33 Mouthwatering Steak Side Dishes Perfect For A Summer Barbecue

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Years ago, I recall being puzzled about what to serve with steak to replicate that authentic restaurant experience from the comfort of my own home.

Yields an almost identical result to dining out at a high-end steakhouse, minus the hefty price tag. You’ll find a diverse range of options that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, including salads, vegetables, and carbohydrates that synergize perfectly with steak.

Elevated Roasted Broccolini with a Kick

Elevated Roasted Broccolini with a Kick

Highlighting our love for broccoli is one thing, but when it’s roasted with the right seasoning and flair, it transforms into a dish that exudes elegance compared to its standard counterpart. This delightful side dish has the power to bring people together, catering perfectly to an eclectic mix of individuals, each with their unique tastes and preferences.

The addition of red pepper adds a thrilling element for those who crave a bit of heat in their meals, making it a wonderful way to inject excitement into your culinary experiences.

Easy Instant Pot Steamed Carrots

Easy Instant Pot Steamed Carrots

Understanding the appeal of instant pots is not hard for those who have invested in one. These versatile cooking systems offer a hands-off approach to cooking, which can be particularly appealing when preparing ingredients like carrots that require minimal effort but maximum flavor. Tasty yet effortless, the recipe involves mixing carrots with a Dijon glaze and then steaming them off, where they are topped off with honey to create the perfect finish.

Whether you’re short on time or simply prefer not to spend it slaving over a hot stove, this instant pot carrot dish is an ideal choice.

Steak Toppers: Caramelized Onion Bliss

Steak Toppers: Caramelized Onion Bliss

Frequently, simplicity is overlooked in cooking, particularly when preparing side dishes for steak. Instead of piling on elaborate toppings or sauces, consider elevating your dish with a minimalist approach. A delicate sprinkle of thyme and a drizzle of balsamic dressing can work wonders in complementing the rich flavor of your steak. The crunch of caramelized onions provides a delightful contrast to the tender texture of the meat, making for a truly memorable dining experience.

Kale Sweet Potato Harvest Salad

Kale Sweet Potato Harvest Salad

Revamp your healthy side dish game by incorporating a kale and sweet potato salad, which perfectly balances the earthy flavors of leafy green kale and soft, caramel-like potatoes. The addition of crunchy onions and toasted almonds provides an exciting textural contrast. To bring everything together, a rich and creamy dressing is applied, infusing the entire mixture with an irresistible moistness.

Mashed Rutabaga & Potato Delight Combination

Mashed Rutabaga & Potato Delight Combination

Understanding the humble rutabaga is essential for any home cook or food enthusiast. Despite its relatively low profile in modern cuisine, this root vegetable has been around for centuries and has a rich history of being used in various dishes across Europe and North America.

They are often confused with potatoes due to their similar properties when mashed, but rutabagas have a unique flavor profile that is more akin to cabbage and turnips, with a slightly bitter taste that adds depth and complexity to any dish.

Cheesy Thinly Sliced Crock Pot Delight

Cheesy Thinly Sliced Crock Pot Delight

Making the most of a delicious meal, it’s easy to combine the scalloped potatoes with other dishes that are perfect for a special occasion. For instance, consider cooking these in a crock pot and letting it take care of all the hard work, allowing you to focus on preparing a mouth-watering steak. Just be sure to make enough for everyone to enjoy.

Crispy Bacon Lettuce Salad Delight

Crispy Bacon Lettuce Salad Delight

Honestly, one of the best salads is a classic combination of crispy iceberg lettuce, chunky bacon, creamy blue cheese dressing, and sweet tomatoes. It’s an excellent alternative to serving alongside steak, and feel free to get creative by adding your favorite toppings, such as chickpeas or lentils, to boost both flavor and nutrition in this side dish.

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Crispy Buttermilk Onion Rings

Crispy Buttermilk Onion Rings

Few culinary experiences are as quintessentially American as biting into a crispy, golden-brown onion ring at a classic steakhouse. For those seeking a tangy twist on traditional fries, this recipe is an excellent choice. The addition of buttermilk for extra moisture and cornmeal for crunch creates a delightful textural contrast that will elevate your dining experience. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate flavor boost!

Steak’s Safer Side Dish Companion

Steak

When considering alternative side dishes for steak, we highly recommend opting for a classic option that is well-paired with this popular dish and offers a safer choice. Mashed potatoes stand out as an excellent choice due to their rich and creamy texture, enhanced by the addition of butter, which gives them a mouth-watering flavor profile that’s sure to impress your guests.

Furthermore, adding a dollop of sour cream will not only elevate the overall taste but also provide a subtle kick that adds depth to this comforting side dish.

Sweet Potato Fries Baked to Perfection

Sweet Potato Fries Baked to Perfection

Often, the desire to make healthier choices can lead us to compromise on flavor, but this baked sweet potato fry recipe is here to change that notion. By opting for sweet potatoes instead of traditional potatoes, we’re reducing our intake of processed ingredients and going for a more natural, deeper taste that complements a perfectly cooked steak beautifully.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a side dish to accompany your meal, these baked sweet potato fries are ready in under 15 minutes, but feel free to give them a bit longer cooking time if you prefer an extra crispy texture.

Mediterranean Summer Salad with Tomato and Couscous

Mediterranean Summer Salad with Tomato and Couscous

Zest up your summer steak dinner with a cooling and refreshing salad that provides a perfect contrast to the hot food. Zeroing in on the flavors of the Mediterranean, this tomato couscous salad is a vibrant and elegant addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to add some sophistication or just want something new to try, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

Grilled Corn Delights

Grilled Corn Delights

Vibrant summer days call to mind the perfect pairing of grilled corn on the cob, slathered in butter for an unapologetic indulgence. However, this beloved dish can easily be reinvented by incorporating it into a fresh Mexican salad, where its natural sweetness takes center stage. To amplify the flavor even further, consider adding a sprinkle of chili powder and a dollop of mayonnaise to create a refreshing corn experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Cheesy Garlic Boost for Fussiest Broccoli

Cheesy Garlic Boost for Fussiest Broccoli

Taking the humble vegetable to the next level is easier than you think. Adding a generous helping of cheese on top can transform even the most reluctant of eaters into veggie enthusiasts. This delightful combination of three key ingredients – rich, creamy cheese, pungent garlic, and nutrient-packed broccoli – creates a harmonious balance that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides an impressive dose of vitamins.

This culinary magic trick is perfect for anyone, including fussy kids who may struggle to eat their greens, making it an ideal solution for parents looking for ways to get their little ones to eat more vegetables.

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Classic Steakhouse Bread Rolls

Classic Steakhouse Bread Rolls

Rounding out our list, we begin with a timeless side dish that’s a staple in many steak houses, often served alongside a tender and juicy steak (check out ’15 Side Dishes For Chimichurri Steak’ for more inspiration). A perfectly toasted Italian bread or a crusty baguette is an excellent accompaniment to your meal, especially when smothered in butter or infused with the subtle flavors of garlic butter. Other options, such as ciabatta or focaccia, can also be great choices for your dinner.

Classic Baked French Fries at Home

Classic Baked French Fries at Home

Bringing back memories of fine dining at your favorite restaurant is easier than ever with our simple baked french fries recipe. While it’s hard to beat the original, we’ve created a version that replicates the classic taste and texture you crave. For those who want to stick to the traditional style, we recommend making these nice and thick, adding just a dash of salt and pepper for extra flavor, then letting the oven do its magic.

Simple yet Nutritious Green Bean Delights

Simple yet Nutritious Green Bean Delights

Not only are green beans a simple yet nutritious food option, but they also bring an abundance of color to any meal. When it comes to preparing them, you can elevate their flavor by adding butter and sugar before sautéing with some shallots in a pan. This straightforward yet elegant side dish is surprisingly quick to prepare and has the potential to impress your guests with its refined appearance.

Spicy Salsa Potato Delight

Spicy Salsa Potato Delight

You’ll undoubtedly be impressed by the flavor profile of these salsa-roasted potatoes after trying them. While the images in the recipe provide a tantalizing glimpse, it’s essential to experience their taste for yourself. This unique combination is not only visually appealing but also pairs remarkably well with a perfectly cooked steak, elevating the overall dining experience.

Green Beans with Zesty Lemon Feta Flair

Green Beans with Zesty Lemon Feta Flair

Kicking it up a notch with a flavorful side dish can elevate any steak dinner. The combination of lemon juice, Capers, and feta cheese in this recipe creates a wonderful balance of tangy and savory flavors that complement the skillet-cooked ingredients perfectly.

One of the best things about this lemon feta green bean recipe is its versatility – it allows you to get creative and add your own twist by incorporating other ingredients such as diced tomatoes or cooked shrimp, making each serving unique and exciting.

Instant Pot Asparagus with Crunchy Twist

Instant Pot Asparagus with Crunchy Twist

Sophisticated palates will delight in the tender yet crunchy texture of instant pot asparagus, which still manages to retain its flavor even after cooking. This recipe stands out from a traditional baked asparagus dish by incorporating toasted almonds and a hint of orange zest, adding a depth of flavor that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.

Sweet & Savory Sprouts with Caramelized Dates

Sweet & Savory Sprouts with Caramelized Dates

Vegetables can be a challenging inclusion in meals, but it’s all about presenting them in an appealing way. By combining ingredients with contrasting flavors and textures, such as the sweetness of dates and the smokiness of bacon, you can elevate Brussels sprouts to a new level. This particular recipe showcases a harmonious balance between the bitter taste of the vegetables, the savory flavor of the meat, and the natural sweetness from the dates, resulting in a deliciously crispy finish.

Easy Oven-Roasted Veggies in a Flash

Easy Oven-Roasted Veggies in a Flash

Rarely do people have hours to spare in the kitchen, yet they still yearn for a healthy meal option. A possible solution lies in oven-roasted vegetables, which offer an effortless way to infuse your food with added flavor and nutrients. By placing them in the oven alongside your steak as it cooks, you can easily incorporate this healthy choice into your busy schedule. Simply add a drizzle of vinegar, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your meal.

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Twisted Potato Wedges Perfection

Twisted Potato Wedges Perfection

Generally speaking, potatoes are a timeless accompaniment to steak, but there’s no need to stick to the same old recipe every time. This particular take on a classic side dish adds a twist that elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a dish that everyone can appreciate and enjoy. The best part is that they’re not too rich or heavy, which is perfect given their irresistibly moreish quality.

Creamy Cheese Pasta Perfection

Creamy Cheese Pasta Perfection

Focusing on comfort food, a good mac and cheese recipe is essential for any culinary collection. Featuring a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly balances the savory flavors of cheese will provide an excellent contrast to a heartier main course. Furthermore, adding some cut-up bacon bits or a sprinkle of herbs and spices can not only add more flavor but also provide a boost of nutrition to your meal, making it an even more satisfying option.

Cheddar & Gruyere Potato Delight

Cheddar & Gruyere Potato Delight

Packed with flavor, these cheesy potatoes boast a creamy and cheesy topping made with cheddar and gruyere cheese, which is perfectly suited for melting. It’s the addition of Worcestershire sauce that truly elevates this dish, providing an extra kick that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes. The result is a light and fluffy side dish that is sure to impress.

Fennel-Infused Red Cabbage Coleslaw Delight

Fennel-Infused Red Cabbage Coleslaw Delight

Just as classic coleslaw recipes often rely on a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this particular recipe offers a refreshing twist by incorporating fennel. The crunchy texture and anise-like flavor of the fennel add a delightful dimension to the dish, elevating it beyond a traditional slaw. Furthermore, this side dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great accompaniment to any meal.

In particular, its ease of preparation and versatility make it an excellent match for grilled red meat dishes.

Elevate Your Meals with Caramelized Mushroom Magic

Elevate Your Meals with Caramelized Mushroom Magic

You’ll be surprised by just how easily you can add some excitement to your rooms without going over the top, and this dish is an excellent example of how much of a difference a few simple ingredients like mushrooms can make. Not only do they have the potential to elevate a fancy dinner party, but they’re also versatile enough to complement a more casual weekly steak dinner. It’s time to give mushrooms the credit they deserve – they don’t have to be dull and uninspiring.

Buttery Buttermilk Mashed Potato Delight

Buttery Buttermilk Mashed Potato Delight

Making use of traditional ingredients like buttermilk, mashed potatoes add a rich layer of texture and flavor to classic russet potatoes. This is an easy combination that gets an extra boost from the dairy flavors, including not just buttermilk and creamy butter, but also the tangy creme fraiche, which will be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

Caramelized Turnips and Smoky Potatoes

Caramelized Turnips and Smoky Potatoes

Taking advantage of the versatility of potatoes, we often pair them with turnips, and when roasted together, they yield an exquisite caramelized flavor that is best enhanced by a pinch of smoked paprika. This combination offers the ultimate option for creating a salad, provided you don’t forget to add a sprinkle of pepper to give it a boost of flavor and texture.

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