Make a classic New York City deli corned beef sandwich right at home. This flavorful sandwich is a staple, especially after St. Patrick's day, and a great way to use up leftover corned beef.

Cornbeef sandwhich on white plate with a side of coleslaw and pickle, on the side of it is the other cornbeef sandwich with mustard,glass jar with coleslaw, glass jar with russian dressing, bottle of spicy deli mustard, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles. — New York Corned Beef Sandwiches

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Rueben Sandwich vs NYC Corned Beef Sandwich
What makes the best New York corned beef sandwich?
Step by Step Photos
FAQ & Tips
New York Corned Beef Sandwich
Prefer To Watch? Check Out The How To Video

Why is corned beef so popular in New York City?

Corned Beef is a staple in Jewish Delicatessens throughout New York City. The oldest Delicatessen Katz’s opened in 1888 and serves traditional brined corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. More amazing Jewish Delicatessens and restaurants opened up over the years, soon making corned beef a New York City specialty. It’s a staple for New Yorkers and visitors, a must try.

Corned beef for years has been more popular than pastrami. Recently, the last thirty years, pastrami has taken the reign, a combination of both corned beef and pastrami is the best.

Check out this easy deli-style corned beef recipe made in the slow cooker and how to make a corned beef spice packet, only 5 ingredients.

Rueben Sandwich vs NYC Corned Beef Sandwich

Both sandwiches are served warm.

Rueben - Sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, saukraut, Russian or thousand island dressing on rye bread.

NY Corned Beef - Sliced corned beef, deli mustard, on rye bread. Side of pickles and coleslaw.

Both cornbeef sandwiches sliced in half, glass jar with coleslaw, glass jar with russian dressing, bottle of spicy deli mustard, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles.

Where to find the best corned beef sandwich in NYC?

When visiting New York City Sarge’s, Katz’s, 2nd Ave Deli, Pastrami Queen, Liebman’s Deli, and David’s Brisket House are diner’s favorites.

What makes the best New York corned beef sandwich?

The perfect New York corned beef sandwich is flavorful, thick, and stacked high corned beef with deli mustard or russian dressing on rye bread. Served with a side of coleslaw and pickles. You can put that coleslaw right on the sandwich.

Sliced cornbeef on parchment, glass jar with coleslaw, glass jar with russian dressing, bottle of spicy deli mustard, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles, and two slices of dry rye bread. — Ingredients, Sides, and Dressings

What sides are served with a corned beef sandwich?

Popular choices are pickles and coleslaw. This sandwich has so much corned beef, I barely need any other sides. Other side choices are french fries, macaroni, and potato salad.

Step by Step Photos

Start with two slices of rye bread. It can be untoasted or toasted.

Using butter knife to spread russian dressing and mustard, sliced cornbeef on parchment, glass jar with coleslaw, glass jar with russian dressing, bottle of spicy deli mustard, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles, and blue white checkered towel. — Spread on Top Slice of Bread

2. Smear on your deli mustard or russian dressing.

Using spoon or butter knife to spread russian dressing and mustard, sliced cornbeef on parchment, glass jar with coleslaw, glass jar with russian dressing, bottle of spicy deli mustard, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles, 2 dry rye bread, and blue white checkered towel.

3. Two more slices of rye bread to stack corned beef.

Stacking thick sliced cornbeef on rye bread, glass jar with coleslaw, glass jar with russian dressing, bottle of spicy deli mustard, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles, and blue white checkered towel. — Stack Corned Beef Slices High

4. Stack warm sliced corned beef.

Two cornbeef sandwich with russian dressing and mustard, bottle of mustard, and glass jar with homemade pickles. — Thick New York Corned Beef Sandwich

5. Pile your corned beef nice and high. Thick sandwich is NYC style.

Top down photo of both sandwiches before cutting in half, white plate , glass jar with coleslaw, glass jar with russian dressing, bottle of spicy deli mustard, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles, and blue white checkered towel. — Top With Dressed Slices

5. Top with slices of rye bread with the dressing. Cut it down the middle. Enjoy.

Cornbeef sandwhich with homemade russian dressing on white plate with a side of coleslaw and pickle,glass jar with coleslaw, small glass jar of russian dressing and wood spoon, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles, gold white fork on blue and white checkered towel. — New York Corned Beef Sandwith with Russian Dressing, Coleslaw, and Pickles

Cornbeef sandwhich with spicy deli mustard on white plate with a side of coleslaw and pickle,glass jar with coleslaw, bottle of spicy deli mustard, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles, gold white fork on blue and white checkered towel. — New York Corned Beef Sandwith with Deli Mustard, Coleslaw, and Pickles

FAQ & Tips

What condiments are served with a corned beef sandwich?

You can be team traditional which is deli mustard or non-traditional russian dressing.

How much corned beef to serve on the sandwich?

About ¾ - 1 lb of corned beef per sandwich would be very filling. A 3-4 lb brisket prior to cooking would have about four servings.

Top down photo of cornbeef sandwhich on white plate with a side of coleslaw and pickle, on the side of it is the other cornbeef sandwich with mustard,glass jar with coleslaw, glass jar with russian dressing, bottle of spicy deli mustard, glass jar with fresh homemade pickles.

How to reheat leftover corned beef?

After refrigerating corned beef it can try out a bit. When reheating in the microwave or the oven add a little water for moisture.

In the microwave to warm up 1 lb of meat, I would dampen a paper towel and microwave for about 1 minute to 90 seconds (microwave watts and times can vary).

In the oven to warm 1 lb of meat, I would sprinkle with a touch of water, wrap it in parchment and foil, bake at 375 Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

New York Corned Beef Sandwich

Make a classic new york city deli corned beef sandwich right at home. This flavorful sandwich is a staple, especially after St. Patrick's day, a great way to use up leftover corned beef.

Prep Time8

Cook Time2

Total Time10

Servings:

Equipment

Knifes (Spread and Cut)
Fork
Spoons
Plate
Parchment Paper

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs Warm Cooked Sliced Corned Beef (Recipe)
4 Slices Untoasted or Toasted Rye Bread
Deli Mustard
Russian Dressing
Coleslaw
Pickles

Instructions

Start by spreading your condiment of choice (Mustard or Russian dressing) onto your two rye bread slices.
Stack your warm sliced corned beef and top with the other two rye bread slices.
Cut the sandwiches down the middle. Put them on plates.
Serve with a side of coleslaw and pickles. Enjoy.

Video

Prefer To Watch? Check Out The How To Video

Watch The Youtube Short Video Here