So, we’ve got this ham steak, right? Mouthwatering, classic and kind of a big deal. The real question is, what do we pair this glorious slab of meat with?
It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Our goal? Make that ham shine even brighter. Think creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, and maybe a crisp green salad.
I remember the first time we served ham steak at a family dinner. The sides were the stars of the show. Aunt Annie’s cheesy scalloped potatoes had everyone asking for seconds.
Point is, ham steak is great, but the sides elevate it. Ready to discover the perfect companions for your ham steaks? Let’s get into it!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Cornish Hens
Here are some of our top picks for side dishes to complement your Cornish hens:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Time |
| Wild Rice Pilaf | Wild rice, onions, mushrooms | Nutty, savory | Medium | 40 min |
| Honey Glazed Carrots | Carrots, honey, butter | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 25 min |
| Lemon Herb Orzo | Orzo, lemon, parsley | Zesty, fresh | Easy | 20 min |
| Roasted Root Vegetables | Carrots, parsnips, beets | Earthy, sweet | Medium | 45 min |
| Spinach Strawberry Salad | Spinach, strawberries, feta | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 10 min |
| Parmesan Roasted Broccoli | Broccoli, Parmesan, garlic | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 20 min |
| Saffron Rice | Rice, saffron, chicken broth | Aromatic, savory | Medium | 30 min |
| Maple Roasted Butternut Squash | Butternut squash, maple syrup, olive oil | Sweet, savory | Easy | 30 min |
| Ratatouille | Eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes | Savory, herby | Medium | 40 min |
| Garlic Parmesan Green Beans | Green beans, garlic, Parmesan | Garlicky, cheesy | Easy | 15 min |
| Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad | Quinoa, cranberries, pecans | Nutty, sweet | Medium | 25 min |
| Sweet Potato Gratin | Sweet potatoes, cream, cheese | Creamy, sweet | Medium | 50 min |
| Buttered Peas and Mint | Peas, mint, butter | Fresh, buttery | Easy | 15 min |
1 – Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is a gem. It’s got a nutty flavor that plays so well with everything. To make it, we need wild rice, onions, garlic, some chicken or vegetable broth, and a dash of herbs.
It’s earthy, a bit chewy, and incredibly fragrant. This side dish has become a staple in our meals. Every bite is an adventure. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare.
2 – Honey Glazed Carrots
The flavor profile here? Sweet and savory. We use fresh carrots, honey, and butter. These carrots are tender with a delicate glaze.
The ingredients list is short: baby carrots, honey, butter, and a pinch of salt. Our family dinners aren’t complete without these. They’re simple yet a total crowd-pleaser.
3 – Lemon Herb Orzo
We’ve got a zesty dish here! Lemon herb orzo, a favorite of ours. It’s tangy, fresh, and super easy to whip up. The orzo pasta provides a chewy texture with every bite.
We need orzo, fresh lemon juice, zest, garlic, parmesan, and a mix of our favorite herbs. The herbs bring out an amazing aroma.
We love this side dish. Its sharp lemon flavor paired with fragrant herbs makes us want more. Every forkful bursts with freshness.
4 – Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables, a hearty side dish, are simply awesome. We take carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips. Toss with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt. The flavors meld perfectly: sweet, earthy, and aromatic.
Our family loves these at dinner. The exterior gets caramelized, while the inside is tender. Every forkful is a mix of crispy and soft.
5 – Spinach Strawberry Salad
Here’s a fresh, vibrant twist for us: Spinach Strawberry Salad. We’re talking about a mix of spinach, juicy strawberries, feta cheese, almonds, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The sweetness of the strawberries contrasts perfectly with the tangy feta.
We love how the crunch of almonds adds texture. This salad brings a burst of flavor to every meal!
6 – Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
We love this one. The broccoli is crispy, with a rich parmesan crust. It’s simple: fresh broccoli, olive oil, garlic, and parmesan. Toss them in the oven until golden and delicious.
The garlic flavour seeps into every bite. Parmesan gives it a savoury kick. Our family can’t get enough of this side dish.
7 – Saffron Rice
It’s vibrant, fragrant, and a feast for the senses. We’re talking about basmati rice, saffron threads, onions, garlic, and chicken broth.
The aroma is unique, with a subtle floral hint from the saffron. Every spoonful is warm and comforting.
We love how it pairs with anything. Simple to make, yet so flavorful.
8 – Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
We love the sweet and savory combo here. Butternut squash, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, pepper. Simple yet mouthwatering.
The squash caramelizes beautifully. A hint of sweetness from the maple. Perfect crispy edges. Tender inside. Balanced flavor.
Each bite brings coziness to our meals. Perfect for any occasion. This dish always gets eaten up fast at our gatherings.
9 – Ratatouille
Feeling fancy? Ratatouille is our go-to. It’s got eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. A mix of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
We love the rich, earthy flavors. Each bite offers a tender, juicy explosion. Plus, it’s light yet filling.
Once we made it for a family gathering. Every veggie lover was thrilled. There wasn’t a single piece left.
10 – Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Okay, these green beans are worth the hype! They’re crispy and garlicky with a sprinkle of parmesan magic. We use fresh green beans, olive oil, minced garlic, and grated parmesan. The flavor is bold and savory.
We toss everything and roast to perfection. They’re a hit at our dinners. The crunch and garlicky goodness keep us coming back for more.
11 – Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Salad
Cranberry pecan quinoa salad brings zest and crunch. We need cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, fresh spinach, and a tangy vinaigrette. Tart cranberries and crunchy pecans create a delightful contrast. The vinaigrette adds a touch of sweetness.
We love how nutritious and satisfying it is. Perfect for complementing our savory dishes. We always find ourselves reaching for seconds.
12 – Sweet Potato Gratin
Sweet potato gratin is our comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delightful. We use fresh sweet potatoes, heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese. The flavor balance is incredible.
Layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked to perfection. A rich, creamy sauce coats every slice. Every bite melts in your mouth.
13 – Buttered Peas and Mint
Peas and mint are a fresh combo we crave. We use frozen peas, butter, fresh mint, salt, and pepper. The mint lifts the peas’ sweetness.
These peas are buttery, tender, and bright. Perfect for our meals. We love tossing them together for an easy, breezy side.
Our family dinners always feature these peas. They’re a total hit.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.