We’re approaching the time of year when I forsake my married name and relive my bachelorette days. No, I’m not craving a sketchy bar hook up—I’m after my Irish roots and Corned Beef and Cabbage Grilled Cheese.
I grew up Erin O’Neill. Could that name be any more Irish? In grade school, my Grandpa O’Neill told me the less-than-appetizing history of The Red Hand of Ulster and how it came to be on our family crest. I was fascinated. (For the curious, our mutual friend Wikipedia had the deets.) In college, I raided every scrap of St. Patrick’s Day décor from the clearance aisle at Target, then proceeded to hang it year-round until graduation. I sport my Irish heritage with gusto, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
Despite my obnoxious tangible pride for my Irish heritage, I do have a little secret—I’m actually more German than Irish. In fact, I’m such a medley of origins, my genes could practically form their own EU. Will that stop me from blasting Irish music, sneaking some Bailey’s into my coffee, and wearing my “Erin Go Bragh” button on St. Patrick’s Day? Absolutely not.
No matter your heritage, St. Patrick’s Day is a free pass to baptize yourself Irish for 24 hours, drink a Shamrock Shake for breakfast (it’s basically a smoothie, right?), slip some Irish whiskey into your Diet Coke, then settle in for dinner with Corned Beef and Cabbage Grilled Cheese.
Despite my affinity for my Irish heritage, I spent most of my life believing that I didn’t like corned beef. My logic: the name. The word “corned” sounds terrible, particularly when used in reference to something I’m about to put into my mouth. Then a few years ago, my roommate made corned beef for a special St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Out of respect for her efforts, I took a small bite with every intention of hiding the rest in my napkin. (Does that trick still work?). To my happy surprise, the corned beef was delightful, and I’ve eaten it on every St. Paddy’s Day since.
As it turns out, “corned” refers to the “corns” of salt that are used to cure the beef. (Note to the butchers in the audience: You might increase your corned beef sales if you set out a small sign with this explanation.) Though corned beef is traditionally served in thick slices with a side of cabbage, for St. Patrick’s Day I thought it would be even more festive to involve a third Irish product: Irish cheddar.
To turn corned beef into Corned Beef and Cabbage Grilled Cheese is to follow the old Irish adage: Where the question is “Cheese?” the answer is yes.
I definitely made that up, and I’m definitely standing by it. Creamy Irish cheddar + shaved corned beef + amped-up sautéed cabbage, smashed together with whole grain mustard on pumpernickel bread—dear ancestors, would you be appalled or impressed?
Verdict: impressed. I didn’t ask, but I did eat two of these sandwiches in one sitting. The salty corned beef flavor with the savory cabbage, gooey molten cheese, and sharp mustard fuse fabulously into one seriously satisfying sandwich. Great Great Great Grandpa, I’ve done you proud!
We’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so this year let’s celebrate with Corned Beef and Cabbage Grilled Cheese. After all, if melty gooey cheese on buttery bread can’t unite us, what can? (Besides a few rounds of Guinness of course!)
The ultimate St. Patrick’s Day grilled cheese sandwich! Salty corned beef, sauteed cabbage, and gooey Irish cheddar on pumpernickel bread create a savory, satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any quick weeknight dinner.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups sliced green cabbage — (1/4 small head)
- 1/2 cup sliced yellow onion — (about 1/4 large)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 ounces corned beef
- 4 slices pumpernickel — or dark rye bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter — plus additional for griddle as needed.
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 cup grated Irish cheddar cheese — or other white cheddar, about 4 ounces
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cabbage, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften and brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add the water sauce, then cover and let cook until the cabbage is tender, 15-20 minutes. Check and stir the mixture about every 5 minutes. If it becomes to dry, add a bit more water so that the vegetables do not stick to the pan. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cook, uncovered, for 2 additional minutes.
-
Heat 1 tablespoon butter a large non-stick skillet over medium heat or preheat a Panini press.
-
Assemble sandwiches: Spread 1 side of each bread slice with 1/4 tablespoon butter for grilling. Spread the other side of the bread slices with 1/2 tablespoon mustard. Layer the sandwiches as follows: bread slice (butter side down), 1/4 cup cheese, 2 ounces corned beef, 1/2 of the sautéed cabbage mixture, additional 1/4 cup shredded cheese, final bread slice (butter side up). Grill the sandwiches for 2-4 minutes on each side, until bread is toasty and the cheese is melted.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Corned Beef and Cabbage Grilled Cheese, Gourmet Sandwich Recipe
Did you try this recipe? I want to see! Follow Well Plated on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #wellplated. I love to know what you are making!
This post contains some affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.