If you are searching for a hearty, utterly delicious dish that feels like a special occasion yet is surprisingly easy to pull together, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Tender, perfectly seared steak bites bathed in a rich garlic butter glaze, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and topped with a luscious parmesan cream sauce will thrill your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to join you at the table. The combination of bold flavors and silky textures makes this recipe a standout for dinner parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so magical is how simple but essential each ingredient is. Every item adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that brings the dish to life from the first bite to the last.
- Steak (your choice of filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc): The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender bites packed with flavor.
- Avocado oil: A high smoke point oil perfect for searing the steak to golden perfection without burning.
- Butter: Divided between cooking and sauce-making, it adds creamy richness and helps develop that irresistible garlic butter flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the steak bites and sauce with a warm, aromatic punch that elevates everything.
- Heavy cream: Creates the smooth, velvety base for the parmesan cream sauce.
- Green onions: Adds freshness and color, brightening up the sauce with mild oniony notes.
- Red pepper flakes: Bring a subtle heat that perfectly balances the richness of the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: The key to that nutty, salty depth in the cream sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
- Russet potatoes: The base for the creamy mashed potatoes that are the perfect vehicle for all that sauce and steak.
- Half and half: Adds extra creaminess to the mashed potatoes while keeping them light.
- Salted butter (for potatoes): Enriches the mash with buttery goodness.
- Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella, pepper jack): Melts into the potatoes for gooey, cheesy comfort.
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, oregano: A custom blackened seasoning mix that gives the steak its bold, smoky, complex flavor kicked up with a hint of heat.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by cutting your steak into 2 to 3-inch pieces. Then, give each piece a generous rub of avocado oil followed by an even coating of the blackened seasoning blend. Let the steak rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes—this little pause helps the meat cook more evenly by taking the chill off.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and quarter the russet potatoes and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to wash away excess starch. This ensures your mashed potatoes will be wonderfully creamy, not gluey. Drain and boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender while you get the steak cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Steak Bites
Heat two to three tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding—which is the secret to getting that gorgeous golden crust. Sear for about two minutes without moving them, flip for one minute, then lower the heat and cook for another minute to reach medium-rare perfection. Remove the steak and set aside in a bowl.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Coating
Add three tablespoons of butter and one tablespoon of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté just until fragrant, letting the garlic gently flavor the butter. Toss the steak back in the pan to coat every bite in this luscious garlic butter, cooking another minute. Then place the steak aside in a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 5: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Using the same skillet and the residual butter and garlic, add two more tablespoons of butter and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken the sauce beautifully. Stir in the red pepper flakes and diced green onions for a touch of heat and freshness, then fold in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is thick and silky. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Finish the Mashed Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes, then add melted butter, the warmed half and half, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy and smooth but not overworked, so you keep that perfect texture. These cheesy mashed potatoes make the ideal bed for your steak and sauce.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
To serve, plate a generous scoop of cheesy mashed potatoes, place the garlic butter steak bites on top, and lavish them all with the parmesan cream sauce. The combination of flavors and textures on each plate will make it hard to resist digging right in.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this rich dish with freshly chopped parsley or extra diced green onions sprinkled on top. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a pinch of paprika adds just the right touch of color and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty and satisfying, but if you want to add something green, a crisp side salad or roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully. The freshness cuts through the richness of the potatoes and sauce, balancing the palate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the steak bites and potatoes family-style on a warm wooden board or in a deep serving dish where everyone can help themselves. For a fancier presentation, use white plates and drizzle the parmesan cream sauce artistically around the edges, adding a sprinkle of herbs for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the steak bites separate from the mashed potatoes and sauce if possible, to preserve the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the mashed potatoes and parmesan cream sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Steak bites don’t freeze as well without losing some tenderness, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Reheating
Reheat the mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore their creaminess. Warm the parmesan cream sauce slowly over low heat, whisking frequently. For the steak, reheat quickly in a hot skillet to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese in the mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese bring delicious variations to the mashed potatoes. Each adds its own twist of flavor and meltiness that complements the steak bites perfectly.
Is avocado oil necessary, or can I use olive oil?
While olive oil can work, avocado oil is preferred because it has a higher smoke point. That means it won’t burn or smoke while searing your steak, giving you a better crust and cleaner flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch more cayenne pepper to the blackened seasoning. The creamy sauce helps balance out the spice, so don’t be afraid to kick it up.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your parmesan and cheese to ensure no additives contain gluten, and you’re good to go.
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
You want tender cuts that sear nicely without becoming tough. Filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin steaks are ideal choices. Each offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile but will shine in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines rustic comfort with gourmet flair. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining friends and family. Dive in and enjoy every flavorful, buttery bite!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce, a deliciously rich and comforting meal perfect for any steak lover. Tender, juicy steak pieces are seared to golden perfection in avocado oil and butter, tossed with fragrant garlic butter, and served over creamy mashed potatoes infused with melted cheese and seasonings. Topped with a luscious parmesan cream sauce studded with scallions and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish elevates steak night with robust flavors and a satisfying creamy bite.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 lbs steak (filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc.)
- 4–5 tablespoons avocado 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
Mash and Additions for Potatoes
- 4 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 cup half and half, warmed
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded (or mozzarella, pepper jack, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- About 1/2 teaspoon pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the steak into 2-3 inch pieces. Rub evenly with avocado oil and season well on all sides with the blackened seasoning mix (paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, and oregano). Let the steak rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to remove chill from the fridge. Meanwhile, peel and quarter the potatoes and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Boil Potatoes: Drain the soaked potatoes, then place them in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes, while you prep and cook the steak.
- Cook Steak: Heat 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces without crowding the pan (cook in batches if needed). Let cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip once. Cook 1 more minute on the other side, reduce heat to low, and cook an additional 1 minute. Remove steak and transfer to a bowl.
- Make Garlic Butter and Toss Steak: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return steak to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter. Cook for another minute to meld the flavors. Remove steak to a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm and moist.
- Prepare Parmesan Cream Sauce: Using the same pan with residual garlic butter, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the rest of the minced garlic. Sauté until garlic is fragrant, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and reduce for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the boiled potatoes thoroughly. Add melted butter, warmed half and half, and mash until smooth and creamy without chunks. Stir in shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and keep warm.
- Finish Sauce and Serve: To the reduced cream sauce, add red pepper flakes and diced green onions, then stir in parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Plate the mashed potatoes, top with steak bites, and generously spoon over the parmesan cream sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use avocado oil due to its high smoke point for better searing.
- Allowing the steak to rest at room temperature before cooking helps achieve an even cook and better crust.
- Cooking steak in batches avoid overcrowding, which helps in proper browning instead of steaming.
- You can substitute monterey jack cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack depending on your preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level in the sauce.
- For creaminess, gently warm half and half before adding to mashed potatoes to prevent cooling the mixture.
- Using freshly grated parmesan will give a better flavor and smoother melt in the sauce.
