This article was updated on the 20th of August 2023 for clarity and to improve text readability.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your ham steak, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for ham steak.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with ham steak are scalloped potatoes, yeast rolls, green bean almondine, and mashed sweet potatoes. For lighter options, try Caesar salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, pea soup, or glazed carrots. You can also serve coleslaw, collard greens, or mac and cheese.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Great Flavor Pairings for Ham Steaks
Ham steaks are easy to cook and super versatile. They pair best with:
- Creamy flavors: Rich, buttery ingredients like cheese or heavy cream-based sauces will help mellow out the ham’s strong, savory flavor.
- Sweet flavors: Ham steaks are often cooked in a glaze made with honey, maple syrup, or sugar because their delightful sweetness helps balance out the ham steaks’ saltiness.
- Earthy flavors: Herbs like parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and sage also work well with the ham’s saltiness.
- Tangy flavors: Mustard and ham is a classic combination because the tartness cuts right through the rich ham. I like to mix the mustard with something sweet like honey to get that sweet-savory combination.
Starches
Starchy sides are an easy option to pair with ham steaks for a filling meal. Go the nostalgic route with everyone’s favorite mac and cheese, or make it festive with Thanksgiving-style wild rice pilaf.
Scalloped Potatoes
4.4 ⭐️ (620 ratings) | 3 hrs
Serving ham steaks for your holiday party?
Elevate them with a generous helping of these scalloped potatoes (and find out how to reheat scalloped potatoes here).
You get fork-tender potatoes drenched in a creamy, cheesy sauce – nobody can say no to that! And if that’s not enough, these cheesy potatoes are made even more special with the addition of sweet caramelized onions.
Pro-tip: when your potatoes are nearly done, add grated cheese on top and broil until it starts bubbling and becomes golden brown.
What readers are saying…
“These are delectable. I stick to the recipe, other than extra gruyere mixed in, probably a cup. Because more cheese, always.”
“I’ve made this multiple times and don’t waver much from the recipe. My family loves this dish.”
“Sooo easy and delish! Perfect with the Easter ham.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥔 Mashed Potatoes with Parsley and Lemon
🍠 Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
😇 Cauliflower Gratin
Honey Yeast Rolls
5.0 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 1 hr 30 mins
Keep it simple and serve your ham steaks with a basket of these honey yeast rolls.
They’re rich and fluffy making them the perfect accompaniment for your ham steak. Whether you use them as a sandwich base or for mopping up the sticky glaze from your ham, you’re guaranteed a satisfying meal.
And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, even for baking novices.
What readers are saying…
“I just made 2 batches of these for Thanksgiving, and they are so yummy!”
“These were AMAZING! So so easy to make and everyone loved them!! The next time I need to make rolls, I’m 100% using this recipe again.”
“This recipe is foolproof (as long as you follow it). Thank you for posting tips and tricks as well.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
💖 Hawaiian Rolls
😎 Irish Soda Bread
🏃♀️ Keto Sweet Dinner Rolls
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 45 mins
Mashed potatoes go well with virtually any dish, including ham steaks. But if you’d like to shake things up, why not prepare this quintessential side dish with sweet potatoes instead?
You get a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors that works superbly with the salty ham.
Prop a slice or two of your ham steak over your mash, drizzle the whole thing with gravy, and dig in!
What readers are saying…
“That roasted garlic though!!! Love all the variations for this recipe.”
“Love this recipe! This is one I could eat every day!!”
“I love that you added balsamic vinegar!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌱 Mashed Cauliflower
🥕 Mashed Carrots and Parsnips
🍟 Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
Baked Mac and Cheese
4.8 ⭐️ (74 ratings) | 45 mins
For the days when you’re craving a cozy meal, make this baked mac and cheese.
It’s a no-frills recipe using basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Classic versions are typically made over the stove, but I prefer this recipe’s oven method. Not only does it mean hands-free cooking, but you also get a deliciously cheesy, crunchy top. Win-win!
Pro-tip: don’t cheap out on the cheese.
What readers are saying…
“I have made this exactly as written many times and it always turns out great. My family loves it!”
“This has to be one of my all-time favorite recipes. It really takes me to my childhood. Thanks for sharing this.”
“Made this for dinner and it was SO good!! So creamy and flavorful, my entire family loved it so much. Can’t wait to make it again!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🕰 One-pot Mac and Cheese
😋 Fettucine Alfredo
🌱 Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Vegetables
Give your ham steaks a nourishing boost with a side of warm veggies! I like keeping it simple with steamed green beans or broccoli, but you can also fire up the oven to roast your favorite veggies.
Or why not go for a piping hot bowl of lentil soup for a tasty starter?
Green Bean Almondine
5.0 ⭐️ (12 ratings) | 20 mins
Pressed for time?
This classic French dish is an excellent accompaniment you can whip in a flash.
But being easy and quick doesn’t mean it’s boring. The almonds and the brown butter jazz up the green beans with a delightful nutty kick that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
What readers are saying…
“Changes green beans from an everyday dish to something special. Will definitely make it again!”
“This has to be one of my all-time favorite recipes. It really takes me to my childhood. Thanks for sharing this.”
“… There’s a lot of flexibility and forgiveness with this recipe.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🦃 Green Bean Casserole
🧀 Cheesy Roasted Green Beans
🌶 Spicy Sriracha Green Beans
Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
4.1 ⭐️ (33 ratings) | 20 mins
Looking to add a nutritious side dish to your holiday spread? You can’t go wrong with these parmesan-coated Brussels sprouts.
The high heat draws out the sprouts’ natural sweetness and also crisps up the parmesan cheese, giving the sprouts a cheesy, crunchy bite that makes them addictive.
This is an easy, no-fuss dish, perfect for busy holiday nights when you don’t have much energy to cook.
What readers are saying…
“Delish!!!!! Made them tonight and this is my new favorite way to make Brussels sprouts.”
“This is absolutely amazing!! Just made it and no way is it making it to a meal!! The husband and I ate 1/2 the pan when we took them out of the oven!!!”
“This recipe is a Family Favorite. So. Good. I add chopped bacon to ours at the end. And instead of olive oil, I lightly brush bacon grease on the sprouts before they go in the oven.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🤩 Creamy Brussels Sprouts
🥵 Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts
Spicy Collard Greens
4.1 ⭐️ (13 ratings) | 1 hr 5 mins
Take inspiration from Southern cuisine and whip up these collard greens to go with your ham steak.
Traditional recipes involve cooking the greens in a bacon-flavored broth. But this version kicks things up a notch by adding hot sauce and red pepper flakes to infuse the greens with a fiery kick that’ll wake your taste buds.
What readers are saying…
“Great flavors and easy to make, just be prepared for the aroma to fill your kitchen.”
“… my husband LOVED these collards and said they rivaled his moms and she has been making them his whole life.”
“I actually enjoyed the recipe and I’ve been using it for every holiday. I make a spicier version with salt pork for flavor.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥬 Creamed Collard Greens
⏲ Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens
🌱 Vegan Southern Collard Greens
Spring Pea Soup
4.9 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 15 mins
Soups are likely the last thing on your mind when spring starts up, but this recipe is a must-try.
I’ve tried this soup both hot and cold, and the flavor is always amazing. It’s packed with fresh, herby goodness and a mildly sweet twist. And the lemony yogurt topping ties everything together with a citrusy kick.
You can serve this soup as a starter for your ham steaks, but I like cutting them up and adding them straight into the soup for a cozy one-bowl meal.
What readers are saying…
“This soup was so easy and was beyond delicious!! Not even remotely bland but full of so many amazing flavors! Definitely going into the rotation for this spring and summer!”
“Made this tonight and it was loved by everyone. I didn’t change a thing—used fresh tarragon and mint. The lemon zest coriander yogurt garnish is amazing.”
“This was delicious! I used fresh basil instead of tarragon and I think the fresh mint, lemon, and salt just make it! I think it could also be eaten cold. Very refreshing!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇬🇧 Minted Mushy Peas
😎 Easy Parmesan Peas
🧀 Cheesy Peas
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
4.9 ⭐️ (27 ratings) | 25 mins
Oven-roasted vegetables are always a safe choice for side dishes, and these glazed roasted carrots are no exception.
The honey-garlic butter mixture enhances the carrots’ natural sweetness and adds a savory touch. And another great thing about this side dish is there’s hardly any prep involved, especially if you use baby carrots. Simply grab a bag, then toss them in the honey-garlic butter mixture and you’re ready to roast.
No chopping or slicing required!
What readers are saying…
“I was not a fan of carrots served as the only vegetable. Until now!!! I love these roasted carrots!!! I will buy extra just to have these.”
“Made this the other day and all of the family came back for seconds! Great recipe super simple and so tasty!”
“This is truly delicious, and I would highly recommend the recipe, even if you’re not that fond of cooked carrots! Absolutely delicious.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌶 Spicy Korean Carrots
🔥 Grilled and Glazed Carrots
🥓 Maple-glazed Bacon-wrapped Carrots
Salads
Want to keep your ham steak meal light? Skip the carb-loaded sides and put together a salad instead.
You can never go wrong with a bowl of leafy greens tossed in a bright lemony dressing, but a serving of crisp vinegar coleslaw is also an excellent option.
Kale Caesar Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (25 ratings) | 25 mins
Add a fresh bite to your ham steaks with this Caesar salad.
What sets this salad apart from your usual Caesar salads is its dressing (oh yeah, and the kale leaves!). The leaves are tossed in a zesty lime dressing instead of the traditional lemon, adding a different yet familiar citrus note.
It’s a small change that makes this salad deliciously addictive.
What readers are saying…
“Wasn’t sure about the lime at first, but it was fantastic! This Caesar dressing is SO good.”
“I made this for lunch the other day and it was absolutely delicious! The addition of kale made it seem heartier to me than a regular caesar salad.”
“This recipe is gold! Seriously my favorite dressing ever. It’s creamy, salty, tart, and just simply amazing. It changed my life!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌿 Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
🥦 Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad
🍋 Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad
No Mayo Coleslaw
4.4 ⭐️ (117 ratings) | 1 hr 20 mins
Here’s another salad with a twist in the dressing. Unlike your traditional coleslaw, this variation features a completely dairy-free dressing.
Instead, the crisp vegetables are tossed in a sweet vinegar glaze. You still get that familiar sweet-tangy flavor, just with fewer calories.
And don’t worry about the long cooking time in the recipe – you’ll only be doing 20 minutes of work, and the rest is for your slaw to chill in the fridge and develop its flavors.
What readers are saying…
“Very tasty, indeed, on a hot summer’s day.”
“This recipe was great and everyone loved it! I added jicama which gives a wonderful crunch. This one’s a keeper.”
“This coleslaw looks so flavorful and delicious! I love the sound of all those spices in the dressing. :)”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🤩 Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
🥵 Sriracha Coleslaw
🍏 Jicama and Green Apple Slaw
Brunch Items
Ham steaks aren’t just for dinner, they’re great for brunch too!
I like pairing them with fried eggs for a quick and energizing meal, but they’re also great with French toast if you want to indulge.
Mushroom Goat Cheese Frittata
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 35 mins
A humble frittata is a classic brunch dish that goes well with ham steaks.
This recipe is packed with mushroom and goat cheese, giving you an irresistible mix of tangy and savory flavors that everyone will love. But the beauty about frittatas lies in how customizable they are.
You can load your frittata with any toppings you want – from bell peppers to kale and cheddar cheese – the possibilities are endless.
What readers are saying…
“A delicious dinner for our meatless Monday — generous servings for 3 of us with nothing left over.”
“Amaazingggg!! I’m new to cooking, but this was such a simple and easy dish with harmonious flavors! Something anyone can cook—beginner or experienced chefs.”
“I AM IN HEAVEN. Seriously knocked my socks off.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍅 Mediterranean Frittata
🌱 Vegan Frittata
⏲ Soft Scrambled Eggs
Zucchini Cheddar Waffles
4.1 ⭐️ (41 ratings) | 30 mins
These savory waffles deserve a spot in your weekend brunch spread.
They’re loaded with over two cups of grated zucchini which make them super healthy, but don’t worry! Even your pickiest eaters will be none the wiser because the cheddar and parmesan easily mask the zucchini’s mild flavor (my kids eat these and they are FUSSY).
Pair these golden waffles with your ham steak and some maple syrup for a truly satisfying breakfast.
What readers are saying…
“I can’t believe I have never had savory waffles before! These are so easy and so delicious! We love them as a light lunch!”
“I loved these Zucchini Cheddar Waffles. I was a little leery at first but these are AMAZING! I will be saving this recipe to make again. We enjoyed it so much.”
“The perfect summer brunch recipe! My whole family loved them. We will be trying them with different toppings soon.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥕 Savory Keto Veggie Waffles
🌿 Oatmeal Waffles
😋 Hashbrown Waffles
Kimchi Fried Rice
5.0 ⭐️ (19 ratings) | 20 mins
Spice up your meal with a generous helping of kimchi fried rice.
The spicy, sour notes of kimchi will contrast with the rich, salty ham making for a tasty flavor combination that will leave your taste buds tingling.
Want to have this meal for breakfast? Prop an over-easy egg on top, and you’re good to go.
Remember: use day-old rice to get the best kimchi fried rice.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe was so good! The depth of flavor from the soy sauce, kimchi, garlic, and Gochujang sauce was amazing!”
“I’ve made this several times–super tasty and easy. BTW, if you don’t have gochujang, just substitute with 1 T of miso and 1T of chili garlic sauce or sriracha.”
“I love anything to do with kimchi! This was super yummy! I will definitely make this recipe again. Thanks.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😇 Kimchi Fried Quinoa
🍚 Cauliflower Fried Rice
Pineapple French Toast
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 15 mins
You have to try pairing your ham steaks with this French toast if you love a sweet-savory combo.
The pineapple rings not only make for a fabulous presentation, but they add a burst of fruity sweetness that will have your guests coming back for more.
Just a heads up, though — French toast isn’t healthy, but everyone deserves to indulge sometimes.
What readers are saying…
“Got a chance to try this recipe and it’s really good.
Unique presentation & flavors burst with each bite.
Definitely tastes better than the French toast I used to make.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌿 Dairy-free French Toast
😎 Overnight French Toast Casserole
🧘♀️ Low-Carb French Toast
What To Serve With Ham Steak – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion scalloped potatoes
- 1 portion green bean almondine
- 1 portion kale caesar salad
- 1 portion zucchini cheddar waffles
- 1 portion baked mac and cheese
- 1 portion collard greens … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your ham steak according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: scalloped potatoes, honey yeast rolls, mashed sweet potatoes, kimchi fried rice, baked mac and cheese, green bean almondine, roasted brussels sprouts, collard greens, lentil soup, honey glazed carrots, kale caesar salad, no-mayo slaw, frittata, zucchini cheddar waffles, and brioche french toast casserole.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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