Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate combination of flavor and texture. The steak bites are seared to perfection, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, and served alongside crispy, golden smashed potatoes smothered in melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The contrast between the tender, juicy steak and the crunchy, cheesy potatoes makes this meal an instant favorite.

Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a steak enthusiast or a potato lover, the bold flavors of garlic butter and cheese will keep you coming back for more. Pair it with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, well-balanced meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheesy Smashed Potatoes:

1 ½ lbs baby potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Directions:

Prepare the potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the boiled potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of a fork or a potato masher, gently smash each potato.
Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the potatoes and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

While the potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the steak bites and season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
Reduce heat to low, add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet, and stir well to coat the steak bites. Cook for an additional minute.

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve the steak bites hot with the cheesy smashed potatoes and garnish with fresh chives.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Origin and Inspiration

This dish is inspired by classic steakhouse flavors, where juicy, tender steak meets buttery garlic goodness. The combination of steak and potatoes is a timeless favorite, but this recipe elevates it with crispy smashed potatoes loaded with melted cheese. It’s a perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, making it an excellent choice for home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Choosing the Right Cut:
- The best steak cuts for this recipe are sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip because they are tender and flavorful.
- Avoid tough cuts like round steak unless marinated beforehand.

Achieving a Perfect Sear:
- Ensure the steak is at room temperature before cooking for even searing.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels before adding it to the skillet. Moisture prevents a good crust.
- Use a cast iron skillet or a heavy pan for best results.
Cooking the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Add the minced garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent burning.
- Let the butter melt slowly on low heat to infuse the flavors.

Making the Crispiest Smashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes just until fork-tender—overcooking will make them too soft to hold their shape.
- Let them steam-dry for a few minutes before smashing to remove excess moisture.
- For an extra crispy finish, broil the potatoes for the last 3–5 minutes of baking.

Flavor Profile

Juicy and Tender: The steak bites are perfectly seared, locking in their natural juices while being coated in rich, garlicky butter.

Savory and Buttery: The garlic butter enhances the umami taste of the steak, making each bite flavorful.
Crispy and Cheesy: The smashed potatoes have a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy center, and the cheddar-Parmesan topping adds a deliciously cheesy finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick and easy – Ready in just 35 minutes!
✔ Family-friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will love.
✔ Restaurant-quality – Perfectly seared steak bites with cheesy, crispy potatoes.
✔ Customizable – Adjust spices, cheese, and toppings to your liking.

Cooking Guide & Techniques

How to Cook the Perfect Steak Bites

Achieving juicy, tender steak requires the right cut, seasoning, and cooking method.

✔ Best Cuts for Steak Bites:

Sirloin – Lean yet flavorful, perfect for quick cooking.

Ribeye – Richly marbled for a more decadent taste.
New York Strip – A firmer cut but still tender when cooked properly.
Tenderloin (Filet Mignon pieces) – Soft, buttery texture for a premium version.

✔ Pro Cooking Tips for Steak Bites:

Let the steak rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even heat distribution.
Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring a perfect sear.

Use a hot cast-iron skillet to create a delicious crust.
Cook quickly! Overcooking makes the steak tough. 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium is best.
After adding garlic butter, remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes take regular boiled potatoes and turn them into crispy, cheesy delights.

✔ How to Get Them Extra Crispy:

Boil until fork-tender but not mushy.

Drain well and let them dry slightly to remove excess moisture.
Use olive oil generously to ensure crispiness.
Smash evenly – If too thin, they might burn; if too thick, they won’t crisp up properly.

Bake at high heat (400°F/200°C) for 15 minutes, then broil for 3-5 minutes for extra crunch.
Cheese choice matters! Cheddar melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a crispy golden crust.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with This Meal

This dish is satisfying on its own, but here are some great side pairings to make it a full meal:
🥗 Fresh Side Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
🥦 Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts pair well.
🍷 Wine Pairing: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec enhances the richness.

Customization & Variations

📌 Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a kick.
📌 Low-Carb Option: Swap smashed potatoes for roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
📌 Herb-Infused Steak: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic butter sauce.
📌 Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, gouda, or gruyère for a unique cheese flavor.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

✔ How to Store Leftovers:

Steak Bites: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Smashed Potatoes: Keep in the fridge for 2 days.

✔ How to Reheat Without Drying Out:

Steak: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a little butter for 2-3 minutes.

Potatoes: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or air-fry for 5 minutes for crispiness.

✔ Can You Freeze This Dish?

Steak bites can be frozen for up to 2 months, but potatoes are best fresh.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cheesy Smashed Potatoes recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors, rich textures, and easy cooking. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this meal is comfort food at its best.

💬 Have you tried this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below! ⬇️