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What to Serve With Steak: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhancing your steak dinner with the perfect side dish can elevate your meal to a delightful culinary experience. Consider garlic mashed potatoes for their buttery texture and rich taste. Creamed spinach offers a luscious, velvety option that balances rich, savory flavors. Grilled asparagus adds freshness with a crisp, herb-seasoned bite. Baked sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a hearty texture, while a Caesar salad refreshes the palate with tangy dressing and crunchy croutons. Whether you prefer classic sides or are looking for fresh ideas, there's much to explore. Discover more options to transform your steak dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

creamy comfort food favorite

Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic and flavorful accompaniment that perfectly complements the robust taste of steak. Their buttery texture enhances the dish, creating a rich and satisfying experience.

Flavor variations can be introduced by adding roasted garlic, chives, or even a hint of cheese. This side dish pairs wonderfully with steak, elevating the meal to a delightful culinary experience.

Creamed Spinach

rich and creamy dish

Creamed spinach offers a luscious and velvety complement to steak, balancing the meal with its rich, savory flavor.

The nutmeg seasoning adds a warm, aromatic touch, while cream cheese makes the dish extra creamy and smooth.

This side dish is not only delicious but also provides a delightful contrast to the robust flavors of a perfectly cooked steak.

Grilled Asparagus

perfect summer barbecue side

Adding a touch of freshness to the meal, grilled asparagus serves as a crisp and flavorful side dish that pairs exceptionally well with steak. Seasoned with a blend of herb seasoning and finished with a sprinkle of lemon zest, this vibrant vegetable offers a delightful contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the meat. Its simple preparation makes it a favorite for any steak dinner.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

delicious and nutritious side dish

Baked sweet potatoes provide a nutritious and flavorful complement to steak, offering a perfect balance of natural sweetness and hearty texture.

With spice variations like cinnamon, paprika, or cumin, you can tailor the taste to your liking.

Serving techniques include slicing them open and adding a dollop of butter or sour cream, enhancing their creamy interior and making each bite delightful.

Caesar Salad

text details in a phrase

A classic Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons, offers an invigorating and well-balanced side dish for steak.

The rich anchovy dressing provides depth, while various crouton varieties—garlic, herb, or plain—add texture and flavor.

This combination refreshes the palate, complementing the steak's robustness without overwhelming it, making for a delightful dining experience.

Sautéed Mushrooms

savory earthy saut ed mushrooms

Complementing the invigorating nature of a Caesar salad, sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy richness that pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of a well-cooked steak. Their umami flavor can elevate your dish, making it a delightful experience.

Additionally, sautéed mushrooms are excellent for wine pairing, harmonizing beautifully with red wines, enhancing the overall dining experience with their savory depth.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

tasty vegetable side dish

Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crispy texture and subtle sweetness that can beautifully balance the rich flavors of a steak dinner. Known for their health benefits, these tiny cabbages are packed with vitamins and fiber.

Preparation tips include tossing them in olive oil, sprinkling with salt and pepper, and roasting until golden brown. This simple method guarantees a delectable and nutritious side dish.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food in winter

Indulgent and creamy, macaroni and cheese serves as a comforting side dish that pairs excellently with the robust flavors of steak. Cheese varieties such as cheddar, gouda, and parmesan meld beautifully, creating a rich sauce.

Different pasta types, from classic elbow macaroni to shells, can be used to hold the luscious cheese mixture, ensuring each bite is deliciously satisfying.

Corn on the Cob

summer bbq staple dish

Corn on the cob, with its natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, provides a delightful contrast to the rich and creamy flavors of macaroni and cheese. Perfectly complemented by a butter topping, this side dish can be prepared using various grilling techniques that enhance its smoky flavor.

Simply brush with butter, sprinkle with salt, and grill until kernels are tender and slightly charred.

Ratatouille

cooking rat saves restaurant

Ratatouille, a traditional Provençal vegetable medley, offers a vibrant and flavorful accompaniment to a steak dinner. This dish, rich in Provençal flavors, combines fresh vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers.

The slow-cooked blend creates a savory side that complements the hearty taste of steak. Its colorful presentation adds visual appeal, making your meal both delicious and visually delightful.

Wild Rice Pilaf

wild rice dish recipe

A sophisticated choice for a steak side dish, wild rice pilaf provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture that pairs excellently with the rich, savory notes of the meat.

This delightful dish not only enhances the meal's taste but also offers antioxidant benefits, making it a healthy and flavorful option.

Its unique combination of flavors makes each bite a memorable experience.

Onion Rings

fried onion snack treat

Crispy and golden-brown, onion rings serve as a classic and indulgent side dish that complements the robust flavors of a well-cooked steak. Made with a homemade batter, these rings achieve a perfect crispy texture that enhances every bite.

Offering a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness, onion rings elevate the steak experience, making it even more satisfying and enjoyable.

Caprese Salad

delicious tomato mozzarella salad

Balancing the richness of onion rings, a Caprese salad offers a revitalizing and light contrast with its juicy tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil.

This classic Italian dish becomes even more delightful when drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze.

The combination of these fresh ingredients creates a harmonious accompaniment to steak, enhancing the overall dining experience with its vibrant flavors.

Coleslaw

tangy crunchy cabbage salad

Coleslaw introduces an invigorating crunch and tanginess that perfectly complements the savory depth of a well-cooked steak.

With endless coleslaw variations available, you can tailor this classic side to suit any palate.

Traditional coleslaw ingredients include shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy or vinegar-based dressing.

For a twist, consider adding apples, raisins, or even a dash of spicy mustard to enhance the flavors.

Can the Same Side Dishes be Used for Serving Steak and a Butter Board?

When serving steak, the best side dishes for a butter board are roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, and a fresh garden salad. These sides complement the rich and savory flavors of the steak and pair well with the selection of flavored butters typically served on a butter board.

French Fries

fast food indulgence favorite

Complementing the vibrant crunch of coleslaw, French fries offer a universally beloved pairing with steak, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.

With endless seasoning variations, from classic salt to zesty herbs, fries cater to diverse tastes.

Pair them with an array of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, or barbecue sauce, to enhance the dining experience further.