If you’re looking to wow your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share your dinner table, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, savory steak bites soaked in rich garlic butter alongside crispy, cheesy smashed potatoes that have this unbeatable golden crust. The combo hits every craving corner—from the juicy meat to the indulgent potatoes, all bursting with fresh herbs and sharp cheeses. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly turn into a favorite for cozy nights or special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each plays a starring role in building the incomparable flavors and textures of this dish. From the hearty sirloin steak to the fresh herbs and cheesy mountain on the potatoes, every item adds something vital to the experience.
- Sirloin steak (1 ½ lbs): Choose a good quality cut, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect searing and juiciness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve a crispy sear on steak and golden edges on potatoes.
- Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons total): Adds creamy richness, essential to the garlic butter sauce and the roasted potatoes.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the steak with its unmistakable aromatic kick.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop.
- Black pepper (¾ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth to both steak and potatoes.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a gentle smokiness that elevates the steak bites.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon) or dried (½ teaspoon): Offers an herby freshness that brightens the dish.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon): A vibrant garnish that adds freshness and color to the steak bites.
- Baby potatoes (1 ½ lbs): Ideal for smashing, roasting, and getting that golden-crispy texture.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the potato seasoning with subtle garlic flavor.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note to the potatoes.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully for that gooey, sharp topping on the smashed potatoes.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup grated): Adds a savory, nutty finish that crisps under the oven’s heat.
- Chopped chives (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled atop the potatoes, they bring a mild oniony freshness to cut through the richness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Smashed Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until they’re tender and easy to pierce with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes. Once drained, place them on a greased baking sheet and lovingly smash each potato using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher. This smashing is what creates the crispy edges you’re after. Drizzle them generously with olive oil and melted butter, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Roast these beauties for 20 minutes to get that gorgeous golden texture before scattering on the cheddar and Parmesan. Return the potatoes to the oven and let the cheese melt and bubble for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites
While your potatoes are roasting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites carefully in batches to avoid overcrowding, and sear each piece for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want that perfect caramelized crust that locks in all the steak’s juices. Once browned, set them aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet, adding the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in fresh thyme for that herby brightness. Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss everything together to coat each piece with the luscious garlic butter. Cook for one more minute to marry the flavors perfectly, then take the skillet off the heat.
Step 3: Assemble and Garnish
All that’s left is to bring together your steak bites and cheesy smashed potatoes on warm plates. Finish the steak with chopped parsley for a pop of fresh color and sprinkle the potatoes with chopped chives. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and full of irresistible aroma.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh chopped parsley on the steak bites and chives atop the potatoes aren’t just pretty additions; they add a tiny burst of brightness and lift the richness of each bite. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dusting of smoked paprika can be divine garnishes as well.
Side Dishes
This hearty duo shines on its own, but if you want some extra veggies, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus pairs incredibly well. Something light and fresh will balance out the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak bites skewered with toothpicks for a party-style appetizer. You can also layer the smashed potatoes and steak bites in a shallow casserole dish and sprinkle all the cheese and herbs on top before warming everything through for a family-style platter everyone can dig into. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe is wonderfully versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. The potatoes might lose a bit of their crispness, but the flavors remain spot on.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the steak bites and potatoes in separate containers or freezer bags to maintain texture. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium heat to warm through without drying out. For the smashed potatoes, pop them under a broiler or in a hot oven to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is great for its balance of tenderness and flavor, you can use ribeye, strip steak, or even tenderloin pieces. Just make sure to cut them evenly for consistent cooking.
What type of potatoes work best for smashing?
Baby or new potatoes are ideal because they become tender relatively quickly and hold their shape well when smashed. Yukon Golds also work wonderfully for a creamier texture.
Can I make the garlic butter steak bites and potatoes gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it focuses on whole ingredients like steak, potatoes, and seasonings without any gluten-containing additives.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and swap the cheeses for dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavors will still be deliciously satisfying.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is mild in spice, with just a gentle warmth from black pepper and smoked paprika. You can always add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you prefer more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a surefire way to bring comfort and indulgence to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It hits that perfect mix of rich, tender, crispy, and cheesy in every bite—exactly what you want when craving ultimate satisfaction from your meal. I can’t recommend this recipe enough for anyone who loves steak and potatoes done right. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes recipe brings together tender, juicy sirloin steak bites cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with crispy, cheesy smashed baby potatoes. It’s a delicious, comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress for any meal.
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)
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.
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot, then add the baby potatoes and cook them until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Smash the Potatoes: Place the cooked potatoes on a greased baking sheet and gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to flatten slightly.
- Season the Potatoes: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano to infuse flavor.
- Roast the Potatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the potatoes and continue roasting for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cook the Steak Bites: While the potatoes roast, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned. Remove and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the fresh thyme to release its aroma.
- Toss Steak in Sauce: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and toss thoroughly to coat. Cook for another minute to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Garnish the steak bites with chopped parsley and the cheesy smashed potatoes with chopped chives. Serve everything hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme if preferred; just use half the amount.
- To ensure even cooking, try to keep the potatoes roughly the same size.
- For extra crispiness, broil the smashed potatoes for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
- Let the steak rest briefly after cooking to retain juices if time allows.
- If desired, substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for different flavors.
