If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s quick, indulgent, and downright delicious, you’ve just hit the jackpot. I absolutely love this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe because it’s a perfect mix of tender steak, rich buttery garlic, and creamy parmesan sauce poured over dreamy mashed potatoes. When I first tried this, it became an instant favorite for weeknights and special occasions alike — trust me, your family and guests will be asking for seconds (and thirds!). So, stick around, and I’ll walk you through all the little tricks that make this recipe shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick Prep: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
- Bold, Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter and parmesan sauce add layers of richness that make each bite unforgettable.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use your favorite cut of steak, and customize seasonings to suit your taste.
- Family Favorite: My loved ones beg me to make this — it hits all the right notes for comforting and fancy at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe is how well these ingredients come together to build layers of flavor, from the seared steak to the creamy mashed potatoes topped with a luscious parmesan sauce. Shopping tip: pick a good-quality steak you enjoy, and get fresh garlic — it makes a huge difference!
- Steak: Choose filet, ribeye, sirloin, or whatever you prefer; each cut brings a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Avocado oil: I love this because it has a higher smoke point, perfect for searing steak without burning the garlic butter.
- Butter: Essential for that rich, silky garlic butter and parmesan sauce—use salted butter for a well-rounded taste.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds punchy aroma and flavor—don’t skimp here.
- Heavy cream: Creates the creamy base for the parmesan sauce; whole fat gives the best texture.
- Green onions: Both white and green parts add freshness and a mild onion flavor to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds just a subtle heat to balance the richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor in your sauce.
- Russet potatoes: Perfect for creamy mashed potatoes thanks to their starchy texture.
- Half and half: Warmer when added to mashed potatoes for smooth, velvety texture.
- Monterey jack cheese: Or mozzarella or pepper jack—just pick a melty cheese you love.
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano: Create a bold blackened steak seasoning blend that will take your bites next-level.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over the years, I’ve played around with different spice blends and dairy options, so don’t hesitate to personalize it based on what you love or have on hand.
- Spice it up: I sometimes add more cayenne for serious heat, but feel free to dial the red pepper flakes up or down to match your tolerance.
- Dairy swaps: If heavy cream isn’t your thing, half and half works okay in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
- Different cheeses: I’ve tried sharp cheddar or gouda instead of Monterey jack — each adds a fun twist to the mashed potatoes.
- Protein swaps: While steak makes this feel special, I’ve even made it using chicken bites for a lighter version.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Steak and Potatoes
First off, cut your steak into chunky 2-3 inch pieces — I like them sizable so they stay juicy, but feel free to go smaller if you want more bites per person. Rub each piece evenly with avocado oil; this helps with searing and flavor absorption. Then, generously season all sides with the homemade blackened seasoning blend. Letting the steak sit out for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature helps it cook more evenly. Meanwhile, peel and quarter your russet potatoes and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to pull out excess starch—this makes your mash extra creamy without gluey lumps.
Step 2: Boil Potatoes While You Cook Steak
Drain the soaking potatoes and place them in a pot of salted water, boiling until fork-tender — usually around 15 minutes. Pro tip: Boiling the potatoes while cooking steak saves time and keeps everything moving smoothly in your kitchen. When potatoes are ready, drain but keep them hot for mashing later.
Step 3: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add steak pieces in a single layer — you’ll want to work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming instead of searing. Cook the steak undisturbed for about 2 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms, then flip just once. After flipping, cook another minute, then reduce the heat to low and let it finish gently for about another minute. This method locks in juices and builds amazing flavor. Transfer the steak to a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Coating
In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—a delicate garlic aroma really elevates this step, but watch closely because garlic burns fast! Toss the steak bites back in, coating them thoroughly in the garlic butter. Let them cook another minute, stirring occasionally so every piece gets doused. Then, remove steak again and keep it warm while you work on that creamy sauce.
Step 5: Whip Up the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Still using that delicious pan with leftover garlic butter, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but don’t let it brown too much. Slowly whisk in 1.5 cups heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally — you’re looking for a nicely thickened, velvety sauce. Toss in red pepper flakes, green onions, and 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens and turns silky. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed — this sauce really brings everything together.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
While the sauce simmers, go back to your drained potatoes. Add melted butter, warm half and half, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash well until smooth and creamy — no big chunks here! The melted cheese coupled with smoked paprika in your seasoning blend gives these mashed potatoes that irresistible smoky-cheesy depth. Give them a good taste and tweak seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Plate It Up!
Start by plating a generous scoop of cheesy mashed potatoes, then pile the tender garlic butter steak bites on top. Finally, lavish the parmesan cream sauce over everything so it drapes beautifully. This dish feels fancy but comes together in some of the easiest, most comforting ways—trust me, it’s a total winner every time.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook steak in batches for a perfect sear; overcrowding traps moisture and causes steaming.
- Use Warm Half and Half: Adding warm dairy to potatoes keeps them fluffy and avoids cooling the mix, which can cause lumps.
- Watch the Garlic Closely: Garlic burns quickly, so sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness in your sauce.
- Let Steak Rest Briefly: Tent the cooked steak with foil to retain heat and juiciness before tossing in garlic butter.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I add just a hint of freshly grated parmesan on top to amplify the cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling bold, a few twists of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil brings it all home beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich, so I like to keep the sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts are my go-tos. For something cozy, garlic butter sautéed green beans are also fantastic alongside the steak bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes plate the steak bites over a bed of mashed potatoes in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls, topped with the parmesan sauce and a sprig of rosemary. It feels fancy but still homey, and always gets compliments at the table. You can also arrange the steak bites on skewers for easy serving at a casual dinner party or game night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover steak bites, mashed potatoes, and parmesan sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps preserve the texture and flavor. You can keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days without losing too much quality.
Freezing
While I don’t usually freeze this dish because fresh steak tastes best, the mashed potatoes and parmesan sauce freeze well. I recommend freezing them separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the mashed potatoes and parmesan sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Reheat steak bites quickly in a hot skillet just to warm without overcooking. This preserves tenderness and prevents the butter sauce from separating.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different cut of steak for the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible and works great with filet, ribeye, sirloin, or even flank steak. Just remember that thinner cuts may cook faster and require less time in the pan to avoid overcooking.
-
How do I prevent the garlic from burning when making the garlic butter sauce?
Garlic burns quickly at high temperatures and becomes bitter. To avoid this, sauté the garlic over medium or medium-low heat just until you smell the aroma, usually about 30 seconds to a minute, then add liquids like cream promptly to lower the pan temperature.
-
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the creamy parmesan sauce and mashed potatoes rely on dairy, you can substitute coconut cream or cashew cream and use dairy-free butter alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different but still tasty.
-
What’s the best way to get a good sear on the steak bites?
Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak bites and don’t overcrowd your pan. Cook in batches if necessary so each piece gets a nice golden crust. Avoid flipping multiple times; one flip is perfect.
-
Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
You can season and cut the steak ahead of time, and even prep your potatoes in advance. Just keep the steak covered in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before cooking. The sauce and potatoes are best made fresh for optimal creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe has been a game changer in my kitchen — it strikes that perfect balance between indulgent and doable, so I keep coming back to it when I want something special without hours of work. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) this as much as I do. It’s truly one of those meals that feels like a hug on a plate. So go ahead, treat yourself, and don’t forget to share with the ones you love!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a decadent and flavorful dish featuring tender steak pieces seared to perfection and tossed in aromatic garlic butter. Served over creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and smothered in a rich parmesan cream sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and freshness from green onions, this recipe offers a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 lbs steak (filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc.)
- 4-5 tablespoons avocado oil (higher smoke point than olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
- 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 (less if desired)
- 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, shredded (or mozzarella, pepper jack, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the steak into 2-3 inch pieces. Rub them evenly with avocado oil, then season all sides with the blackened seasoning mix made from smoked 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 while you prepare the potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and quarter the russet potatoes. Soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain, then place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and boil until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook Steak Bites: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes until golden brown, then flip once. Cook for another minute, reduce heat to low, and cook for an additional minute for perfect doneness. Remove steak and place in a bowl.
- Make Garlic Butter and Toss Steak: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Sauté the garlic in butter until fragrant, then add the steak back in and toss to coat evenly. Cook for one more minute. Remove steak and place in a bowl, tented with foil to keep warm and moist.
- Make Parmesan Cream Sauce: In the same pan with remaining butter and garlic from the steak, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken for 3-5 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes, diced green onions, and parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until sauce thickens. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish Mashed Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add melted butter, warmed half and half, and mash until smooth but still creamy with some texture. Fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Serve: Plate a generous scoop of the cheesy mashed potatoes, top with garlic butter steak bites, and spoon over the rich parmesan cream sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cajun steak bites tossed in garlic butter and served over cheesy mashed potatoes create a rich and comforting dish perfect for dinner.
- Using avocado oil helps prevent burning due to its higher smoke point compared to olive oil.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Allowing the steak to rest at room temperature before cooking improves even cooking and browning.
- Cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good sear.
- The parmesan cream sauce can be made thicker or thinner by adjusting simmering time or cream quantity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 710 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg