich over medium heat is essential. This allows the bread to toast evenly without burning, and more importantly, gives the cheese inside ample time to melt into gooey, irresistible perfection. High heat will char the bread before the cheese has a chance to fully melt.
- Pre-Warm the Beef First: As previously mentioned, warming the corned beef in the skillet before assembling the sandwich significantly improves the sandwich’s overall texture and greatly assists with the cheese melting quickly and thoroughly.
- Gentle Press for Cohesion: A gentle press with your spatula while grilling can help all the layers stick together, ensuring an even cook and promoting a more uniform browning on the bread. Avoid pressing too hard, or you’ll compress the sandwich too much and squeeze out the delicious fillings.
- Customize to Your Heart’s Content: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different cheeses, vary your sauce by mixing mayo with a touch of sriracha or hot mustard, or even sprinkle a few caraway seeds onto your buttered bread for an extra layer of classic deli flavor.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Corned Beef Sandwich
A truly great sandwich deserves equally great accompaniments! For the ultimate experience, serve your perfectly grilled corned beef sandwich alongside a small bowl of extra horseradish mayo – it’s absolutely fantastic for dipping and adds an extra layer of zesty flavor with every bite. To round out your meal and provide delightful contrasts in texture and taste, classic side dishes are always a hit. Consider serving it with a generous portion of crispy potato chips for that satisfying crunch, a pile of golden, perfectly salted french fries for a comforting treat, or a refreshing, creamy coleslaw. These popular sides provide the perfect balance to the rich and savory flavors of the sandwich, making for a complete and utterly satisfying lunch or dinner that feels like it came straight from your favorite deli.
Explore More St. Patrick’s Day Inspired & Corned Beef Recipes
If you’re a fan of corned beef and other hearty Irish-inspired dishes, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes that are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any time you’re craving comforting, flavorful meals. From traditional stews to classic breads and more corned beef favorites, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy:
- Hearty Irish Stew: A warming and traditional classic packed with tender meat and savory vegetables.
- Savory Fried Cabbage: A simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with corned beef.
- Authentic Irish Soda Bread: A crusty, comforting bread that’s perfect for soaking up stews or enjoying with butter.
- Classic Reuben Sandwich: If you love corned beef, you absolutely must try its famous, tangy, and cheesy cousin!
- Delicious Corned Beef Hash: An ideal breakfast or brunch option, especially for using up more leftover corned beef.
- Festive Boozy Leprechaun Drink: A fun and spirited adult beverage perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
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Corned Beef Sandwich
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ½ Tbsp cooking oil or olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter softened, or margarine. 1-2 Tbsp
- 5 oz corned beef sliced
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 1 Tbsp horseradish mayo plus more for dipping
- 6 dill pickle chips
Things You’ll Need
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Skillet
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Spatula
Before You Begin & Recipe Notes
- Spice Level Customization: We used horseradish mayo for a lovely kick. If you want it hotter/spicier, try a more potent horseradish sauce. For a milder approach, feel free to use plain mayonnaise or a classic deli mustard.
- Cheese Swap: While mozzarella offers a creamy, mild melt, you can certainly swap it with Swiss cheese for a more traditional deli flavor and a slightly nutty taste. Provolone or white cheddar are also great options.
- Using Leftover Corned Beef: This recipe is ideal for utilizing leftover corned beef, making it a quick and easy meal. You can also find pre-cooked, thinly sliced corned beef in the deli section of most grocery stores.
- Bread Choices: Sourdough bread provides excellent flavor and toasts beautifully. However, marbled rye, light rye, or dark rye bread are all fantastic substitutes that complement corned beef very well.
- Pickle Alternatives: For a different texture or flavor, substitute the dill pickle chips with sweet pickle relish or even a small amount of creamy coleslaw for added moisture and crunch.
Instructions
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Butter one side of each slice of bread and place butter side down on waxed paper.
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Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Warm beef in oil, gathered together as if on a sandwich. Top with two slices mozzarella cheese. Cover with lid until cheese is melted. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
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Place one slice of bread, butter side down in skillet over medium heat. Using a spatula, move the meat and cheese onto the slice of bread in the skillet.
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Top with pickles and dollop or drizzle horseradish mayo over the pickles.
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Add second slice of bread, butter side up, onto the sandwich in the skillet.
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Grill until golden brown, then flip the sandwich to grill the other side until golden and crispy.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published on this blog on March 2nd, 2022, and has since been updated with additional tips, information, and a more detailed guide to ensure the best possible experience for our readers.