Get ready to elevate your steak night with these 30 irresistible side dishes. From classic to creative, each pick promises to complete your meal in the most delicious way possible.
Garlicky Greens
Who knew that one of the best sides with steak could be as simple as garlicky greens? Whether it’s spinach or kale, greens will round out your plate.
Pairing the right greens with your steak isn’t just about health — it’s about flavor harmony. Kale’s slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with a well-seasoned steak.
Not only do these greens add a pop of color and texture to your dish, they’re also a powerhouse of nutrients. Spinach, for example, has high iron content.
Cheesy Spuds
When pondering the best sides with steak, cheesy spuds effortlessly climb to the top of the list. A velvety texture, gooey cheese sauce…what’s not to love?
The secret lies in selecting the right cheese blend. A mix of sharp cheddar and creamy gouda can elevate your dish to new heights.
What sets cheesy spuds apart isn’t just their irresistible flavor — it’s their versatility. Whether you prefer them baked or mashed, there’s a style to satisfy every palate.
Crispy Asparagus
Biting into perfectly roasted asparagus ignites a flavor bomb like no other. The crispy outside with a tender heart, seasoned just right, complements steak’s richness like a dream.
Want to add a gourmet touch to your steak night? All you need is asparagus, sprinkle of sea salt, and a dash of olive oil.
Why settle for mundane sides when you can have crispy asparagus that steals the show? It’s a simple addition that speaks volumes about your culinary skills.
Mushroom Medley
Imagine a dish that transports you straight to a lush, green forest with every bite. That’s what a mushroom medley does when paired with a juicy steak.
Mushrooms both absorb and enhance the flavors they’re cooked with, making them steak’s perfect companion. Each variety, from portobellos to chanterelles, adds a unique dimension to your plate.
Mushrooms are also nutritious, adding a healthful twist to your dinner. It’s one of the best sides with steak for a reason: it’s delicious, nutritious, and downright divine.
Buttery Corn
Nothing complements a juicy steak quite like corn. The buttery richness elevates steak’s savory flavors, creating a harmony of taste that’s hard to beat.
Among the best sides with steak, buttery corn holds its own. It offers a delightful contrast in both textures and flavors, making it wholly unique.
Preparing buttery corn, whether off the cob or in a creamy bake, is a breeze. It’s an accessible side that packs a punch of flavor.
Fancy Fries
Fancy fries, especially when drizzled with aromatic truffle oil, add a luxurious touch to your meal. The oil also brings out the rich flavors of your steak.
If you don’t like truffle oil, try parmesan fries. The umami-packed sprinkle of parmesan cheese paired with meat creates a match made in heaven for steak lovers.
For those looking for some flavor contrast, sweet potato fries are the go-to. Their natural sweetness make them a prime candidate for the best sides with steak.
Zesty Slaw
This side dish will add a little color to your plate. It’s a flavor-packed companion that cuts through the richness of steak with its crisp, tangy bite.
The crunch of fresh cabbage and carrots mixed with a zesty dressing creates the ultimate slaw. The contrast in textures and flavors elevates the whole dining experience.
Next time you’re planning a steak dinner, don’t overlook the power of a good slaw. Its refreshing crunch can transform meals, complementing your steak like nothing else.
Hearty Grains
Quinoa isn’t just a trendy grain. It’s an absolute nutrition powerhouse. Its nutty flavor and interesting texture make every bite of steak even more enjoyable.
Barley’s chewy texture and slightly earthy taste complement the richness of the meat. It’s a lot heartier than you might expect at first.
Farro, with its slightly nutty flavor, is another excellent choice. It’s one of those best sides with steak, bringing a wholesome, satisfying texture to your plate.
Balsamic Beets
When talking the best sides with steak, balsamic beets need a mention. These roasted roots, when drizzled with balsamic reduction, transform into a sweet and tangy delight.
Pairing the right side with your steak can elevate your meal from good to gourmet. Balsamic beets offer a unique flavor combo that goes perfectly with juicy steak.
Looking for a way to impress your dinner party guests? Serve up some roasted balsamic beets. It’s one of the best sides with steak, hands down.
Creamy Risotto
There’s nothing like creamy, dreamy risotto with just the right amount of parmesan. This isn’t just food; it’s a whole experience. Seriously, who doesn’t love risotto?
Not all sides are created equal, but a well-made risotto stands out. Its creamy texture and rich flavor profile complement the robustness of steak like nothing else.
Crafting the perfect creamy risotto is an art, blending patience with technique. That’s why it’s top on the list of the best sides with steak.
Sweet Potato Mash
As you’ve seen, the best sides with steak often bring contrast. Sweet potato mash does it with flair, balancing the savory with a touch of sweet.
This colorful side dish is a total health booster. Loaded with vitamins, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that complements the robust flavors of steak perfectly.
It’s all about the blend of sweetness and spices, creating a side that’s as memorable as the main. Next steak night, let sweet potato mash be the star.
Crunchy Green Beans
Blistered to perfection, crunchy green beans add a snappy, fresh contrast to your rich, savory steak. Green beans perfect, actually. We don’t make the rules.
The key lies in the blistering process, which transforms them into a crispy delight. Trust us, your taste buds and all your dinner party guests will thank you.
Pairing your steak with the right sides can turn a good meal into a great one. Their crunchy texture contrasts well against chewy steak.
Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions stand out as one of the best sides with steak. Their slow-cooked, golden strands add a layer of sweet and savory that’s hard to beat.
Mastering caramelized onions is all about patience. You need to slowly cooking them until they’re perfectly golden brown ensures they develop that deep, rich flavor.
Caramelized onions are the unsung heroes of steak sides, bringing both elegance and depth. It’s time we give them the credit they clearly deserve.
Spicy Kimchi
When you’re thinking about the best sides with steak, spicy kimchi should definitely make the list. This fermented delight will give your dish a spicy, tangy kick.
Kimchi might not be the first thing to come to mind, but it’s totally worth trying. Its crunch cuts through the steak’s juiciness, making every bite an adventure.
It’s also packed with probiotics, making it a healthy choice among the best sides with steak. With kimchi, your steak dinner becomes a gut-friendly affair.
Caesar’s Charm
Caesar salad’s creamy dressing, accented with the salty punch of Parmesan, perfectly complements the rich flavors of steak. It’s like they were made for each other.
Don’t forget about the croutons. The crunchy croutons in a Caesar salad add a delightful texture contrast. They can soak up the dressing and steak juices.
At the end of the day, the classic pairings are unbeatable. Caesar salads offer a balance of taste that totally elevates the dining experience.
Loaded Taters
Figuratively close your eyes and imagine a fluffy potato (don’t question it). Its skin is crisped to perfection, topped with melted cheese, savory bacon, and fresh chives.
Okay, now open them. Isn’t that the best side dish for steak you’ve ever imagined in your life? (Unless you’re more of a garlicky greens fan. That’s cool).
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these potatoes are here for you. They’re cheesy, bacon-laden, and ready to take on the world.
Squash Medley
This dish brings a colorful array to your plate. If you want to enhance your meal’s visual appeal, look no further than a squash medley.
Not only is a roasted squash medley aesthetically pleasing, it’s also packed with nutrients. Lots of squash varieties are rich in vitamins A and C.
Squash is pretty versatile, allowing for creative experimentation in the kitchen. You can season it with herbs and spices, or opt for something adventurous like a maple glaze.
Gourmet Mac n’ Cheese
Steak and mac n’ cheese is an unbeatable comfort food duo. Not every meal has to be ultra fancy — sometimes you just want a warm, filling meal.
What makes mac n’ cheese stand out as one of the best sides with steak? It’s all in the rich, creamy sauce. Add crispy breadcrumbs, and you’re golden.
Mac n’ cheese is the creamy to your steak’s juicy, the soft to its tender. Together, they create a symphony of flavors and textures that define indulgence.
Fresh Caprese
Who doesn’t love a good Caprese? This simple dish combines sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, offering a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of steak.
Drizzled with balsamic, it brings a vibrant splash of color to your plate, enhancing the dining experience with its Italian flair. Plus, it’s super easy to make.
Incorporating the Caprese salad as a side to your steak dinner introduces a delightful contrast of textures. Soft mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, tender steak…great, now I’m hungry.
Bacon Brussels
Bacon, Brussels sprouts, steak — who wouldn’t want to eat that? Brussels sprouts can get a bad rep, but when made right, they’re delish.
This side dish is a clever way to sneak in some greens, making it a hit among kids and adults. Also, there’s bacon. Need I say more?
The secret to achieving that perfect crispiness lies in the roasting. Pairing Brussels sprouts with bacon transforms an ordinary vegetable into a crave-worthy masterpiece.
Grilled Veggies
Grilled veggies’ smoky essence elevates the steak’s rich flavor, offering a guilt-free balance to your indulgent meal. Plus, those charred lines on bell peppers and zucchinis? Pure art.
Grilling vegetables unlocks flavors you never knew existed in the humble carrot or asparagus. It’s like they wear a smoky perfume that complements the steak beautifully.
Next time you’re pondering the best sides with steak, remember the power of grilled vegetables. Their vibrant colors and smoky taste make every bite of steak more memorable.
Peppery Arugula
When pondering the best sides with steak, a peppery arugula salad should top your list. Its bold, spicy flavor adds a fresh dimension to your meal.
Toss in some shaved parmesan, and you’ve got yourself a side that’s as sophisticated as it is delicious. As for dressings, consider the lemon vinaigrette.
The acidity of the lemon cuts through the fat of the steak, balancing each bite with freshness. Get ready to have your taste buds shocked awake.
Golden Polenta
Golden polenta truly shines as one of the best sides with steak. Its creamy texture and visually appealing golden hue make it a sunset on a plate.
Polenta absorbs the steak’s juices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. If you’re looking to enhance your steak dinner without overpowering the main attraction, this is it.
Golden polenta works well with any kind of steak. However, you’ll get the most out of it if you pair it with a juicier steak.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender, and beautifully caramelized, honey glazed carrots are easily one of the best sides with steak. They add a pop of color and a delightful crunch.
Carrots, rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins, become even more irresistible when kissed by honey and roasted to perfection. What’s not to love about them?
Preparing honey glazed carrots is pretty simple, too. Pair them with your favorite type of steak, and you’ve got a match made in culinary heaven.
Cucumber Dill Salad
A cucumber dill salad presents a crisp, refreshing side dish that’s so simple to make. Unless you’re allergic to cucumber, there’s no reason not to try it.
It’s the perfect addition to a summer barbecue or as a palate cleanser between courses in a more formal dining setting. Basically, it fits with everything.
Nutritionally, cucumber dill salad is a healthy choice, packed with hydration from cucumbers and a burst of flavor from the fresh herbs. Yay for nutrition.
Creamed Spinach
Spinach is one of those foods that people think they hate, but please give it a second chance. If you’re having steak, you’ll want this with it.
Of course, we’re not talking just any spinach. Oh, no. We’re talking creamed spinach. Made with butter and milk, creamed spinach is a lifesaver.
It’s one of those things that you need to make right in order to really enjoy it. But once you do, you’ll never want to put it down.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille isn’t just a movie — it’s a French delicacy that you can make at home. You won’t even need a talented rat to help you do it.
It’s actually a lot easier than it seems. It’s can be eaten on its own as a vegetarian dish, though it also makes a great side for steak.
It involves zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and eggplants. The seasoning differs a bit from dish to dish, but it’s usually simple — salt, pepper, garlic.
Onion Rings
Onions are a good side for steak in any form, though caramelized is just one of them. If you don’t like caramelized onions, then try out onion rings.
They work especially well for people looking to round out their meal with something crispy and crunchy. While you can get them store-bought, you don’t have to.
All you really need is an onion, stuff to make the batter, and an air fryer. Batter up the onions, fry them, and you’re good to go.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are the perfect middle ground between sweet potato fries and mash. It’s a little crispy, a little creamy, and a lot delicious.
You can’t treat this like any old potato, though. You can use some of the same seasonings, but it’s important to remember that the flavor is different.
Sweet potatoes actually go pretty well with black beans. If you’re looking to elevate your side dish, add some beans to the chopped sweet potatoes.
Zoodles
Zoodles are another fresh, light side dish for steak. A combo of “zucchini” and “noodles,” zoodles are essentially strips of zucchini, shaped kind of like spaghetti.
You can season them however you like — it’s a pretty versatile side dish. If you need more veggies but want something simple, take zoodles for a spin.
The only drawback is that they’re not too filling. They make a great side dish with steak, but you might want to add another dish to the mix.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes and steak are a match made in culinary heaven. The creamy, buttery texture of the potatoes perfectly complements the rich, juicy steak.
The hint of garlic adds an aromatic kick, elevating the dish to gourmet levels. To make this pairing even better, try adding a touch of rosemary to your potatoes.
For a balanced meal, consider sautéing some greens, such as spinach or asparagus. Together, this combo will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Classic Mac and Cheese
Try pairing your steak with a classic: mac and cheese. The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the savory, juicy steak.
To elevate this pairing, consider using a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a rich, sophisticated flavor. Want an added crunch?
Top your mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This combo not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a sense of nostalgia to your meal!