If you’re craving a dish that combines juicy, tender steak with irresistibly crispy and cheesy potatoes, then this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The steak bites are perfectly seared and drenched in rich garlic butter, while the smashed potatoes offer a deliciously crunchy outside with a melty cheese center. Together, they create a cozy, flavorful meal that feels both comforting and a bit indulgent. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to turn any meal into a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a critical role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so memorable. From the tender sirloin to the herbs and cheeses, every item is essential to achieving that perfect balance.
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces: Choose a good-quality cut for juicy, tender bites that sear beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve the perfect sear on the steak and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for that rich, garlicky sauce that coats the steak bites.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Packs intense flavor and aroma into the butter sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish, including the steak and potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle heat and complexity to the seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone that elevates the steak.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried): Herbaceous touch that pairs wonderfully with beef and garlic.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Provides a fresh, bright contrast on top of the steak bites.
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes: Small and tender, perfect for smashing and roasting to crispy, golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Ensures a crispy crust forms on the smashed potatoes during roasting.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to the potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes inside and out.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle bite to balance the creaminess of the cheese.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Layers in a gentle garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic on the steak.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal note to round out the potato seasoning.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the potatoes to create tasty gooey pockets.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and a slightly nutty flavor to the cheese blend.
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (for garnish): Bright green garnish with a mild onion flavor to finish the potatoes beautifully.
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) — this high heat is key for getting those crispy edges on your smashed potatoes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; the salt seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Add the baby potatoes and cook until they are just fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t overcook, or they will get mushy and be harder to smash properly later on.
Step 2: Smash and Season the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes well and place them on a greased baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it’s flattened but still intact. This creates lots of surface area that will crisp up in the oven. Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Each of these seasoning elements adds dimension and ensures every bite is flavorful.
Step 3: Roast and Add Cheese
Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This step crisps the outsides wonderfully while keeping the insides creamy. After 20 minutes, remove the potatoes briefly from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly, golden perfection.
Step 4: 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 — this helps them sear nicely with a beautiful crust. Cook each batch for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy inside. Transfer the steak bites to a plate and set aside, keeping that delicious sear intact.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not brown — you want that mellow, aromatic flavor without bitterness. Stir in fresh thyme or dried if that’s what you have. This herbal, buttery sauce is what takes the steak bites from great to absolutely incredible.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce, making sure every piece is well coated. Cook for another minute to let all the flavors meld together before removing from heat. This final step ensures each bite bursts with garlic butter goodness.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Plate the garlicky steak bites and the cheesy smashed potatoes side by side. Garnish the steak with the chopped parsley for a pop of fresh color and the smashed potatoes with chopped chives, adding a mild onion note and vibrant green contrast. Serve hot, and get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and chives aren’t just pretty — they elevate the dish’s flavors and add a brightness that balances the richness of the butter, steak, and cheese. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of smoked paprika on top for a subtle smoky hint that ties the meal together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe is hearty on its own, a crisp side salad with a simple vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest complements the garlic butter steak bites with cheesy smashed potatoes recipe wonderfully. The contrast of crunchy greens helps cut through the richness and keeps the meal feeling balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve the steak bites on a wooden board with the smashed potatoes in small ramekins, allowing guests to create their own plates. Drizzle a little additional garlic butter over the top for extra indulgence. Another idea is to skewer the steak bites and serve alongside a mound of cheesy potatoes, making it easy finger food for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your delightful meal, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The steak and potatoes keep well for up to 3 days, keeping their flavor intact. To maintain the best texture, try to reheat the steak and potatoes separately.
Freezing
This recipe freezes okay but is best enjoyed fresh. If you’d like to freeze, place cooked steak bites and smashed potatoes in separate airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to help retain moisture and texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat steak bites gently in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of butter to bring back their juicy flavor without overcooking. The smashed potatoes reheat beautifully in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispy edges and melty cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is juicy and flavorful, other tender cuts like ribeye or tenderloin work beautifully for steak bites. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness and fat content.
What if I don’t have baby potatoes? Can I use regular potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but choose smaller ones or chop larger potatoes into chunks that will cook through evenly and smash easily. Yukon gold or red potatoes are great alternatives.
How do I ensure the steak bites stay tender and not tough?
The key is to sear the steak quickly over high heat without overcrowding the pan. This creates a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. Also, cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces means they cook rapidly, preventing toughness.
Can I make the smashed potatoes dairy-free or vegan?
Definitely! Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute, and choose a dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether. The potatoes will still be crispy and delicious with the right seasoning.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried thyme works well here. Use about half the amount of fresh herbs when substituting dried, since dried herbs are more concentrated. The option depends on what’s available, but fresh adds a brighter flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe has quickly become a personal favorite whenever I want something both comforting and exciting. It balances indulgence with simplicity and transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy all those garlic-buttery, cheesy, crispy bites that make every meal feel like a celebration. Happy cooking!
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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 Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes recipe offers a mouthwatering combination of tender, seared sirloin steak bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with crispy, oven-roasted smashed baby potatoes topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly.
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 the oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the potatoes roast nicely for a crispy texture.
- Boil Potatoes: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot, then add the baby potatoes. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Smash Potatoes: Place the boiled potatoes on a greased baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down to flatten each potato to about half their original size.
- Season Potatoes: Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano for flavor.
- Roast Potatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove and sprinkle with shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese has melted and edges are golden.
- Cook Steak Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in batches, searing each side for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Remove and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in fresh or dried thyme to infuse the sauce with herby aroma.
- Toss Steak in Sauce: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter. Cook for another minute to heat through and absorb flavors.
- Final Touches: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the steak bites with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Plate the garlic butter steak bites alongside the cheesy smashed potatoes garnished with chopped chives. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs when possible for more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak bites to ensure a good crust.
- Baby potatoes can be substituted with fingerling or new potatoes if unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning of potatoes and steak to your taste preference.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure all seasonings and ingredients used are gluten-free certified.
