When it comes to pairing with steak, finding the perfect side dish can be a challenge. You want something that complements the flavor without overpowering it, while also being easy to make so you can focus on cooking the steak just right. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to 38 mouth-watering side dishes that are sure to delight. From classic comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes to more adventurous options like roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, there’s something for every taste and preference. And the best part? Each of these side dishes can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy home cooks. So next time you’re cooking a steak dinner, ditch the frozen fries and try one of these easy and delicious sides instead – your guests will thank you!
38 Easy Sides for Steak
Roasted Vegetables
The humble vegetable medley, when infused with the savory flavors of olive oil, salt, and pepper, can be transformed into a delectable treat that’s both visually appealing and satisfyingly crunchy. By roasting the mixture until it reaches a state of caramelized tenderness, one can experience a delightful sensory experience.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
A culinary delight, sautéed mushrooms infused with the pungency of garlic and the richness of butter create a harmonious accompaniment to a tender steak, its earthy flavor profile expertly elevated by the subtle nuances of these three ingredients.
Sweet Potato Fries
Indulge in the delightful combination of crispy texture and subtle sweetness with baked sweet potato fries, a nutritious twist on traditional fries that’s perfect for elevating your evening meals.
Grilled Asparagus
As the crowning glory of any meal, asparagus can be elevated from ordinary to extraordinary by infusing it with the subtle nuances of olive oil, salt, and pepper. When grilled to perfection, this simple yet elegant preparation not only adds a burst of freshness but also a wealth of essential nutrients.
Creamed Spinach
Indulge in a rich and velvety accompaniment that harmoniously complements the bold flavors of a succulent steak. This timeless side dish, characterized by its luscious creaminess, has earned a reputation as a crowd favorite due to its effortless preparation.
Cauliflower Mash
When craving the comforting familiarity of mashed potatoes, few may consider cauliflower as a viable alternative. However, this cruciferous vegetable can be transformed into a rich and creamy delight that rivals its starchy counterpart. To achieve this, simply steam the cauliflower until tender before blending it with butter and cream to create a velvety texture that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Hasselback Potatoes
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors as these thinly sliced potatoes are transformed into a crispy, garlicky, and buttery masterpiece. Baked to tender perfection, this innovative take on classic roasted potatoes will surely tantalize your taste buds.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
When it comes to finding the perfect accompaniment to your steak, look no further than a sweet and tangy side dish. By roasting carrots to bring out their natural sweetness and then tossing them with a rich balsamic reduction, you’ll add a depth of flavor that complements any cut of steak beautifully.
Tomato Salad
Indulge in the simplicity of this delectable tomato salad, an effortless addition to any meal that’s ready in no time. By combining sliced tomatoes with a trio of flavors – rich olive oil, a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, and a burst of fresh basil – you’ll create a revitalizing side dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Onion Rings
Indulge in the nostalgic charm of crunchy onion rings, typically found on the menu of upscale steakhouses. To recreate this indulgent treat at home, simply coat sliced onions in a flavorful batter, rich with seasoned goodness, then fry to a golden crisp that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
Green Beans Almandine
A culinary delight, steamed green beans take on a new dimension when paired with the nutty crunch of toasted almonds and the richness of butter. This humble side dish is elevated by its harmonious textures and flavors, effortlessly enhancing the overall dining experience.
Classic Caesar Salad
The quintessential combination of ingredients comes together to create a timeless and revitalizing salad. The crisp Romaine lettuce provides the foundation, while crunchy croutons add a satisfying texture. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness, all held together by the tangy and creamy Caesar dressing. This classic salad is an impeccable accompaniment to any steak dinner, offering a delightful contrast to the bold flavors and textures of the main course.
Cucumber Salad
A light and revitalizing accompaniment to a hearty steak dinner, cucumber salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. To elevate this simple yet satisfying side dish, combine thinly sliced cucumbers with the pungency of red onion, the brightness of fresh dill, and a splash of tangy vinegar.
Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Indulge in the creamy texture of mashed potatoes infused with the pungent, tangy essence of blue cheese. This sumptuous side dish elevates the flavors of any steak dinner, bringing a richness and complexity that will leave you craving more.
Creamy Coleslaw
Indulge in the timeless charm of this creamy coleslaw recipe, expertly crafted with a harmonious blend of shredded cabbage, crunchy carrots, and a delightfully straightforward dressing comprising rich mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, and subtle sweetness.
Ratatouille
Rich and aromatic, Ratatouille is a quintessential French side dish that showcases the flavors of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. This robust and savory vegetable stew makes a satisfying accompaniment to grilled meats, particularly steak.
Baked Beans
A staple of many backyard gatherings, this scrumptious BBQ accompaniment requires minimal effort yet yields impressive results. Its trifecta of smoky bacon, caramelized onions, rich tomato sauce, and hearty kidney beans harmonizes to create a mouthwatering medley that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Corn on the Cob
A staple of many summer gatherings, grilled or boiled corn on the cob offers a simple yet effective way to add a burst of vibrancy to your plate. This classic side dish requires minimal effort but yields maximum impact, making it an ideal addition to any meal.
Grilled Peppers
Indulge in the savory allure of grilled peppers, which bring an unparalleled depth of flavor to your steak dinner. Char red, yellow, or green peppers over an open flame, allowing their natural sweetness to meld with a subtle smokiness that elevates the overall culinary experience.
Grilled Pineapple
Indulge in the sweetness of the tropics with a refreshing twist on a classic steak dinner. Simply grill fresh pineapple slices until they’re perfectly caramelized and tender, adding a burst of juicy flavor to your meal.
Broccoli Salad
Indulge in the delightful combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet raisins, smoky bacon, and a tangy Greek yogurt-based dressing, all harmoniously blended together to create a revitalizing side dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
Gorgonzola Whipped Potatoes
Indulge in a culinary delight as fluffy whipped potatoes mingle with the rich, tangy essence of Gorgonzola cheese. This effortless yet flavorful side dish is sure to impress, its simplicity belied by its bold and satisfying taste experience.
Creamed Corn
Indulge in the rich flavors of sweet corn, masterfully paired with a pat of butter and a drizzle of creamy goodness, as the subtle nuances of each ingredient harmonize to create a truly delectable culinary experience.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Transform humble potato skins into a decadent delight by embarking on a culinary journey that involves baking, scooping out, mashing, and finally replenishing these crispy vessels with an irresistible trifecta of flavors: rich cheese, savory bacon, and the subtle oniony essence of chives.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
A classic combination that elevates the humble green bean, sautéed green beans are elevated by the pungency of minced garlic and the nutty, salty flavor of Parmesan cheese. The perfect blend of savory and sweet notes creates a dish that’s both simple yet sophisticated.
Mushroom Risotto
Indulge in a rich and satisfying Italian-inspired culinary experience, characterized by the harmonious union of creamy rice, earthy sautéed mushrooms, and nutty Parmesan cheese. This delectable dish is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
The sweet, tender taste of asparagus takes on a whole new level when paired with the rich, savory flavor of crispy bacon. When combined and baked to perfection, this match made in heaven yields a dish that’s both elegant and indulgent.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Transforming the humble carrot into a culinary masterpiece is as easy as drizzling it with warm honey, melting butter, and sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon. The resulting flavor profile is a perfect harmony of sweet and savory notes that will leave you craving more.
Caprese Salad
A symphony of flavors and textures comes together in a simple yet satisfying combination – juicy tomato slices, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a rich, tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Garlic Knots
Indulge in the quintessential comfort food experience with soft, buttery, and irresistibly aromatic garlic knots – an ideal accompaniment to savor every last drop of savory steak juices.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Savor the sweet and tangy harmony of Brussels sprouts roasted to a crispy, caramelized state, then lavishly dressed with a rich balsamic glaze that adds depth and complexity to this humble vegetable’s natural charm.
Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Indulge in the comforting union of rich, creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly balanced by the bold tang of sharp cheddar cheese and the subtle freshness of chopped chives. This harmonious blend will transport your taste buds to a cozy haven, where the warmth of nostalgia meets the excitement of exploration.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Indulge in the rich flavors of this delectable wild rice dish, perfectly balanced by the earthy essence of sautéed mushrooms and an aromatic blend of herbs.
Honey Butter Biscuits
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of flaky, buttery biscuits, elevated by the richness of a perfectly drizzled honey butter. The combination is a match made in heaven, where the tender layers of biscuit melt seamlessly into the velvety smoothness of the honey butter, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Eggplant Parmesan
Crispy eggplant slices, generously coated in a savory breading, emerge from the oven perfectly toasted and infused with the rich flavors of tangy tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella cheese.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
The classic combination of flavors and textures is embodied in a dish that never fails to satisfy: bell peppers stuffed with a savory blend of ground beef, fluffy rice, and juicy tomatoes.
Creamed Brussels Sprouts
The humble Brussels sprout is elevated to new heights when cooked in a rich, velvety sauce infused with the deep flavors of cheese. The subtle bitterness of the sprouts is perfectly balanced by the indulgent notes of cream and dairy, creating a dish that’s at once comforting and sophisticated.
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
Indulge in a delightful culinary combination by pairing sliced pears with the tanginess of Gorgonzola cheese, crunchy candied pecans, and crisp mixed greens. This refreshing salad is the perfect accompaniment to elevate your steak dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. And don’t worry, you won’t have to sacrifice flavor for ease – our 38 easy sides for steak offer a world of possibilities to impress your guests. From comforting mashed potatoes to vibrant salads, these simple yet satisfying dishes will take your dinner game to new heights.