Ham steak is a versatile and flavorful protein that can be the star of a satisfying meal. But to truly elevate your ham steak dinner, choosing the right side dishes is key. Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food pairings or fresh, vibrant accompaniments, this guide will help you create a balanced and delicious meal centered around your ham steak.
Finished Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal on sheet pan.
Classic Vegetable Sides for Ham Steak
Vegetables are essential for a well-rounded meal, and they pair wonderfully with the savory flavor of ham steak. Here are some classic vegetable side dish ideas that complement ham steak perfectly:
Roasted Vegetables: A Simple and Flavorful Choice
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delightful caramelized texture. Consider roasting a medley of vegetables like potatoes, green beans, carrots, and onions. This combination not only tastes fantastic but also offers a variety of textures and nutrients. For an easy and complete meal, you can even try a Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal where you roast ham steak and vegetables together on one pan!
The original recipe provided, for example, showcases a delicious sheet pan meal with potatoes and green beans. This is a fantastic starting point and easily adaptable to include other roasted vegetables you enjoy.
Pinterest image of Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal on white plate.
Green Beans: A Crisp and Refreshing Side
Green beans offer a lovely crispness and freshness that balances the richness of ham steak. Whether you choose to steam, sauté, or roast them, green beans are a versatile side. Sautéing green beans with garlic and a touch of lemon juice can add a bright and zesty element to your meal.
Asparagus: Elegant and Nutritious
Asparagus is another excellent green vegetable side dish. Its slightly bitter notes and tender texture make it a sophisticated pairing for ham steak. Grilled, roasted, or steamed asparagus spears are all delicious options. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can further enhance its flavor.
Broccoli and Cauliflower: Versatile and Family-Friendly
Broccoli and cauliflower are incredibly versatile vegetables that can be prepared in numerous ways. Steamed broccoli with cheese sauce is a classic comfort food side, while roasted cauliflower florets with herbs and spices offer a more sophisticated flavor profile. Both are excellent choices to serve alongside ham steak and are often family-friendly options.
Starchy Sides for a Hearty Ham Steak Meal
For a more substantial and comforting meal, starchy side dishes are the way to go. They provide a satisfying counterpoint to the ham steak and create a truly filling dinner.
Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Potatoes are perhaps the most classic side dish for ham steak, and for good reason! Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or even simple baked potatoes all work beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a smooth and comforting texture that complements the savory ham. Adding garlic, herbs, or cheese to your mashed potatoes can elevate them even further.
- Roasted Potatoes: Roasting potatoes, as seen in the sheet pan recipe, creates crispy edges and fluffy insides. Seasoning them with herbs like rosemary or thyme adds extra flavor.
- Scalloped Potatoes: For a richer and more decadent side, scalloped potatoes are an excellent choice. Their creamy sauce and tender potato slices are a luxurious accompaniment to ham steak.
Ingredients needed: red potatoes, fresh green beans, olive oil, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, pepper, light brown sugar, yellow mustard, water, crushed red chili flakes (optional) and ham steaks.
Rice and Grains: Light and Versatile
Rice and other grains like quinoa or couscous can provide a lighter starchy side option. A simple rice pilaf, seasoned with herbs and broth, is a flavorful and versatile choice. Alternatively, consider a creamy risotto for a more indulgent side.
Pasta: Comforting and Customizable
Pasta dishes can also be excellent side dishes for ham steak, especially if you’re looking for a hearty and family-friendly meal. Mac and cheese is a classic pairing that kids and adults alike love. A creamy pasta salad or a simple pasta with butter and parmesan cheese are other great options.
Fresh and Light Sides to Balance Richness
To balance the richness of ham steak, consider incorporating fresh and light side dishes that add brightness and acidity to your meal.
Salads: Crisp and Refreshing
A fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a wonderful way to cut through the richness of ham steak. Consider adding seasonal vegetables, leafy greens, and a light, tangy dressing. Coleslaw is another classic salad that pairs well, offering a creamy and slightly sweet contrast.
Fruit Salads: Sweet and Tangy
Fruit salads can also be surprisingly delightful side dishes with ham steak. The sweetness and acidity of fruits like pineapple, melon, or berries can create a refreshing and unexpected flavor combination. A simple fruit salad with a honey-lime dressing can be a light and vibrant addition to your meal.
Sweet Sides for a Unique Twist
For those who enjoy a sweet and savory combination, consider incorporating slightly sweet side dishes.
Applesauce: Classic and Comforting
Applesauce is a traditional side dish that pairs wonderfully with ham. Its sweetness and smooth texture provide a comforting contrast to the savory ham steak.
Glazed Carrots: Sweet and Savory
Glazed carrots offer a balance of sweetness and savory flavors. The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced by a glaze, creating a delicious and colorful side dish.
Creating a Complete Ham Steak Meal: The Sheet Pan Approach
As mentioned earlier, a sheet pan meal is a fantastic way to cook ham steak and side dishes together. This method simplifies cooking and minimizes cleanup.
Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal Recipe Inspiration (Adapted from Original Recipe):
This recipe is inspired by the original “Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal” and focuses on creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 large ham steaks, cut into portions
- 1.5 lbs red potatoes, quartered
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- For the Glaze:
- 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp water
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss potatoes, green beans, onion, and bell pepper with olive oil, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Spread vegetables on a large sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Potatoes and green beans placed on sheet pan.
- While vegetables roast, whisk together glaze ingredients.
Glaze ingredients whisked up in bowl.
- Push vegetables to one side of the sheet pan. Place ham steak portions on the other side. Brush ham with half of the glaze.
Potatoes and green beans pushed to one side of sheet pan and ham steaks added.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip ham, brush with remaining glaze, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until ham is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a stickier glaze (optional, watch carefully).
Overhead of Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal finished on sheet pan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your complete ham steak meal!
Plated Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal on white plate.
Conclusion: Endless Possibilities for Ham Steak Sides
Choosing the perfect side dish for ham steak is all about creating a balanced and flavorful meal that you and your family will love. From classic vegetable sides to hearty starches and refreshing salads, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different combinations and find your favorite pairings to make every ham steak dinner a delicious success!
