Truth be told, there are very few side dishes that don't go well with steak. Whatever you're cooking, from filet mignon to rib eye, New York strip to flank or skirt, it's hard to go wrong when it comes to accompaniments. That's because although the steak itself may have incredible richness and depth, it's not such a polarizing flavor that it will truly clash with others.
With all that being said, there are some tried and true classic steak sides with an undeniable nostalgia factor. Think: a Wedge Salad, like the one pictured here, Creamed Spinach (or Swiss Chard, as the case may be), Parker House Rolls, or Beefsteak Tomato Salad. These steakhouse sides are familiar and comforting, and we'd be remiss if we didn't include them in this gallery. But there's a whole world of other side dishes out there that do a fantastic job standing up to a meaty main. Scroll through to find a new favorite side dish for your next steak dinner.
Corn-and-Avocado Salad with Goddess Dressing
This chopped salad, which has echoes of Cobb and feels a little bit Mexican, too, includes finely diced avocado in the dressing for an extra a creamy texture. It's fantastic over corn, radishes, romaine, and bacon.
Asparagus with Blender Hollandaise
Asparagus stalks and Hollandaise sauce are a classic pairing, and if you're looking for a splurge-worthy side to stand up to steak, this is it.
White-Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
This recipe for creamy, cheese-topped scalloped potatoes complements just about any main, but it feels particularly perfect with a charred and tender steak.
Sauteed Mushrooms with Herbs
Beautifully browned, caramelized mushrooms add fantastic earthy flavor to steak. An extra plus: They're ready in minutes.
Brussels Sprouts with Dill Butter
Fresh dill, lemon, and butter brighten up Brussels sprouts, making this side dish a terrific option if you want something light and fresh.
Broccolini with Peperoncini
These grassy, sweet, and garlicky crisp-tender stems of broccolini go nicely with steak, and their gorgeous green hue brings a pop of color to the table.
Baby Carrots with Spring Onions
Another good-looking side, these baby carrots are cooked in a white-wine-and-butter sauce and served with spring onions.
Easy Roasted Vegetables
The trick to cooking different vegetables uniformly is making sure to cut them optimally. Denser vegetables, like potatoes and carrots, should be a little smaller than ones with more water, like zucchini.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
You can make this no-knead herbed garlic bread a day in advance, but the pillowy loaves are even better warm from the oven.
Radicchio Salad with Chopped-Lemon Dressing
Finely chopped lemon mixed with grainy mustard, sugar, and olive oil makes a stellar dressing for this radicchio-and-mint salad.
Iceberg Wedges with Creamy Blue-Cheese Dressing
This is a classic salad to accompany a good steak. Revel in the contrast and complexity of the rich blue-cheese dressing against the crunch of the iceberg.
Caramelized Pears and Red Onions
The deep, mellow sweetness of this sheet-pan side dish plays right into the meaty umami flavor of a rich steak dinner.
Creamed Swiss Chard
Swiss chard swaps in for the typical spinach in this dish, giving this creamy classic side a more distinctive chew.
Parker House Rolls
These buttery classics are a delicious throwback to the steak dinners of yore.
Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots
For a nice, light accompaniment to steak, nothing beats the fresh crunch of green beans. The addition of caramelized shallots adds a touch of decadence.
Big Martha's Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in Martha's mother's mashed potatoes, another classic side for a steak.
Corn on the Cob with Cilantro-Lime Butter
Pair your steak with this simple side for a light, bright, yet flavor-packed finish.
Beefsteak Tomato Salad
Pull this fuss-free salad together in 15 minutes. The bold and bright flavors of the ripe tomatoes are just right for balancing the richness of steak.
Baked Potatoes with Sauteed Mushrooms and Yogurt
Mushrooms and yogurt mingle with the fluffy potato flesh for a side that's light yet satisfying.
Tomatoes and Peppers Stuffed with Basmati Rice and Kale
Spices, aromatics, dried fruit, and nuts bake together for a nutrient-rich and earthy side accompaniment to steak.
Green Bean and Yellow Pepper Salad
Crisp and colorful, this refreshing salad has a bite thanks to thinly sliced red onion and red wine vinegar.
Polenta-Stuffed Peppers
There's an underlying sweetness shared by the polenta and peppers in this side that enhances the savory lusciousness of a well-seared steak.