Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Craving comfort food that doubles as an elegant dinner party trick? Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are pure weeknight magic—meltingly juicy steak, sizzling in garlicky butter, cozied up next to tender potatoes crisped to golden perfection and crowned with melty cheddar. This dish delivers on all fronts: bold, savory, creamy, and outrageously satisfying. It’s as fun to make as it is to devour, whether you’re serving up a cozy family meal or impressing your friends on Friday night.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Few things in life are as satisfying as seeing a handful of fresh ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Each staple here brings its own character—think juicy steak, fluffy potatoes, and the fragrant magic of garlic and herbs. Every element has a role, from salty bursts to creamy indulgence.

• Sirloin or Ribeye Steak (1 1/2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender bites—the fat is flavor!
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors in both steak and potatoes, so don’t skimp.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth that perks up every bite.
• Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smokiness that makes the steak irresistible.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon for steak, 2 tablespoons for potatoes): Helps sear the steak for that golden crust and crisps up those potato edges beautifully.
• Butter (3 tablespoons): Turns your steak bites luxuriously rich and soaks up all that garlicky goodness.
• Garlic Cloves (4, minced): The heart of the dish—never enough garlic, right?
• Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brightens the savory flavors and adds a splash of color.
• Baby Gold Potatoes (1 1/2 pounds): Their creamy interior and thin skins make them ideal for smashing and roasting.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses every nook of the potatoes with mellow, all-over flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into bubbly pools over your crispy potatoes for that classic comfort food vibe.
• Chopped Fresh Chives (2 tablespoons, optional): For a pop of color and gentle onion-y freshness on top.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by placing your baby gold potatoes in a large pot, covering them with water, and bringing everything to a steady boil. This gentle cooking method makes the potatoes tender all the way through. Test their doneness with a fork—once it slides in easily (about 15 to 20 minutes), they’re ready for their crispy transformation!

Step 2: Smash and Season the Potatoes

After draining, let the potatoes cool just enough to handle. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then get a glass (or potato masher!) and press each potato until flattened. Don’t worry about making them perfect—its those craggy edges that get lovely and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle on salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and they’re ready for the oven.

Step 3: Bake the Smashed Potatoes

Bake the potatoes at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and develop those crisp, irresistible edges. During the last 5 minutes, scatter shredded cheddar generously over the top so it melts into gooey perfection. The result? Crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed potatoes you’ll dream about.

Step 4: Prep and Season the Steak

While the potatoes are roasting, pat your steak cubes dry (this trick gets you that prized sear!) and season them generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. The extra minute spent spreading the spices across every piece is totally worth it—each bite will have a balanced, bold flavor.

Step 5: Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a skillet over medium-high and swirl in olive oil. Arrange steak cubes in a single layer and let them sizzle, undisturbed, for 2–3 minutes per side. This gives you gorgeous browning on the outside while the inside stays perfectly tender. Work in batches if you need to—crowding the skillet steams the meat instead of searing it.

Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter

Drop the heat to medium-low, then add butter and minced garlic right into the pan. Stir and toss to coat every steak bite with that dreamy, fragrant butter. Let the flavors marry for another couple of minutes, tossing occasionally so the garlic gently infuses the meat without burning. Top it all off with fresh parsley just before serving for a final burst of color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Take a moment to appreciate your handiwork, then plate those gorgeous Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes together. Sprinkle the potatoes with fresh chives if you like—it’s a tiny step that adds big flavor and makes everything pop!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Bring the restaurant touch home by showering your dish with fresh herbs just before serving. Parsley on the steak and chives or even a light sprinkle of scallions on the potatoes add a welcome pop of green and a splash of freshness. If you love an extra kick, a dusting of smoked paprika or even a squeeze of lemon over the steak just before eating brightens everything right up.

Side Dishes

While Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are a feast all on their own, they’re also perfectly adaptable. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or simple sautéed green beans for a splash of color and crunch. Crusty bread is always a hit for mopping up any buttery juices left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive and serve these as party bites! Plate the steak on little skewers or toothpicks for easy grabbing, and serve the cheesy potatoes in mini ramekins for a fun spin at gatherings. For family dinners, present everything on one big platter—the vibrant colors and rich aromas turn the table into a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days, so you can look forward to quick and delicious lunches or dinners all week.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, freeze the steak bites and potatoes separately. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to freezer bags. The steak bites freeze well in airtight containers. This way, you can grab individual portions as needed—they’ll stay tasty for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring back the magic, reheat the steak gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or extra butter to keep them juicy. Smashed potatoes crisp up best in a 400°F oven for about 10–15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, just know the potatoes may lose some crispiness but will still be packed with flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are favorites for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use strip steak or tenderloin. Just keep in mind, leaner cuts may not be as juicy but will still turn out delicious if not overcooked.

What’s the best way to smash the potatoes?

A sturdy drinking glass works wonders for smashing potatoes—just press gently and evenly. If you want more crispy edges, flatten them a bit thinner. Potato mashers and even measuring cups will do the trick too!

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Roasted bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli make colorful, nutritious additions either mixed in or served on the side. Feel free to toss in your favorites for a personal twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free, as long as your cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Always double-check packaging to be safe if cooking for someone with celiac or a gluten sensitivity.

Do I need to peel the baby potatoes?

No need! Baby gold potatoes have thin, delicate skins that taste great and crisp up beautifully in the oven. Plus, the skins add extra nutrients and keep cleanup easy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a meal that satisfies every craving and feels a little extraordinary, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes are the way to go. The flavors, textures, and ease make it a go-to favorite for both busy nights and special occasions. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it on repeat!

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