If you are craving something rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is absolutely what you need. This dish takes succulent, tender steak bites seasoned to perfection and tosses them in a luscious garlic butter that clings beautifully to every piece. Then, the crowning glory is that heavenly parmesan cream sauce, silky and indulgent, draped over a bed of velvety cheesy mashed potatoes. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavors that’s both familiar and a total game changer—perfect for a weeknight treat or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet powerful ingredients is the key to making this dish shine. Every item plays a vital role, from the juicy, high-quality steak that forms the star of the plate, to the creamy, cheesy components that create incredible textures and flavors in the sauce and potatoes.
- 2 lbs steak (filet, ribeye, sirloin, etc.): Choose your favorite cut for tender, flavorful bites.
- 4-5 tablespoons avocado oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking thanks to its high smoke point, ensuring a perfect sear.
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds richness and depth to both the steak and the sauce.
- 10 cloves garlic, minced (divided): Brings aromatic warmth and irresistible flavor to every component.
- 1.5 cups heavy cream: Essential for creating that creamy, luscious parmesan sauce.
- 2 green onions, diced: Adds a fresh bite and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded: Delivers nutty, salty goodness in the sauce.
- 4 lbs russet potatoes: The perfect base for fluffy, comforting mashed potatoes.
- 1 cup half and half, warmed: Smoothens the mashed potatoes for that silky mouthfeel.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted: Enriches the mashed potatoes with classic buttery flavor.
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, etc.): Melts beautifully into the potatoes for extra cheesiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the potatoes.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt and about 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Balances and enhances all flavors.
- Homemade blackened seasoning (smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano): A bold, smoky blend that seasons the steak with layers of flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by cutting your steak into generous 2-3 inch pieces. The size helps retain juiciness while giving you those satisfying bites. Rub the pieces evenly with avocado oil—this helps the seasoning stick and also ensures an amazing sear. Generously coat each side with the homemade blackened seasoning to give those smoky, spicy layers flavor depth. Letting the steak sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes takes the chill off and helps it cook evenly. Meanwhile, peel and quarter your potatoes, soaking them in cold water to wash away excess starch, which keeps your mashed potatoes fluffy and smooth.
Step 2: Cook Steak and Potatoes
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of avocado oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat, making sure the pan is hot before adding steak pieces. Cook your steak bites undisturbed for about two minutes to develop a gorgeous golden crust, then flip and cook for another minute on the other side. Lower the heat and allow the steak a quick finish to stay tender—this technique locks in juicy flavor while creating that perfect sear. Transfer the cooked steak to a bowl and keep warm under foil. In the same pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and sauté 1 tablespoon of minced garlic until fragrant, tossing the steak bites back into the garlic butter for an intense flavor boost that will leave you wanting more. While this is happening, boil your potatoes in salted water until fork-tender; this preps them perfectly for mashing.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce & Finish Potatoes
Using the same pan to harness all those flavorful browned bits, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter with the remaining garlic and sauté until you can smell the garlicky goodness. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, bringing it gently to a simmer and letting it reduce slightly to thicken for 3-5 minutes. Throw in the red pepper flakes and green onions for a pop of heat and freshness. Add parmesan cheese last, whisking continuously until the sauce is perfectly thickened and decadently creamy. Drain your potatoes, then mash them with warm half and half, melted butter, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they reach the smooth, cheesy perfection you crave. Finally, plate the steak bites over the cheesy mashed potatoes and generously spoon the luscious parmesan cream sauce over everything for that memorable finishing touch.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra diced green onions on top. These garnishes add a beautiful splash of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce and steak. A little extra cracked black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika can also give that restaurant-quality finish.
Side Dishes
This meal is a stand-alone delight but for an extra layer of texture and nutrition, a crisp green salad with lightly dressed arugula or a simple roasted vegetable medley pairs wonderfully. You could also serve with steamed asparagus or sautéed mushrooms to complement the hearty steak bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe in a cast iron skillet right at the table—this keeps the dish warm and looks impressively rustic. Alternatively, spoon the steak and sauce over individual ramekins filled with the mashed potatoes for a personalized touch that’s perfect for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the steak bites, mashed potatoes, and parmesan cream sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their textures and prevents the potatoes from absorbing too much sauce.
Freezing
The mashed potatoes freeze well if placed in a freezer-safe container, making for a handy side later. Steak bites and the cream sauce are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen cautiously; just be aware the sauce might separate slightly on thawing and may need to be gently reheated while whisking.
Reheating
Warm the steak bites gently in a skillet to avoid drying them out, and reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Reheat the parmesan sauce slowly over low heat, whisking to bring it back to a smooth consistency before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye, sirloin, filet, or even New York strip are excellent options. Just aim for a tender cut that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream for the parmesan cream sauce, though the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes and cayenne in the seasoning?
The heat level is moderate and can easily be adjusted by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can season and cut the steak bites in advance and prepare the blackened seasoning mix ahead. Mashed potatoes can be prepared earlier but are best fresh for optimal creaminess.
What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?
If mashed potatoes aren’t your thing, creamy polenta, garlic butter noodles, or roasted cauliflower mash are fantastic alternatives that pair beautifully with the steak bites and parmesan cream sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients made extraordinary through technique and love. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet easy enough to whip up any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect harmony of garlic, butter, cheese, and steak delivering a meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Savor the rich and flavorful Garlic Butter Steak Bites served over creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and topped with a luscious parmesan cream sauce. This dish combines tender, perfectly seared steak chunks tossed in aromatic garlic butter with a decadent, smooth sauce made from heavy cream and parmesan, enhanced by a subtle kick of red pepper flakes and fresh green onions. Ideal for a comforting yet elegant dinner, this recipe brings together bold Cajun-inspired seasoning and classic comfort food elements.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 2 lbs steak filet (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice), cut into 2-3″ pieces
- 4–5 tablespoons avocado oil
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons smoked 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
Parmesan Cream 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
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup half and half, warmed
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella, pepper jack, shredded)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the steak into 2-3 inch pieces. Rub the steak evenly with avocado oil and season thoroughly with the homemade blackened seasoning on all sides. Let the steak rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to remove chill from the fridge while you prepare the potatoes.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and quarter the russet potatoes. Place them in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain, then transfer potatoes to a pot of salted water and boil until fork tender.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until golden brown, then flip once and cook for 1 more minute. Reduce heat to low and cook an additional minute. Remove steak and place in a bowl.
- Make Garlic Butter Coating: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic, sauté until fragrant. Toss the steak pieces in this garlic butter mixture thoroughly and cook for another minute, ensuring all pieces are coated. Remove steak and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Make Parmesan Cream Sauce: Using the same pan with remaining butter and garlic flavor, add 2 more tablespoons butter and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Drain and Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add melted butter and warm half-and-half. Mash until smooth and no lumps remain. Stir in the cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Finish Sauce and Serve: Add red pepper flakes and diced green onions to the cream sauce. Whisk in parmesan cheese until sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Plate the cheesy mashed potatoes, top with garlic butter steak bites, and generously spoon the parmesan cream sauce over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use avocado oil for searing steak due to its high smoke point to avoid burning.
- Resting steak at room temperature before cooking helps achieve even cooking and better sear.
- Boiling the potatoes in salted water ensures proper seasoning throughout.
- Tossing the steak in garlic butter at the end enhances flavor and juiciness.
- Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level for your preference.
- You can substitute steak cuts based on availability but choose tender cuts for best results.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor in the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
