This Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites recipe combines hearty comfort food with gourmet flavors. Fluffy baked potatoes are filled with garlic butter steak bites and smothered in a rich parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elevated holiday dish, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Baked Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and patted dry
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons sea salt
For the Steak Bites:
- 2 pounds steak (NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ⅔ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 2 wedges lemon (juice)
- ½-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Rub potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle all sides with sea salt. Place on the prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Cook the Steak Bites:
- Trim excess fat or silver skin from the steak and cut into 2-inch pieces. Toss steak bites in 2 tablespoons avocado oil and cajun seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Flip steak bites and cook for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 more minute.
- Push steak to one side of the pan, add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then toss the steak bites in the garlic butter. Transfer to a bowl and tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté the remaining garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer for 3–5 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, parsley, and juice of 2 lemon wedges. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Potatoes:
- Drop each baked potato from about 12 inches above the counter to fluff the insides. Slice open and press down to create space for the filling. Add a small pat of butter inside each potato.
- Fill each potato with steak bites, dividing evenly. Drizzle with parmesan cream sauce.
5. Serve:
- Serve warm with additional parsley for garnish if desired.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 810
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 51g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fiber: 4g
This Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is the ultimate comfort food for steak and potato lovers. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home! 🥔🥩✨
The Inspiration Behind Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites
This dish is inspired by the timeless pairing of steak and potatoes, a classic comfort food duo that has been cherished across cultures. Adding gourmet touches such as garlic butter and parmesan cream sauce elevates the dish to a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
The idea of using baked potatoes as a vessel for steak bites and sauce makes this recipe not only delicious but also visually appealing. It’s a modern take on the loaded potato, offering a balance of rich flavors, diverse textures, and hearty ingredients.
Why You’ll Love Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites
This recipe stands out for many reasons, making it a favorite for both home cooks and food enthusiasts:
- Comfort Meets Gourmet: The combination of fluffy potatoes, succulent steak bites, and creamy sauce creates a dish that’s comforting yet elegant.
- Customizable: You can adapt the seasonings, sauces, and toppings to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Versatile: Serve it as a hearty main course for dinner or as a show-stopping side dish for a special occasion.
- One-Pot Simplicity: Using the same skillet for the steak and sauce minimizes cleanup while enhancing the flavors.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is sure to impress family and guests with its presentation and flavor.
The Flavor Profile of Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites
The dish boasts a variety of complementary flavors and textures:
- Tender and Juicy Steak Bites: The steak is seared to perfection, seasoned with cajun spices, and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter for an explosion of savory flavors.
- Fluffy and Crispy Potatoes: The baked potatoes are soft on the inside and perfectly salted on the outside, creating a delightful contrast.
- Rich and Creamy Parmesan Sauce: The sauce adds a luxurious layer of richness with hints of garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes for a balanced finish.
- Herbaceous and Zesty Garnish: Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the dish, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh note.
Each bite is a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and tangy elements.
Perfect Occasions for Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites
This recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings:
- Family Dinners: Make an ordinary dinner feel special with this comforting yet sophisticated meal.
- Holiday Gatherings: Serve this as a stunning centerpiece dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other festive occasions.
- Dinner Parties: Impress your guests with a dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.
- Romantic Dinners: Its indulgent flavors make it perfect for a cozy date night at home.
- Casual Meals: Pair it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal on a busy weeknight.
No matter the occasion, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Perfecting Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites
To achieve the best results with this recipe, consider the following tips:
- Choose the Right Steak: Opt for tender cuts like ribeye, NY strip, or sirloin for the best flavor and texture.
- Season Generously: Ensure the potatoes, steak, and sauce are properly seasoned at every step to maximize flavor.
- Perfect Potato Texture: Bake the potatoes until fully tender, and use the “drop” method to fluff the insides for the perfect texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Sear the steak bites over high heat for a golden crust while keeping the center tender and juicy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon juice enhance the flavors of the dish significantly.
- Keep Warm: Tent the cooked steak with foil to retain heat while preparing the sauce and assembling the dish.
By following these tips, you’ll create a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Customizing Your Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences:
- Protein Alternatives: Swap steak with chicken, shrimp, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different take on the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes and cajun seasoning to control the heat level.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with other cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or asiago for the sauce.
- Extra Toppings: Add crispy bacon bits, chives, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
These variations make the dish adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.
Pairing Suggestions
To complete the meal, pair this dish with complementary sides, beverages, and desserts:
- Sides:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or carrots add freshness and color.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls make excellent accompaniments for soaking up the sauce.
- Beverages:
- A full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, pairs beautifully with the steak and parmesan sauce.
- For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a fruity iced tea.
- Desserts:
- Finish the meal with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or a fresh fruit tart to cleanse the palate.
- For a more indulgent ending, serve chocolate mousse or crème brûlée.
These pairings enhance the overall dining experience.
Health Benefits of Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites
While indulgent, this dish also offers some nutritional value:
- Rich in Protein: The steak provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Source of Vitamins: Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, supporting immune health and digestion.
- Calcium-Rich: The parmesan cream sauce contributes to your daily calcium intake.
- Customizable Nutrition: Adjusting the portion size or substituting ingredients can make the dish lighter or cater to specific dietary needs.
These benefits make it a satisfying and nourishing meal option.
Conclusion
Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites is a decadent yet approachable dish that combines the comfort of a classic baked potato with the luxurious flavors of garlic butter steak and parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its hearty flavors and stunning presentation.