Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dinner that’s quick enough for a hectic weeknight but indulgent enough for a special gathering, look no further than Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes. This irresistible combo brings together juicy, garlic-infused bites of steak and potatoes that are perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender within. Every component is thoughtfully seasoned and topped off with a shower of melty cheddar and bright green onions, making each bite both comforting and crave-worthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes is how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to deliver major flavor and texture. Every item plays a starring role—nothing here is filler—so quality and those small details really count.

• Strip Steaks: These are the juicy, beefy foundation of your steak bites, so look for well-marbled cuts for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Montreal Steak Seasoning: This bold seasoning blend packs robust, punchy flavors into each cube of steak in one easy step.
• Baby Potatoes (24 oz): Small potatoes work best for smashing and crisping; they get deliciously crunchy edges and hold their shape.
• Olive Oil: A few glugs of olive oil help those potatoes sizzle to golden perfection and keep everything from sticking.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Simple seasoning that wakes up the flavors in both the steak and potatoes—don’t skip the garlic powder for an extra aromatic boost!
• Butter (2 tbsp): Butter is the key to that luscious, silky garlic sauce that coats the steak bites at the end.
• Minced Garlic (1 tbsp): Real garlic brings big flavor to the buttery steak—bottled is fine, fresh is even better.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts over and around the potatoes, adding a savory, cheesy layer that’s pure comfort.
• Chopped Green Onions: A bright, fresh finish that adds pop and crunch atop all that richness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil and Smash the Potatoes

Start by boiling the baby potatoes in a pot of salted water until they’re just fork tender—usually about 12 to 15 minutes. You want them soft enough to smash but not falling apart. Next, heat your griddle or a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle on some olive oil. Add the boiled potatoes, spacing them out, and use a sturdy spatula (or even a glass) to press and gently flatten each potato. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The smashing increases the surface area so you get more of those incredible crispy bits.

Step 2: Crisp the Smashed Potatoes

Let those smashed potatoes sizzle away, flipping occasionally, until they’re beautifully golden brown and crisp on all sides. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes, but don’t rush—patience will reward you with potatoes that have that contrast of crunchy edges and creamy middles. If the pan looks a little dry, add another splash of olive oil to keep things moving.

Step 3: Prep the Steak Bites

While the potatoes are crisping, cut your strip steaks into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch each. Move the potatoes to one side of the griddle if space is tight. Drop the steak cubes onto the hot griddle and sprinkle them generously with Montreal steak seasoning. Searing the steak in a single layer ensures delicious caramelized sides and juicy centers.

Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter

Once your steak bites are cooked to your preferred doneness (medium rare only takes a few minutes!), turn off the heat. Now comes the magic: add the butter and minced garlic straight onto the steak. The residual heat melts the butter and blooms the garlic, making an aromatic sauce that coats every morsel. Give everything a quick toss for even coverage, letting that rich garlic butter seep into every nook.

Step 5: Cheese and Finish

To complete the Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes, sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar over the piping hot potatoes, allowing it to melt and cascade into all those crevices. Scatter freshly chopped green onions on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the irresistible contrast of melty, crispy, beefy, buttery goodness in every bite.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference! Shower your platter with extra green onions just before serving, or try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. For a fancy touch, add a quick grind of cracked black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the steak bites and potatoes. Want something zingy? Finish with a few dashes of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Side Dishes

While Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes are truly a meal on their own, they shine when served with something fresh and bright. Consider a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, some blistered green beans, or simple roasted carrots. If you want something extra, warm dinner rolls or a hunk of crusty bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover garlic butter.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is fantastic as a family-style spread—just pile everything onto a big platter right off the griddle for maximum appeal. Hosting a party? Spear the steak bites and crispy potatoes with cocktail picks and serve as hearty appetizers. You can even load everything into small cast iron skillets for an individual, restaurant-style experience. However you plate it, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes deliver big on comfort and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), let everything cool completely before storing. Place the steak bites and potatoes in separate airtight containers, as potatoes tend to soften and can pick up extra moisture from the steak. Both will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping those flavors wonderfully intact.

Freezing

The steak bites freeze quite nicely—simply spread them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. For best results, store the smashed potatoes separately, though keep in mind their texture will soften upon thawing. If you’re prepping ahead for a party, make the potatoes fresh for the best crisp factor.

Reheating

To revive that glorious crispy texture, reheat the potatoes and steak bites in a hot oven or a skillet with a touch of oil until warmed through. Skip the microwave if possible, as it tends to make potatoes soggy and steak rubbery. If you must, use short bursts and cover loosely to retain some moisture, then finish in a hot pan to restore that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! While strip steak is flavorful and tender, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even tenderloin for this recipe. Just be sure to cut the steak into uniform cubes for even cooking and watch the cook time, as leaner cuts may need a little less time on the heat.

Do I have to use a griddle, or can I make this in a skillet?

No griddle? No problem! A large cast iron or nonstick skillet works great for making Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your pan to get everything crispy and evenly seared.

What kind of potatoes work best for smashing?

Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold together nicely and have a creamy interior, but any small, thin-skinned potato will do. Avoid large, starchy varieties like russets, as they can fall apart and won’t crisp as well.

Is it okay to skip the cheese or use something else?

Definitely! The cheddar adds gooey, cheesy goodness, but you can leave it out or swap in another melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a sprinkle of parmesan. Or, try blue cheese crumbles for a bolder twist that pairs wonderfully with steak.

Can I prepare any elements ahead of time?

Sure! You can boil and smash the potatoes up to a day in advance; just refrigerate until you’re ready to crisp them up on the griddle. Steak cubes can also be cut and seasoned ahead, but wait to cook everything fresh for the best texture and flavor in your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Crispy Smashed Potatoes are—this is one of those rare dishes that brings people together and fills the table with happy sounds and empty plates. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your house!

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