Garlic Butter Steak Bites Potatoes

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes turn a weeknight dinner into something special without any complicated steps. The juicy steak cubes pair perfectly with golden smashed potatoes, all finished off with a shower of melted cheddar and green onions. This meal is rich enough for guests but simple enough for a quick family dinner.

I still remember the first time I served this dish for friends during a game night. The sizzling steak and crispy potato edges had everyone gathering in the kitchen and asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• Strip Steaks: Look for steaks with good marbling which means fat interwoven through the meat for tenderness and rich beefy flavor
• Montreal Steak Seasoning: Choose a blend with cracked pepper and garlic for boldness but you can use your favorite steak rub
• Baby potatoes: Waxy yellow or red varieties hold their shape and offer creamy interiors when smashed
• Olive oil: Extra virgin gives a fruity richness and helps crisp the potatoes
• Salt pepper garlic powder: Classic seasonings for enhancing both steak and potatoes opt for fresh ground pepper if possible
• Butter: Use real unsalted butter for the creamiest finish let it come to room temperature for easy melting
• Minced garlic: Freshly minced brings a punchy aroma you can prep ahead to save time
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar that melts well select block cheese to shred yourself for better flavor
• Chopped green onions: Offer fresh bite and color check for firm stalks and crisp greens

Instructions

Boil the Potatoes:

Place baby potatoes in a large pot covered with water and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes yield easily to a fork which is usually ten to twelve minutes but watch closely since small potatoes cook quickly.

Crisp and Smash the Potatoes:

While the potatoes are hot transfer them onto a heated griddle or large skillet coated with olive oil. With a sturdy spatula gently press each potato to flatten slightly creating more surface area. Drizzle a touch more oil over each and season with salt pepper and garlic powder. Let them cook over medium heat flipping until every surface is golden and crisp. This can take about eight minutes and patience here gives the best texture.

Prepare and Cook the Steak Bites:

Slice the strip steak into bite sized cubes as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate. On the empty side of your griddle add the steak cubes and season generously with Montreal Steak Seasoning. Let the steak sear deeply on one side before stirring so you develop a crust. Cook until your desired doneness which is typically three to four minutes for medium rare but go longer for more well done.

Add Garlic Butter and Finish:

Once the steak is seared and cooked to your liking lower the heat. Add butter and minced garlic directly to the cooked steak allowing the butter to melt and the garlic to become fragrant. Toss well so all the pieces are coated with the savory garlic butter and spoon some over the potatoes.

Top and Serve:

Immediately scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the hot crispy potatoes so it melts into every nook. Sprinkle with a generous handful of chopped green onions. Serve right from the griddle or arrange on a platter for a fun family style meal.

The sharpness of cheddar cheese is my favorite part especially when it melts into the crispy edges of the potatoes. My kids started calling the potatoes crunchy pillows and now everyone asks for extra cheese on top.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on a skillet to revive the crispiness of the potatoes and the tender bite of the steak instead of using the microwave. If you want to freeze this meal let the potatoes and steak cool completely package separately then thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have strip steak try sirloin or even use chicken breast cut into cubes. Sweet potatoes are a fun swap for a hit of natural sweetness and a boost in vitamins. For a dairy free version use plant based butter and skip the cheese or top with your favorite vegan alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty dish with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted vegetables. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings with friends. Serve the steak and potatoes over a bed of sautéed spinach to work extra greens into the meal.

Cultural and Historical Context

Steak and potatoes have long been staples of American comfort food rooted in hearty homestyle cooking. Montreal steak seasoning is a nod to Canadian culinary heritage bringing together garlic coriander and crushed pepper which brightens anything grilled or seared.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add roasted asparagus or green beans on the skillet in spring for a pop of color. In winter dot with small bits of blue cheese for extra richness. Top with juicy cherry tomatoes in late summer when they are at their peak.

Success Stories

I have made this for many family dinners and it always gets rave reviews especially from steak lovers. Even skeptics of potatoes come back for the crispy edges every time. One friend adapted it into a brunch dish by topping with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. The possibilities really are endless.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Cool steak and potatoes separately after cooking. Wrap tightly or store in containers and place in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and crisp back up in a hot pan for a weeknight dinner in minutes.

This easy dinner delivers steakhouse flavors at home and always satisfies. Try it once and you will want it on repeat for quick and memorable meals.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you achieve crispy smashed potatoes?

Boil baby potatoes until fork tender, then smash and cook on a hot griddle with oil. Let them cook undisturbed before flipping for a golden crust.

→ What kind of steak works best for steak bites?

Strip steak is ideal, but ribeye or sirloin also provide juicy, flavorful bites when cut into cubes and seared over medium-high heat.

→ When should the garlic butter be added?

After the steak is cooked to your liking, add butter and minced garlic to the hot pan and stir to coat the beef evenly.

→ Can I prepare this dish with another cheese?

Yes, swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or provolone for a different flavor profile on the crispy smashed potatoes.

→ What’s the best way to serve this meal?

Serve immediately while the steak bites are warm and the potatoes are crisp, finishing with green onions for freshness.