So, we've got this ham steak, right? tempting, classic and kind of a big deal (a thick, cured slice of pork from the hind leg, often smoked or brined).
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 improve it. Ready to discover the perfect companions for your ham steaks?
Let's get into it!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Ham Steak
Here are some of our top picks for side dishes to complement your ham steak:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Pineapple Salsa | Pineapple, red onion, cilantro | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 15 min |
| Cheddar Biscuits | Flour, cheddar cheese, butter | Savory, cheesy | Medium | 25 min |
| Broccoli Cheese Casserole | Broccoli, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs | Cheesy, savory | Medium | 35 min |
| Maple Glazed Carrots | Carrots, maple syrup, butter | Sweet, rich | Easy | 20 min |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, spices | Sweet, savory | Easy | 30 min |
| Cornbread | Cornmeal, buttermilk, honey | Sweet, buttery | Medium | 30 min |
| Apple and Walnut Salad | Apples, walnuts, mixed greens | Sweet, crunchy | Easy | 15 min |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, butter | Savory, creamy | Easy | 25 min |
| Roasted Butternut Squash | Butternut squash, olive oil, herbs | Sweet, savory | Easy | 40 min |
| Spinach and Strawberry Salad | Spinach, strawberries, feta cheese | Fresh, sweet | Easy | 10 min |
| Creamed Corn | Corn, cream, butter | Creamy, sweet | Easy | 20 min |
| Lemon Roasted Green Beans | Green beans, lemon, garlic | Zesty, fresh | Easy | 20 min |
| Wild Rice Pilaf | Wild rice, mushrooms, herbs | Earthy, savory | Medium | 40 min |
1 - Pineapple Salsa
We love the sweet and tangy vibes of pineapple salsa. It's got fresh pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
It's zesty and refreshing, a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with bright tropical acidity from the pineapple.
Pineapple salsa is our go-to side for adding tropical flair, similar to mango salsa chicken side ideas.
It's like a mini-vacation on your plate!
2 - Cheddar Biscuits
We adore cheddar biscuits. Fluffy, rich, with a perfect golden crust.
These biscuits feature sharp cheddar cheese, flour, butter, baking powder, and milk.
They offer a savory, cheese-filled bite that's simply irresistible, thanks to sharp cheddar that adds tangy depth.
We love pairing them with ham steak for a comforting, homestyle meal, similar to cheddar biscuit side suggestions.
It's heaven. Cheddar biscuits improve any plate.
3 - Broccoli Cheese Casserole
We love broccoli cheese casserole for its flavor and comfort. It's creamy, cheesy, and always a hit at the dinner table.
Key ingredients include broccoli (a cruciferous vegetable related to cabbage), cheddar cheese, condensed cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and breadcrumbs.
That rich, cheesy goodness goes well with ham steak and other mains, similar to broccoli casserole serving suggestions.
Trust us, this one's always a crowd-pleaser.
4 - Maple Glazed Carrots
Maple glazed carrots are our sweet veggie delight. We use carrots, maple syrup, butter, and a bit of salt.
This side dish charms us with its perfect blend of sweetness and a hint of butter.
The maple syrup (made from sugar maple sap) gives it such a unique flavor. It's both a bit earthy and sweet, improving the meal.
We adore this dish, especially with a rich ham steak, and it shares bright-sweet notes with honey glazed salmon side ideas.
5 - Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are our crispy, sweet choice. Made with sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
They're baked to perfection-soft inside, crispy outside-often at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.
We love the hint of sweetness paired with a touch of salt.
Dip them in spicy aioli for an extra kick, a pairing you'll also find with sweet potato soup side ideas.
We're hooked.
6 - Cornbread
Cornbread is a filling, rustic side we love, made from ground cornmeal for a slightly gritty texture. Made with cornmeal, flour, butter, honey, and milk.
It has a moist interior, along with a slightly crispy crust.
The sweet and savory mix brings back memories of family dinners. We pair it with ham steak for a comforting bite.
Try it with some butter or honey for extra flavor!
7 - Apple and Walnut Salad
We adore apple and walnut salad. Crisp apples (think Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), crunchy walnuts, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette-it's the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Fresh and bright, this salad adds sweetness and a bit of nuttiness to our meal. It's simple yet special.
Toss in some dried cranberries for extra zing. It's an ideal addition to our ham steak feast.
8 - Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are our go-to comfort side. We use potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold), garlic, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt.
The garlic adds a subtle yet strong flavor, balancing the creamy texture perfectly.
With every bite, there's a rich, velvety mix of potato and garlic. It's like a hug on a plate, something we always look forward to.
9 - Roasted Butternut Squash
We love roasted butternut squash for its caramelized, sweet taste (a winter squash with sweet, nutty flesh). Made with butternut squash, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
This side dish brings a hint of earthiness and a soft, buttery texture.
It's deliciously simple yet so craving-worthy. The outside gets crispy while the inside stays tender.
We find it's the perfect cozy complement to our ham steak.
10 - Spinach and Strawberry Salad
We love this salad for its fresh, unexpected flavors. Imagine crispy spinach mixed with juicy strawberries.
Top it off with crunchy walnuts and a tangy vinaigrette.
It's a mix of sweet, tart, and crisp that's always a hit, with spinach providing a tender, iron-rich green. We use fresh spinach, ripe strawberries, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette.
The combo of textures and flavors is unbeatable.
11 - Creamed Corn
Creamed corn brings a comforting vibe to our meal. We use fresh sweet corn kernels, butter, heavy cream, sugar, and a bit of salt.
The result? A sweet and creamy side dish that's simple yet satisfying.
We love its rich texture. Each spoonful feels indulgent.
Plus, the natural sweetness of the corn is pleasant. Perfect with ham steak, it adds a lovely balance.
12 - Lemon Roasted Green Beans
Green beans roasted with a splash of lemon zest are a must-try. They pack a bright, fresh punch that we can't get enough of, brightened with about 1 tablespoon lemon juice per pound.
Key ingredients? Fresh green beans, olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
The zesty lemon enhances the crispness of the green beans, making every bite refreshing.
Our personal favorite for those lazy afternoons. Perfectly roasted, they retain a slight crunch which adds to the overall appeal.
13 - Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is our hearty, nutty side. We use wild rice (a chewy, nutty grain from the Zizania genus), onion, garlic, broth, and herbs.
The onions and garlic improve the earthy taste, while the broth keeps it moist and flavorful. A perfect blend of savory and aromatic.
We've made this for family gatherings; everyone loves its unique flavor. The texture is slightly chewy, which pairs great with ham steak.
Simple ingredients, exceptional taste.
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.
