
Introduction to Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites
When life gets busy, I crave comfort food that brings warmth to my table, like these Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites. This dish combines the hearty charm of baked potatoes with gourmet steak bites, topped off with a rich parmesan cream sauce. It’s a wonderful centerpiece for family dinners or a casual get-together with friends. As a busy mom myself, I appreciate how easily this recipe comes together, bringing flavor and joy in just over an hour. Let’s dive into this delightful culinary adventure that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites
You’ll adore these Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites for their incredible ease and speed. With just an hour of prep and cooking time, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of tender steak, fluffy potatoes, and creamy parmesan sauce creates a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone at the table. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe doesn’t sacrifice taste, making it a go-to favorite!
Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to cooking these delicious Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites. You’ll need large russet potatoes for a fluffy interior, seasoned with olive oil and sea salt for that perfect skin. Choose your favorite steak cut—NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin—each bringing its unique flavor. Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick, while heavy cream and parmesan cheese create a rich sauce that ties everything together. Don’t forget the garlic, butter, and fresh parsley, which elevate the dish. Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article for your convenience!
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking pan with parchment paper to make cleanup easy. Next, take your scrubbed russet potatoes and rub them down with olive oil. Be generous! Then sprinkle sea salt over them on all sides. Place the potatoes on the prepared pan without piercing the skin. This seals in all that fluffy goodness. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
Season and Sear
While your potatoes are baking, let’s focus on the steak. Start by trimming any excess fat and silver skin from your chosen cut of steak. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 5 cm. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over the steak and generously sprinkle cajun seasoning to enhance the flavor. In a hot cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites for 2 minutes until they’re beautifully browned. Flip them, cook for another minute, then reduce the heat to low for one more minute. This gives you a delicious crust!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
Adding Flavor
Once your steak is seared to perfection, move the bites to one side of the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté this until it’s fragrant and heavenly! Then, toss the steak bites in that glorious garlic butter for an additional minute, coating each piece evenly. Transfer the steak to a bowl and cover it with foil to keep warm while we work on the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Parmesan Cream Sauce
Sauce Perfection
In the same sizzling skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the last tablespoon of garlic until it’s aromatic. Then, gradually whisk in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for 3-5 minutes, allowing those rich flavors to meld. Stir in red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens to perfection. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Off the heat, add fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for that zesty kick.
Step 5: Assemble the Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites
Final Touches
Now it’s time to transform those fluffy baked potatoes into a masterpiece! Lift each potato and gently drop it back onto the baking pan to loosen the interior. Slice them down the center and fluff the insides using a fork. Spread a little of the reserved butter inside for extra richness. Then, evenly divide the steak bites among the potatoes, generously draping the rich parmesan cream sauce over the top. Serve these hot, and watch the smiles light up around the table!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites turn out perfectly, remember these quick tips:
Use a meat thermometer to check if the steak reaches 130°F for medium-rare, ensuring juiciness. If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes for a few minutes before baking to speed up the process. And, don’t rush the sauce; let it simmer gently to achieve that thick, creamy texture. These small tweaks make a big difference!
Equipment Needed
To whip up these Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Oven and baking pan
- Cast iron skillet (or any heavy skillet)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Whisk for the sauce
- Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful!)
No worries if you don’t have a cast iron skillet! A non-stick skillet works just fine.
Variations
Get creative with your Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites! Here are some flavorful adaptations for different tastes and dietary preferences:
- For a vegetarian twist, replace steak with sautéed mushrooms or grilled portobello caps. Their umami flavor adds depth!
- Experiment with different seasonings—try taco seasoning or garlic herb blends to change up the taste.
- For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to your steak seasoning.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, horseradish aioli, or a zesty chimichurri for extra zing.
- Make it a fully loaded meal by adding toppings like crumbled bacon, sour cream, or shredded cheese over the potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for balance. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon enhances the meal’s flavors beautifully. For presentation, sprinkle some extra parsley on top, making each plate look as delightful as it tastes!
FAQs about Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites
Curious about your Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you through the cooking process:
Can I use other cuts of steak? Absolutely! While I love a good ribeye, you can substitute it with NY strip, sirloin, or tenderloin. Just remember, each cut will offer a slightly different flavor and tenderness.
What if I have leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have some steak bites left over, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or a skillet to maintain their deliciousness!
How can I make this dish gluten-free? Great news! This Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites recipe is already gluten-free! Just ensure that your cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any gluten. Most brands are safe, but it’s always good to check the label!
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance? Yes, you can! Bake the potatoes ahead of time, but keep them whole until you’re ready to serve. When you reheat, fluff them up with a fork and proceed with the steak and sauce.
What are some delicious variations for the sauce? If you want to mix things up, try adding some diced jalapeños for spice or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost!
Final Thoughts
The joy of serving Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites is truly unmatched. This dish effortlessly combines rich flavors, comforting textures, and a sprinkle of gourmet flair, making it perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, the ease of preparation ensures you spend more time with loved ones and less in the kitchen. Each bite encapsulates warmth and satisfaction, creating memories around the table. With a recipe this delightful, you’ll impress your family and friends, making every meal a cherished experience that everyone will look forward to enjoying together!
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Loaded Baked Potato Steak Bites
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious combination of baked potatoes and seasoned steak bites, topped with a rich parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and patted dry
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons sea salt
- 900 grams (2 lbs) NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin steak
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning, low sodium preferred
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 8–10 cloves), divided
- 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) heavy cream
- 60 grams (2/3 cup) parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- Juice of 2 lemon wedges
- 0.5–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Rub potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt on all sides. Arrange on the prepared pan without piercing the skin. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes bake, trim excess fat and silver skin from the steak. Cut into 5 cm pieces. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and season generously with cajun seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak bites uncovered for 2 minutes until deeply browned. Flip once, cook 1 minute, reduce heat to low, and cook 1 more minute.
- Move steak to one side of the pan. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant, then toss steak bites to coat evenly in the garlic butter for an additional minute. Transfer steak to a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet with pan drippings, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and sauté final 1 tablespoon garlic until aromatic. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce gently for 3-5 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and parmesan, whisking until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper. Off the heat, stir in parsley and lemon juice.
- Lift and drop each potato onto the pan to loosen the interior. Slice down the center and fluff with a fork, spreading a little of the reserved butter inside. Divide steak bites evenly among potatoes. Top generously with parmesan cream sauce and serve while hot.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Choose steak cuts according to preference; ribeye offers more marbling for juiciness.
- Ensure potatoes are fully baked before slicing for optimal fluffiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg