If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s bursting with bold flavor and silky richness, you’ve got to try this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender, juicy steak pieces seared to perfection, drenched in buttery garlic, and smothered with a luscious parmesan cream sauce that takes things to a whole new level. Whether it’s a special dinner or a cozy night in, these steak bites paired with creamy mashed potatoes will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping it simple is the key! Each ingredient brings something essential to the party, whether it’s the smoky punch of the blackened seasoning, the richness of butter, or the creamy indulgence of the parmesan sauce. These ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color for this irresistible dish.
- 2 lbs steak filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc: Choose a tender cut for the juiciest steak bites that melt in your mouth.
- 4-5 tablespoons avocado oil: A high smoke point oil ideal for searing so your steak won’t burn and cooks evenly.
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning: A smoky, spicy blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, and oregano – guaranteed to elevate every bite.
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and helps develop that irresistible garlicky crust on the steak.
- 10 cloves garlic, minced and divided: Garlic is the soul of this dish, providing that aromatic punch you crave.
- 1.5 cups heavy cream: The base for the creamy parmesan sauce that’s the perfect steak companion.
- 2 green onions, diced: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a beautiful pop of green.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat; adjust to your spice comfort level.
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated/shredded/shaved: The star of the sauce, delivering savory depth and creaminess.
- 4 lbs russet potatoes: Essential for creamy mashed potatoes to serve alongside the steak bites.
- 1 cup half and half, warmed: Used to make the mashed potatoes silky smooth and rich.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Adds buttery goodness to the mashed potatoes.
- 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully into the potatoes, giving them extra gooey deliciousness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the mashed potatoes with subtle garlic flavor for layering taste.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- About 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste: Balances the seasoning in both steak and potatoes.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by trimming your steak into bite-sized pieces, around 2-3 inches each. Rub them generously with avocado oil and coat evenly in your homemade blackened seasoning. This resting period at room temperature lets the seasoning soak in while you get your potatoes ready—not to mention it helps the steak cook more evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Potatoes
Peel and quarter the russet potatoes, then soak them in cold water for at least 10 minutes to wash away excess starch. This results in fluffy, light mashed potatoes. After draining, boil them in salted water until fork-tender while you move on to cooking the steak bites.
Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil. It’s crucial to avoid overcrowding the pan so the steak pieces get a beautiful golden crust instead of steaming. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another minute. Lower the heat and finish cooking for one more minute to your desired doneness.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter and Finish Steak
Using the same skillet, toss in 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of the minced garlic. Sauté until that irresistible aroma fills your kitchen. Return the steak bites to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter. This step elevates the dish with a rich, fragrant finish before setting the steak aside and tenting it with foil to keep warm.
Step 5: Make Parmesan Cream Sauce
Without cleaning the skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and the remaining minced garlic. Once fragrant, slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the sauce for 3-5 minutes to thicken, building a luscious base for all that parmesan goodness.
Step 6: Prepare Mashed Potatoes
Drain the boiled potatoes and return them to the pot. Add melted butter and warm half and half, then mash until smooth and lump-free. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes you’ll love.
Step 7: Finish Sauce and Serve
To the simmering cream sauce, add red pepper flakes, diced green onions, and parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce thickens to a velvety texture, balancing the heat and freshness perfectly. Serve the steak bites atop a bed of cheesy mashed potatoes, then generously spoon over the hot parmesan cream sauce for a mouthwatering presentation.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional diced green onions adds a burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. A little extra parmesan on top is always a welcome finish, too.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but lighter sides like a crisp green salad or sautéed garlic spinach work wonders to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables with a touch of lemon zest can brighten the plate and add texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the steak bites on individual plates over beautifully swirled mashed potatoes, drizzle the sauce in elegant lines, or even use mini cast iron skillets to keep everything piping hot and give your guests that restaurant-quality experience at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining steak bites and parmesan cream sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain their textures and flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the mashed potatoes and leftover sauce, but steak bites freeze less well due to moisture loss. Wrap the potatoes tightly and freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat steak bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking. Warm the parmesan sauce on low in a saucepan, adding a splash of cream or milk if it thickens too much. Mashed potatoes reheat beautifully in the microwave or stovetop with a little extra butter or cream.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, or even New York strip work wonderfully. Just pick cuts that are tender and have a good amount of marbling for the juiciest bites.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute for the sauce. The parmesan cheese can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How spicy is the homemade blackened seasoning?
The seasoning has a nice kick from cayenne and black pepper, but the heat level is mild to medium. Feel free to reduce or increase the cayenne and red pepper flakes based on your personal spice tolerance.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! You can prep the steak bites and mashed potatoes in advance, then reheat and finish with the sauce just before serving. This makes entertaining much easier and ensures everything is fresh and hot.
What can I substitute for avocado oil?
If you don’t have avocado oil, a neutral high smoke point oil like grapeseed or refined sunflower oil works well. Avoid extra virgin olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can burn during searing.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe is an absolute treasure for any meal that calls for something impressive yet cozy. The melding of crispy, tender steak with the decadence of garlic butter and parmesan cream is just pure joy on a plate. Trust me, once you’ve made it, it’ll become your go-to for when you want to treat yourself or wow family and friends. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce recipe features tender, perfectly seared steak cubes coated in a homemade blackened seasoning and enhanced with a rich garlic butter. Served atop creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and drizzled with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this dish makes a decadent and satisfying meal ideal for dinner or special occasions.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 lbs steak filet (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice)
- 4–5 tablespoons avocado oil (high smoke point oil)
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Garlic Butter and Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 10 cloves garlic, minced and divided
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 green onions, diced (green and white parts)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated/shredded/shaved
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 cup half and half, warmed
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella, pepper jack, etc.), shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- About 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Begin by preparing all ingredients. Cut the steak into 2-3 inch pieces, mince the garlic, dice the green onions, and peel and quarter the potatoes.
- Season the Steak: Rub the steak pieces evenly with avocado oil and generously season all sides with the homemade blackened seasoning (paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano). Let the steak rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off.
- Prepare Potatoes: Soak the peeled and quartered potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain well.
- Boil Potatoes: Transfer the drained potatoes to a pot of salted water. Boil until potatoes are fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Cook Steak Bites: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the steak bites in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until a golden crust forms, then flip and cook for another 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional minute. Remove steak from pan and place in a bowl.
- Make Garlic Butter and Finish Steak: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return steak to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter to coat all sides; cook for 1 more minute. Remove steak, tent with foil to keep warm and moist.
- Make Parmesan Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet with residual butter and garlic, add 2 tablespoons butter and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and bring to a light simmer. Allow sauce to reduce and thicken for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add melted salted butter and warmed half and half, then mash until smooth with no chunks. Stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Finish Sauce and Serve: To the simmering Parmesan cream sauce, add red pepper flakes, diced green onions, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Plate a generous serving of mashed potatoes, top with garlic butter steak bites, and spoon the hot Parmesan cream sauce over the top. Serve immediately for a rich and hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, choose well-marbled steaks like ribeye or sirloin for tenderness and flavor.
- Cooking steak bites in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures a crispy crust.
- Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes to control heat level per your preference.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half and half for a lighter sauce, but texture will be less rich.
- Garlic butter and Parmesan cream sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated.
