Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Here’s a  recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes — a perfect combo for a hearty and delicious meal.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the steak:

   • Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels (this helps get a good sear).

   • Season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the steak bites:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Add the steak bites in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan).

   • Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.

   • Remove steak from pan and set aside.

3. Make the garlic butter sauce:

   • Reduce heat to medium.

   • Add butter to the skillet.

   • Once melted, add minced garlic and thyme/rosemary if using.

   • Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

4. Combine:

   • Return steak bites to the skillet.

   • Toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.

   • Cook for another minute to meld flavors.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh parsley.

   • Serve immediately alongside smashed potatoes.

Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs small Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional: 2 tbsp sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess

Instructions:

1. Cook the potatoes:

   • Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water.

   • Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).

   • Drain and let them cool slightly.

2. Preheat oven:

   • Heat oven to 450°F (230°C).

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

3. Smash the potatoes:

   • Place potatoes on the baking sheet.

   • Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until it’s flattened but still in one piece.

4. Add toppings:

   • Drizzle olive oil over smashed potatoes.

   • Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper evenly.

   • Bake for 15 minutes until edges start to crisp.

5. Add cheese:

   • Remove from oven.

   • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over potatoes.

   • Optional: add dollops of sour cream or cream cheese on top for extra richness.

6. Finish baking:

   • Bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and potatoes are crispy.

7. Garnish and serve:

   • Sprinkle fresh chives or green onions on top.

   • Serve warm alongside garlic butter steak bites.

Tips:

• For steak, choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best texture.

• Let potatoes cool a bit before smashing to prevent them from breaking apart.

• You can swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.