Name: Corned Beef and Swiss Sandwich with Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado mayo); 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon honey; Pinch kosher salt; 8 ounce package coleslaw mix; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon paprika; 4 slices sourdough bread; Butter, room temperature (for spreading); 4-8 slices corned beef (leftover or freshly cooked); 2-4 slices Swiss cheese; Coleslaw (prepared as above); Thousand Island dressing (prepared as above); Mini sweet or dill pickles (optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 70 reviews

If you have been searching for the perfect comfort sandwich that brings together the best of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Corned Beef and Swiss Sandwich with Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing Recipe. With layers of tender corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, crunchy, vibrant coleslaw, and a luscious, homemade Thousand Island dressing all nestled in crisp, golden toasted sourdough bread, this sandwich hits all the right notes. It is a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it a fantastic choice for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a memorable weekend treat.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a sandwich cut in half and placed on a white plate with a few potato chips on the side. The sandwich has three visible layers: the top layer is light toasted bread with a slightly crispy texture, the middle layer includes reddish-pink meat slices, and the bottom layer is coleslaw with white and purple shredded cabbage covered in a creamy dressing. A small green pickle is placed on top of the sandwich halves, held together with a wooden skewer. The plate sits on a wooden round board and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Corned Beef and Swiss Sandwich with Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing Recipe shines because of its simple, quality ingredients. Each component—from the tangy coleslaw dressing to the creamy Thousand Island sauce—plays a crucial role in layering flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is loaded with delicious contrast.

¼ cup mayonnaise: Use a creamy avocado mayonnaise or your favorite brand for a rich and smooth dressing base.

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy kick to the coleslaw dressing, balancing the creaminess.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Gives a subtle but essential savory depth to the coleslaw.
1 teaspoon honey: Just a touch of sweetness to round out the acidity in the coleslaw dressing.

Pinch kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the ingredients.
8-ounce package coleslaw mix: Fresh, crunchy shredded cabbage and carrots for that crisp, refreshing bite.
½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the Thousand Island dressing, smooth and rich.

2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds color and a subtly sweet tomato flavor essential to Thousand Island.
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish: Brings texture and a delightful sweet-tart dimension to the dressing.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Keeps the dressing light and lively with natural acidity.

¼ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors perfectly throughout the dressing.
½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
4 slices sourdough bread: Choose a hearty loaf with a crusty exterior that toasts beautifully.
Butter (room temperature): For spreading on the bread, ensuring a golden, crispy finish.

4-8 slices corned beef: Use leftovers or freshly sliced, tender corned beef for that iconic, savory taste.
2-4 slices Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly over the warm corned beef with a mild, nutty flavor.
Coleslaw: Prepared as above, for that crunch and freshness within the sandwich.

Thousand Island Dressing: The tangy, creamy drizzle that pulls all the flavors together.
Mini sweet or dill pickles (optional garnish): Adds a pretty, palate-cleansing bite alongside your sandwich.

How to Make Corned Beef and Swiss Sandwich with Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Make the Coleslaw

Start by combining ¼ cup mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar, onion powder, honey, and a pinch of kosher salt in a medium bowl. Whisk these together until the dressing is perfectly smooth and well combined. Toss in the coleslaw mix and use tongs to thoroughly coat every shred of cabbage and carrot in the dressing. This coleslaw will bring a refreshing crispness and a delightful tang that perfectly complements the rich meat and cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Thousand Island Dressing

Next, make the signature sauce by mixing ½ cup mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, salt, and paprika in a small bowl or mason jar. Stir it well, or if using a jar, secure the lid and give it a vigorous shake until the dressing is beautifully creamy and well blended. This homemade Thousand Island dressing is the magic that ties the whole sandwich together with its sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky charm.

Step 3: Toast the Bread

Preheat your oven to broil and lightly butter both sides of each sourdough slice, which will help achieve that golden, crispy texture. Arrange the bread slices on a sheet pan and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn. Flip the bread over and broil again for another 1 to 2 minutes until both sides are a lovely light golden brown. Remove two pieces from the pan to set aside for the sandwich tops—they should remain just perfect, not overly toasted.

Step 4: Assemble and Melt

With the oven now set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the corned beef and Swiss cheese on the remaining toasted sourdough slices still on the pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, until the corned beef is warm and the cheese has melted into a gooey, luscious layer. This step brings everything together with warm, melty goodness.

Step 5: Add Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing

Once you've removed the cheesy corned beef toasting from the oven, pile a generous scoop of the freshly tossed coleslaw on top. Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the coleslaw for that irresistible finishing touch. Then crown your masterpiece with the remaining toasted bread slices and serve it right away for the best experience.

How to Serve Corned Beef and Swiss Sandwich with Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

A sandwich on a white plate with two slices of toasted golden-brown bread, the top slice pierced by a small wooden skewer holding a dark green pickle. Inside the sandwich, there are layers of creamy coleslaw with visible white, orange, and purple shredded vegetables, and some slices of reddish meat underneath. On the side of the plate, there are a few potato chips, some light yellow and others bright orange. The plate is set on a wooden table with a white marbled surface visible around it. In the background, there is a white bowl with green pickles and a round board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Mini sweet or dill pickles make for a perfect garnish alongside your sandwich. Their tangy crunch works as a palate cleanser between bites, enhancing the sandwich’s vibrant flavor profile. A little sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper on top can also add a subtle spiciness if you love a bit of extra kick.

Side Dishes

Pair your sandwich with classic kettle chips, crunchy dill pickles, or a light, crisp salad to keep the experience balanced. A bowl of warm tomato soup also complements the hearty corned beef and Swiss beautifully, creating a comforting and nostalgic meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering or picnic, slice the sandwich diagonally and skewer with a colorful toothpick alongside a pickle spear. You can also serve it open-faced with extra coleslaw artistically piled on top or stack the sandwiches in a rustic bread basket lined with parchment for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of this Corned Beef and Swiss Sandwich with Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the coleslaw is best added just before eating to maintain its crisp crunch.

Freezing

We do not recommend freezing the entire sandwich as the coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing may suffer from texture changes. However, you can freeze the corned beef and Swiss components separately, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before assembling to enjoy the best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sandwich (without coleslaw and dressing) in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to warm the meat and remelt the cheese without drying out the bread. Add fresh coleslaw and dressing just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and bright.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese brings a mild, nutty flavor that complements corned beef well, you could try provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different taste experience. Just ensure it melts nicely for that gooey goodness.

Is homemade Thousand Island dressing necessary?

Making the Thousand Island dressing at home adds a fresh, vibrant flair without the preservatives and excess sugar found in store-bought versions. It’s super simple to whip up and really enhances this sandwich, but if you’re in a pinch, a good quality store-bought dressing can work.

Can I swap out coleslaw for something else?

The coleslaw provides crunch and tang, which balances the richness of the corned beef and cheese. If you prefer, try a crunchy kale slaw, a quick pickle cucumber salad, or even thinly sliced fresh apple for a sweet crunch.

How do I make sure my sandwich doesn't get soggy?

To avoid sogginess, toast the bread well and keep the coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing separate until right before serving. This ensures your bread stays crisp and your sandwich perfectly textured.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

While the star of this recipe is the corned beef, you can create a vegetarian version by swapping it out for grilled mushrooms or a hearty tempeh slice, and keeping the Swiss cheese and flavorful dressings for richness.

Final Thoughts

This Corned Beef and Swiss Sandwich with Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing Recipe is truly a comforting classic that deserves a regular spot in your kitchen. From its crispy toasted bread to the bold, savory corned beef, to the fresh coleslaw and luscious dressing, every bite feels like a little celebration. I encourage you to try making it soon—you’ll likely find it becoming a favorite fast, flavorful meal that never disappoints.

Corned Beef and Swiss Sandwich with Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need