If you’re looking for a show-stopping, comforting meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with delightful ease, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine juicy, tender steak bites coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce paired with crispy smashed baby potatoes smothered in melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese—each bite bursting with flavor and texture that’s sure to become a cherished dinner favorite. This recipe balances rich, savory goodness with just the right amount of herbaceous freshness, making every forkful a little celebration on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect dish. From the quality sirloin steak to the fresh herbs and double cheese punch, every component contributes to the delicious harmony of flavors and textures.
- Sirloin steak (1 ½ lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces): The star protein, tender and flavorful when cooked just right.
- Olive oil (1 + 2 tablespoons): Provides a subtle fruity richness and helps in perfect searing and roasting.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons melted): Adds lush creaminess and depth to both steak bites and potatoes.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the butter with aromatic, savory notes that define the whole dish.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons total): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Black pepper (¾ teaspoon total): Brings a mild kick and warmth.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, smoky complexity to the steak.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon) or dried (½ teaspoon): Gives a fragrant, earthy undertone to the garlic butter sauce.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Brightens the steak bites with a pop of freshness.
- Baby potatoes (1 ½ lbs): Perfect for roasting and smashing, providing crispy edges and creamy centers.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the garlicky goodness in the potatoes.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle herbaceous note to the potatoes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully over the potatoes, lending sharp, gooey richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Brings a nutty, salty bite that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Chopped chives (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Adds a mild onion flavor and a fresh green pop on the potatoes.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Smashed Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the baby potatoes. Cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes, which allows their insides to turn creamy and soft—ideal for smashing. Drain them once done and set aside to cool slightly before the fun shaping step.
Step 2: Smash and Season the Potatoes
Transfer the boiled potatoes to a greased baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it flattens to about half its original size. This step creates all the crispy edges and tender pockets that make these potatoes irresistible. Drizzle with olive oil and the melted butter, then evenly sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano on top to infuse every bite with layers of flavor.
Step 3: Roast and Cheese the Potatoes
Place the potatoes into the preheated oven and roast them for 20 minutes, which crisps up their edges nicely. Then remove the tray and scatter shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Pop them back in the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to melt the cheese into glorious, bubbling pockets of gooey goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Steak Bites
While the potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a beautiful brown crust. Remove the steak bites and set them aside; this ensures they stay juicy and perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic releases its heady aroma but hasn’t browned. Stir in the fresh thyme, which will infuse the butter with a subtle, herby goodness. Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce, letting them soak up all that rich flavor for about another minute before turning off the heat.
Step 6: Assemble and Garnish
Arrange the steak bites on a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a bright burst of color and freshness, and do the same with the cheesy smashed potatoes topped with chopped chives. Serve everything piping hot to enjoy the warm, comforting textures and flavors at their very best.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley on the steak bites and chives on the potatoes uplift the dish with vibrant colors and fresh herbal aromas. These little green touches also add a bit of texture contrast that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Although this dish is richly satisfying on its own, it pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or green beans, which bring brightness and a fresh crunch to balance the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak bites and cheesy smashed potatoes in individual cast iron skillets or rustic wooden boards to create a cozy, restaurant-style vibe at home. You could also arrange them on a large platter and invite everyone to dig in family-style, encouraging sharing and a warm, communal eating experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover garlic butter steak bites and cheesy smashed potatoes in airtight containers and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of their flavor or texture, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
While steak bites are best enjoyed fresh to preserve their juicy texture, the smashed potatoes freeze well. After roasting and cooling completely, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen for a comforting side whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil to avoid drying out. For the cheesy smashed potatoes, reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) helps restore their crispy edges and melty cheese better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and flavorful, you can use ribeye or strip steak as long as you cut it into small, bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works perfectly fine and is used in half the quantity of fresh. You can also experiment with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Good news: this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming the cheese and seasonings you use do not contain any additives with gluten.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
You can boil and pre-smash the potatoes earlier in the day, then refrigerate them until ready to roast. Just be sure to add the oil, butter, and seasonings fresh before roasting for the best flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan spread or olive oil, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The steak bites will still be delicious when cooked in garlic-infused oil.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe truly hits all the right notes for comfort food done right: rich, flavorful, and satisfying without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving a decadent dinner at home, this dish promises a joyful, memorable meal. Give it a go and savor every buttery, garlicky, cheesy bite—you won’t regret it!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful recipe features tender garlic butter steak bites paired with crispy, cheesy smashed baby potatoes. The steak bites are seared to perfection in a garlic herb butter sauce, while the smashed potatoes are oven-roasted to golden crispness and topped with cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley and chives, this meal is a comforting, flavorful dinner perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Cheesy Smashed Potatoes
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Smashed Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for roasting the potatoes to a crispy finish.
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook them until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
- Smash the Potatoes: Arrange the cooked potatoes on a greased baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato to smash it flat but keep it in one piece.
- Season and Roast: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and melted butter. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Roasting: Remove the baking sheet and evenly sprinkle the smashed potatoes with shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Return them to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Cook the Steak Bites: While the potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in thyme to infuse flavor into the butter.
- Toss Steak Bites: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss them to coat evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Cook together for another minute to blend flavors, then remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the garlic butter steak bites garnished with chopped parsley alongside the cheesy smashed potatoes topped with chopped chives. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing steak bites; this helps achieve a nice caramelized crust.
- If baby potatoes are not available, small red or Yukon gold potatoes work well.
- Fresh thyme gives the best flavor, but dried thyme is a good substitute.
- Adjust the cheese topping quantity or type based on preference; mozzarella or pepper jack can provide a different twist.
- Let the smashed potatoes cool slightly before garnishing for cleaner presentation.
