Side Dish Recipes

Steaks searing on a grill

A great steak or fish dinner needs the right sides, and these are the steakhouse and backyard classics: creamy steakhouse creamed spinach, garlic mashed potatoes, crisp-skinned baked potatoes, roasted asparagus with lemon and Parmesan, grilled corn on the cob with chili lime butter, and a tangy creamy coleslaw.

Pair rich dishes with something fresh. Asparagus or coleslaw balance a ribeye or ribs, while mashed potatoes and creamed spinach turn a filet mignon or prime rib into a full steakhouse dinner. Most of these sides can be made ahead or cooked alongside the main course.

6 side dish recipes

  • Steakhouse Creamed Spinach30 min total | 4 to 6 servings

    Classic steakhouse creamed spinach: tender spinach folded into a garlic and shallot cream sauce with Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg. Serves 4 to 6.

  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes40 min total | 6 servings

    Creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with whole garlic cloves simmered right in with the potatoes, mashed with warm milk and butter. Serves 6.

  • Steakhouse Baked Potatoes1 hr 5 min total | 4 potatoes

    Russet potatoes rubbed with oil and coarse salt and baked directly on the oven rack until the skin is crisp and the inside is fluffy. Serves 4.

  • Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan22 min total | 4 servings

    Asparagus spears roasted at 425°F with olive oil and garlic until tender-crisp, then finished with lemon zest, lemon juice and shaved Parmesan. Serves 4.

  • Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter22 min total | 6 ears

    Husked ears of corn grilled until charred in spots and brushed with a butter of lime zest, chili powder and smoked paprika. Ready in about 20 minutes; serves 6.

  • Creamy Coleslaw1 hr 15 min total | 8 servings

    Crisp shredded cabbage and carrot in a tangy, creamy dressing of mayonnaise, cider vinegar, a little sugar, Dijon and celery seed. Serves 8.

Common questions

What are the best side dishes for steak?
Steakhouse classics are creamed spinach, baked or mashed potatoes, and a green vegetable such as roasted asparagus. A crisp salad or coleslaw balances richer cuts.
What sides go with seafood?
Light, bright sides work best: roasted asparagus, grilled corn, rice, a green salad or coleslaw with fish tacos.
Which sides can I make ahead?
Coleslaw improves after an hour in the refrigerator, and creamed spinach and mashed potatoes reheat well with a splash of milk.

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